Grocery prices to rise in 2025, report says
Charlebois said there are several reasons for the increase in prices, including supply chain issues, climate change and the low Canadian dollar.
Canadians should prepare for higher grocery expenses in 2025, as food prices are expected to rise by 3 to 5 percent nationwide, with increases of up to 5 percent in Quebec.
Sylvain Charlebois, lead author of Canada’s Food Price Report 2025, explained that a family of four could see an additional $800 added to their annual grocery bills. The report identifies meats, vegetables, coffee, and orange juice as some of the most affected items.
Charlebois attributed the price hikes to multiple factors, including supply chain challenges, climate change, and the weakening Canadian dollar. "The buying power of importers in Canada is likely to decrease over the next 12 months," he noted.
The rising costs have already influenced shopping habits, with many Canadians prioritizing bargain hunting and purchasing discounted items. Food insecurity is also a growing concern, with over two million food bank visits recorded nationwide in March—a record high, according to Food Banks Canada.
However, there is some relief anticipated in 2025. "We're expecting dairy products not to be an issue because farmgate prices will remain pretty much the same," Charlebois added.
