A final report is scheduled for next spring
Canada’s food supply chain from harvest to store shelf will be under the Competition Bureau’s microscope for the next year.
The bureau announced its investigation on June 16 with a final report scheduled for release next spring.
“Food prices have risen sharply in recent years, putting significant pressure on Canadian households,” the Competition Bureau says. “While many factors influence food prices, competition plays an important role in keeping prices in check and giving Canadians more choice.”
This examination of Canada’s food supply chain will build on the findings of a June 2023 Competition Bureau report.
That report explicitly indicates “more competition is a key part of the answer” when it comes to making groceries more affordable.
In addition, the federal government’s recently announced National Food Security Strategy sets aside $1 billion to spur grocery store competition.
And five large retailers control about 75 per cent of Canada’s grocery market, AAFC says.
Canadians are spending more on groceries.
Canada’s Food Price Report from Dalhousie University, for example, forecasted the average family of four to spend $16,833.67 on groceries in 2025, up more than $800 from 2024.
The 2020 version of the report forecasted an average Canadian household would spend $12,667 on groceries that year. That represented an increase of $487 from 2019.
The Competition Bureau plans to look at Canada’s food supply chain through three lenses.
They are production and processing, transportation and distribution, and retail pricing practices including loyalty programs and shrinkflation.
Canadians are encouraged to participate in this process.
The public can provide input until July 31.
“From your perspective, what business practices make it harder for a business to compete in the processing and production sectors of the food supply chain?” one question asks.
“From your perspective, which regulatory requirements—such as licensing, health and safety rules, municipal zoning, or interprovincial barriers—limit entry or increase compliance costs in food production and processing?” reads another.
The Competition Bureau will also meet with industry stakeholders to discuss competition and areas of improvement.
Farms.com has contacted the Canadian Federation of Agriculture on if it will participate in this process.