Abacus Data | Rising food costs worry 89% of Canadians
Summary
On behalf of Food & Consumer Products of Canada, Abacus Data conducted a national public opinion survey of a representative sample of 2,500 Canadians. 70% felt that the price of food, beverage, and consumer products will likely rise as “companies manage the growing costs of doing business in Canada.” 55% believed that it is likely that “good, middle-class manufacturing jobs will be lost as it will be harder for these companies to operate in Canada.” 50% felt that it is likely that “fewer ingredients grown by Canadian farmers will be used in good and beverage manufacturing meaning that the value-added will be done outside of Canada, and middle-class jobs will not be created here.” 9 in 10 Canadians believe it is important that political parties and those running to be Prime Minister detail in their platforms how they will work with industry to make it strong going forward. There’s a broad desire by Canadians to see their political leaders outline how they will work with the food, beverage, and consumer product industry to respond to the challenges it faces and help it grow. Rising food prices, lost middle-class, manufacturing jobs, and less value-added production is seen as likely to happen if government and industry don’t work together to overcome the challenging business environment. There’s an audience for political leadership that sees food security, affordability, and home-grown and made products as central to Canada’s future.” The survey was conducted online with 2,500 Canadians aged 18 and over from May 8 to 12, 2019.