In this episode Colleen Martin from Caddle is back with exclusive research on Canadian online grocery trends, we talk sustainability in food production, rising food insecurity in Ontario, AI & your dinner plates, and Sylvain confirms that pets are not part of Canada's Food Guide.
The podcast episode discusses several important topics, focusing on grocery e-commerce, sustainability, and economic trends in food access. The hosts, Michael LeBlanc and Sylvain Charlebois, along with guest Colleen Martin for Caddle, analyze proprietary research data on online grocery shopping habits among Canadians. Key findings include:
Online Grocery Shopping Trends: About 36.7% of Canadians have purchased groceries online in the past year, with younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials) being the most active users. Urban areas, especially Ontario, show higher adoption rates, while rural and remote regions face barriers like limited access and higher delivery fees.
Motivations and Barriers: Convenience and time savings are the primary reasons for online grocery shopping. In contrast, concerns over product quality, delivery costs, and a preference for in-store shopping prevent others from adopting the practice.
Sustainability and Consumer Behavior: The discussion touches on sustainability in the food industry, particularly in meat production. The CEO of JBS argues that while sustainable practices are crucial, consumers are unwilling to pay a premium for them, especially amid inflation.
Food Insecurity in Ontario: One million Ontarians have used food banks in the past year, a worrying indicator of growing economic inequality. The hosts connect this trend to broader economic challenges, including inflation, wage stagnation, and rising personal debt.
These insights highlight shifts in consumer behavior, economic pressures, and sustainability challenges in Canada's food industry.