In this episode of The Food Professor Podcast, we welcome back to the show Colleen Martin from Caddle, who presented exclusive research on sustainability based on a survey of over 8,900 Canadians. Colleen revealed that 55% of consumers consider sustainability important when choosing products, but price sensitivity remains a key barrier. We start the pod by discussing recent reactions to Sylvain's controversial milk dumping study, highlighting the lack of transparency within the dairy industry and the differing practices between Quebec and Ontario. Shifting to beef, Sylvain noted that rising cattle prices result from droughts and a shrinking herd in Canada and the U.S., with current herd sizes comparable to the 1980s.
In this episode of The Food Professor Podcast, we welcome back to the show Colleen Martin from Caddle, who presented exclusive research on sustainability based on a survey of over 8,900 Canadians. Colleen revealed that 55% of consumers consider sustainability important when choosing products, but price sensitivity remains a key barrier. Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to prioritize eco-friendly choices, but affordability is challenging, especially for younger consumers. Colleen also discussed skepticism surrounding corporate greenwashing, with many respondents expressing distrust in sustainability claims made by large companies.
We start the pod by discussing recent reactions to Sylvain's controversial milk dumping study, highlighting the lack of transparency within the dairy industry and the differing practices between Quebec and Ontario.
Shifting to beef, Sylvain noted that rising cattle prices result from droughts and a shrinking herd in Canada and the U.S., with current herd sizes comparable to the 1980s. He predicted beef prices will continue to rise through 2025, with a possibility of beef pricing itself out of the market if trends continue. The episode also touched on the E. coli outbreak affecting McDonald's U.S. supply chain, which was managed efficiently but raised concerns about food safety.
The episode concluded with reflections on provincial elections and interprovincial trade barriers.