Food prices set to increase — again — as blackout on price hikes ends at some stores

TORONTO –

Higher grocery costs are anticipated to hit shops throughout Canada quickly as a blackout on value will increase over the vacation season involves an finish.

Last fall, Loblaw Cos. Ltd. stated it will freeze costs on all its in-house No Name merchandise till Jan. 31, whereas Metro Inc. stated it will maintain costs of most private-label and nationwide model merchandise regular till Feb. 5.

The lifting of the value freezes comes amid rising shopper outrage over hovering grocery costs in Canada and growing scrutiny of grocers’ robust income.

But grocery chains have argued their meals margins have remained flat and they’re merely passing alongside greater provider costs.

Loblaw spokeswoman Catherine Thomas says meals inflation has continued and the price of stocking retailer cabinets retains going up month after month.

She says the corporate, which operates a number of banners together with Zehrs, Provigo and No Frills, will proceed to carry many costs flat and switching to No Name will nonetheless save the common household 1000’s this 12 months.

This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Feb. 1, 2023.