Toronto – January 19, 2017 – Statistics Canada data shows that the operating profits of food manufacturers in Canada increased by 22 percent in the third quarter of 2016.

The same data also reveals that:

• Food manufacturer operating margins were 5.6 percent in the third quarter, equal to the five-year 2011-2015 average of 5.6 percent.

• Food distributor operating profits jumped by 8 percent in the same period.

• Food distributors had operating margins of 3.6 percent in the third quarter, equal to the five-year 2011-2015 average of 3.6 percent.

• Grocery price deflation continued for the second straight month in October 2016.

• Canadian food manufacturers passed along consumer packaged goods (CPG) price increases of about 1 to 2 percent during 2016.

• November 2016 price declines in Canada were nearly universal across all grocery items.

• Consumer confidence bounced back sharply in November.

• Agricultural commodity price levels were generally lower in November.

Source: Kevin Grier, Grocery Trade Review, November 2016, www.kevingrier.com