Market Analysis

Four CEOs of Canada's largest food retailers talk shop. JP Gervais reveals the contradictory consumer demands that drive their buying decisions and what that means for Canadian producers and food processors.

As Canada celebrates Thanksgiving 2016 with the traditional cranberry, Canadian cranberry production continues to grow driven by favourable consumption trends.

Retail prices expected to weaken leading to stronger demand of meat proteins.

Canadians are consuming far less beef than they used to, nearly 22 pounds less per year in 2013 compared to the early 1980's. But just because Canadians are consuming less beef does not mean that they like beef less. Actual consumption and what economists call "demand" are not the same thing. Confusing? Perhaps, but it is worth investigating what the differences are because the demand for beef has been strong in recent years.

Myths surround the Canadian agriculture industry. Here, three are put to the test - from regional crop selection to the assumed link between cattle and retail beef prices.

The 2016 Census of Agriculture shows a healthy, varied ag sector with larger farms and more young and female farmers.

Strength in biofuel production implies strength in the demand for grains and oilseeds.

Canadian canola prices remain resilient despite a large expected stocks-to-use ratio in 2019-20.

Canadian canola crush margins are projected to trend upward with strong demand for canola oil and meal and lower prices for canola seeds.

In this third of a five-part series examining the year ahead, we look at the role the energy markets will play in Canadian agri-food competitiveness.