Canadian consumers shift protein preferences amid higher prices - GAIN
Consumers value high-quality beef, but pork is cheaper
12 October 2023
1 minute read
By: The US's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in Ottawa forecasts Canadian beef consumption to decline slightly in 2024, following a 6% decline in 2023, according to a recent US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report.
Rising costs and consumer concerns about the cost of living have seen consumers shift to other protein sources, with domestic pork consumption increasing as pork pricing outcompetes beef in the retail case. Higher-value export markets will also pull volume from the domestic supply, leading to lowered domestic consumption.
Despite higher costs and more competition from pork, Canadian consumer demand for beef will remain relatively strong. Consumers will continue to value high-quality beef but adjust their consumption patterns slightly lower to offset higher prices. Consumption of lower-priced cuts and ground beef will increase as consumers look to economize their food purchasing practices.
