2023-10-07 15:30:51
The inflationary situation which is overwhelming the province has changed the grocery shopping habits of Quebecers.
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In an interview in Quebec Morning Weekend, Sylvain Charlebois, a specialist in the agri-food industry at Dalhousie University, argues that thrifty consumers tend to abandon the periphery of grocery stores when their economic situation tightens.
Meat is therefore a less purchased commodity, he indicates, while in the last year, 46% of the province’s citizens have reduced their consumption of fruits and vegetables.
The frozen food aisle as well as the aisles in the center of the store are more attractive to customers, since they tend to be more stable in terms of prices.
Mr. Charlebois also indicates that we are currently observing in Quebec a real craze for discount banners.
In fact, 53% of Quebecers have increased the frequency of their visits to these businesses.
The situation is similar for stores selling items around $1, such as Dollarama.
“The Quebec consumer is much more economical and is looking for options,” notes Mr. Charlebois.
These stores often tend to carry the same products as grocers, “except there is only one option, and that option, often, is half price. Even I go to the one dollar store, because it’s the same products, but at half the price,” he explains.
As an example, Mr. Charlebois mentions Kraft peanut butter, which is available in 500 grams for $3.50.
According to Mr. Charlebois, it is wrong to think that the prices of all foods are increasing.
“If you look closely at prices since August, prices are falling for all categories except seafood and fish,” he explains.
Frozen fish are therefore an interesting option for consumers who want to save money.
“People love fish, but fresh fish is a lot more expensive,” warns Mr. Charlebois.
For all the details, watch the full interview with Sylvain Charlebois in the video above.
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