One of Field Agent’s most popular reports on the Canadian grocery industry is back! The June 2019 edition of the Canadian Fluid Milk report is the most comprehensive look at the prices Canadians pay for one of the most common items in the Grocery basket – 2% Milk.
Field Agent Canada conducted a cross-country price survey on fluid milk prices at 174 retailers in 20 markets from coast-to-coast between May 22nd to 29th, 2019. The survey compared prices recorded that week with prices collected at the same outlets back in June 2018, highlighting any shifts that have taken place over the past year.
Additionally, we looked at prices for milk at Walmart stores in five border communities in the US to provide a comparative benchmark of the cost of similar products in the larger US market.
While we did see quite a few price changes within specific markets, the one thing that did not change was the wide range in the price Canadians are paying for one of the most basic grocery items.
“We have seen decreases in the retail price of milk in some markets since the first edition of the Canadian Fluid Milk Report in 2015, but the disparity between the cheapest milk and most expensive milk in Canada is staggering.” stated Jeff Doucette, General Manager of Field Agent Canada.
Across the 20 markets measured, the least expensive city to purchase milk in Canada is Ottawa, ON; while the most expensive city to purchase milk is Charlottetown, PE, a title most recently held by St. John’s, NL.
“With the upcoming Federal election and the recent announcement the first ever Food Policy for Canada, it is a great time to restart the discussion on why Atlantic Canadians are paying up to 42% more than the National average for a safe and healthy, staple product. Canada’s protective market structure and inefficient production system is outdated and needs to evolve for the 21st century.” suggests Doucette.
Download the full report here:
