Not surprising amidst inflationary pressures, Ontario consumers are spending more for produce but purchasing less with a purchase rate increase of +5.8 per cent and a spend per trip decrease of -1.5 per cent, and they’re favouring more mass and club for their produce purchases. The findings are part of a report by The Ontario Produce Market Association (OPMA) and Numerator.
The quarterly report reveals that 64 per cent of consumers perceive the surge in gas prices as a significant factor affecting the affordability of goods and services. Additionally, 61 per cent of Canadian shoppers express concerns about a potential recession, leading to 47 per cent of them feeling uneasy about spending on restaurants, bars, or food delivery services.
During Q1 2024, the average Ontario household made 25.7 trips for produce and spent $296.3 on produce.
The data indicates a shift in consumer behaviour, with the number of Ontario households purchasing produce in the mass channel rising by 0.4 PT and the average spending per trip increasing by 1.5 percent. On the other hand, the number of Ontario households buying produce in the club channel saw a more significant increase of 2.6 PT, but the spending per trip only rose by 0.3 per cent.
Fresh pear purchases saw a noteworthy uptick, with 11.0 per cent more Ontario households opting for this fruit. However, the average spending per trip on fresh pears dipped by 11.9 per cent.
Similarly, fresh cucumber purchases witnessed a 3.9 per cent increase in Ontario households. Nevertheless, there was a 6.9 per cent reduction in spending per trip on fresh cucumbers.
On the economy, 62 per cent of Canadian consumers expect the economy to worsen in the next few months, and 72 per cent think inflation will increase in the next few months.
Read the full report here.
 has joined forces with Numerator, a data and technology company, to release its Q1 report. ){kind=link}