Some Canadians will be paying more for food in 2025.
That according to the 15th edition of Canada’s Food Price Report, a collaborative effort by Dalhousie University, the University of Guelph, the University of Saskatchewan, and the University of British Columbia.
This annual report provides critical insights into food price trends and their drivers, offering Canadians an essential guide to navigating the evolving food landscape.
Food prices are projected to rise by 3% to 5% in 2025. The highest increases are anticipated in the meat category, forecasted at 4% to 6%.
A typical family of four is estimated to spend $16,833.67 on food in 2025, representing an increase of $801.56 compared to 2024.
Food price increases will vary by province, with Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador expected to see above-average growth, while Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario anticipate below-average changes.
Climate events, labour disputes, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical factors, including the potential implications of Donald Trump’s re-election, are likely to impact food prices.
This year’s report integrates cutting-edge predictive analytics, including transformer-based models such as TimeGPT and Chronos, to refine its price projections. Combining advanced AI with expert insights underscores the report’s commitment to delivering accurate and actionable forecasts.
The report highlights shifting consumer habits due to rising costs. Strategies such as seeking discounts, switching to cheaper brands, and reducing non-essential purchases have become widespread. Alarmingly, food insecurity in Canada has reached unprecedented levels, with over 22.9% of households affected.
The report also underscores the critical challenges faced by Canada’s northern communities, where food prices remain significantly higher than the national average. Enhanced data collection and support for traditional Indigenous food systems are urgently needed to address these disparities.
“This report represents a collective effort to equip Canadians with the knowledge needed to navigate their food choices and expenditures,” said Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Project Lead from Dalhousie University. “By combining expertise across institutions and leveraging innovative methodologies, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the factors shaping our food system.”
Source : Pembinavalley online