The FPSC Consumer Survey: Palates and Pockets Revisited explores how Canadians’ grocery habits and perceptions have evolved amid continued food inflation, highlighting consumer attitudes toward pricing, health, and the role of temporary foreign workers in the food system.
Conducted in November 2024, this second FPSC consumer survey builds on the original 2023 study to assess how Canadians’ grocery shopping habits, health considerations, and views on food inflation and labour have changed. Despite easing national inflation, 63% of Canadians still perceive grocery prices as having increased “a lot”, and many continue to blame food retailers and processors for profiteering. The survey also explores consumer awareness of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the perceived necessity of foreign labour in the food industry. It offers valuable insights for food and beverage processors seeking to understand the evolving consumer mindset and the broader implications for the labour market.
Despite easing inflation, 63% of Canadians still feel grocery prices have increased "a lot", and only 14% believe food inflation is slowing down.
Most Canadians blame profiteering in the supply chain for high food prices, with retailers (58%) and governments (26%) being seen as the primary culprits.
Awareness of the TFWP is high (68%), and 54% of Canadians view it as necessary, despite growing media and political scrutiny.
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