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Price increases drive shifts in consumer spending

The fourth annual national agri-food public opinion poll by Grassroots Public Affairs finds that price increases are driving shifts in consumer habits and attitudes.

With support from Food Banks Canada, Grassroots’ online survey measured attitudes, direction, and intensity of public opinion on a range of issues around Canada’s domestic Agri-Food sector.

While Canadians remain extremely confident (92%) in food grown or produced at home, the poll found that:

• 71% of Canadians are opting for discounted or lower-cost items, up by a third since 2020
• More than 8 in 10 (84%) see hunger and food insecurity in Canada as a serious problem, a 25% increase since 2021
• Half the country (51%) observe that animal proteins are “significantly” more expensive this year, and yet red meat consumption is slowly on the rise, a 2% increase since 2021

“So much has changed over the past 2 years, including supply chain viability, and increasing food prices, but one thing remains the same – Canadians still believe strongly in the potential of domestic food production. There will always be challenges, but few other industries are consistently viewed as positively.  Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector is resilient, and with the full support of government it stands ready to help Canada regain its economic stability,” says Peter Seemann, Principal & Sr. Consultant at Grassroots Public Affairs.

Canadians also see the problem of hunger and food insecurity more seriously today than ever before. More than eight in ten (84%) see hunger and food insecurity in Canada as a serious problem – a 25% increase from 2021.

For the entire survey results please click here.

The Canada-wide survey was conducted via an online panel of 1,007 Canadians 18+. Fieldwork for the survey took place between March 25th and March 31st, and the survey was offered in English and French.

SOURCE Grassroots Public Affairs