Canadians might be working with tight budgets right now, but when it comes to food, many are still checking labels. “I kind of favor local produce and products, and then regional and then Canadian. I try to avoid U.S.,” says Halifax resident Michael Dunn. A new study by Narrative Research found there is still a strong preference for Canadian-packaged products, even if it costs more. “Eight in 10 people, in fact it’s grown in the last year, would pay a premium of $20 on a $100 basket of groceries to ensure that it’s Canadian products that they’re buying,” says Margaret Chapman, Narrative Research COO & partner. Ian Lee, an associate professor at Carleton University says he’s shocked the ‘buy local movement’ is still going strong, especially in today’s economy. “20 per cent is huge when you’re talking about food. Most people will pinch their pennies to save two per cent,” he says. “I think it shows the depth of the anger and the hostility by Canadians at large towards the president.” The study found older Canadians are more willing to pay that premium compared to those aged 18 to 29. It also found women are more likely than men to choose the Canadian option. “We actually took it further and asked about what if it was $140 for that same basket of groceries, then would you pay? And still, seven in 10 among that group said, ‘Sure, I’ll pay $40 more,’” says Chapman. From a consumer standpoint, Lee says he still believes in competition. “I would rather a company say, ‘buy my product because, yes, I’m Canadian, but I make a better product than my American competitors.’” Halifax resident Barry Boyce, says he will continue to buy Canadian products for as long as the trade war goes on. “When another country that’s been a friend forever threatens you, it makes us more patriotic,” says Boyce. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
