Canada’s anti-trust watchdog is to study competition across the country’s food-and-drinks supply chain.
The country’s Competition Bureau cited a “sharp” rise in food prices in Canada in recent years that had “put significant pressure” on consumers
The watchdog’s review will assess three parts of the chain: production and processing; transport and distribution; and retail pricing practices. Jeanne Pratt, interim commissioner of competition at the Competition Bureau, said: “Our examination builds on our earlier work in the retail grocery sector and will look at all parts of the food supply chain.” In 2023, the competition watchdog called for increased competition in Canada’s grocery market, pointing to the difficulty new retailers face in entering the market. The bureau has invited views from members of the public and organisations with experience of the food supply chain.
A final report is due in the first half of next year. In January, the Canadian government outlined a series of measures aimed at easing food inflation pressures on households and supporting businesses across the food supply chain. Those initiatives included a mix of direct payments to lower-income households, support for businesses and longer-term structural reforms.