Interesting Grocery and Economic statistics for Canada for the 4th quarter of 2013 (Part 2 of 2)

Here is the second of two installments of interesting Canadian Grocery statistics for the 4th Quarter of 2013 (unless otherwise indicated).  They take into account total trends and results for 2013.  The data has been collected by compiling information from the following sources. (Statistics Canada/Nielsen Data/Retail Council of Canada)

Canadians are spending more money on the following foods:

Vegetables

Home meal replacement

Hot beverages

Processed meat

Confectionary

Canadians are spending less on the following foods:

Cold beverages

Seafood

Desert

Frozen foods

Canadians are spending more on the following items:

Baby care

General merchandise

Oral hygiene

OTC

Cosmetics

Canadians are spending less on the following items:

Shaving

Household products

Hair care

Pet needs

Vegetables that are leading inflation higher than the average:

Broccoli

Kale

Beans

Cauliflower

Other foods that are leading inflation and are higher than the index:

Pork

Chicken

Lemons

Avocados

Mango.

Discount retailers are 40% of grocery retail which is an increase of 1%

37% Ontario

29% Parries

26% Quebec

25% B.C.

15% Maritimes

In the recent quarter Canadian consumer confidence increased to its highest level since Q1 2013. Consumers are regaining optimism, but remain cautious about opening their wallets.

Despite the increase in household incomes consumer spending still plagued by household debt which is at an all-time high. Debt remains the top concern.

Dollar growth continues to be fuelled by modest prices with units holding.

With the consumer need for saving top of mind, the need for promotions will continue, with promoted price cuts driving industry dollar growth.

The discount format growth is slowing due to banner transition but growth expected to return in 2014.

Consumers remain loyal to National Brands with Store brands lagging market performance.

Inflation driving dollar sales, with unit sales suffering in most departments & categories

Farewell,

Mike