(Ottawa) September 25, 2023 — Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP) met this morning with the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, in a collaborative effort to explore solutions for the ongoing grocery inflation issue impacting Canadians.
The meeting, which was initiated by the Minister’s Office, was attended by FHCP and member companies. The Ministers made clear that they wanted to hear first-hand from a broad and diverse group of FHCP member companies representing various product categories with a significant presence across Canada and internationally.
The purpose of the meeting was to provide the Minister with a comprehensive understanding of the cost pressures faced by Canadian food and consumer goods manufacturers, including global companies with a strong presence in Canada. Additionally, the Minister sought insights into the steps manufacturers have taken, and are continuing to take, to alleviate the impact of rising costs on consumers.
FHCP members, often drawing on their international experience, shared their insights into challenges related to grocery inflation, shedding light on the hurdles posed by escalating input costs and supply chain constraints. Furthermore, FHCP members shared the numerous initiatives undertaken to date by manufacturers to support Canadians during these challenging times.
FHCP spoke of the unified support by food manufacturers for the establishment of a Grocery Code of Conduct, and reinforced the many compromises and shared commitment to reach its current state of near completion. There was extensive discussion and agreement that an effective code must be inclusive and encompass all items found within an average grocery basket. Examples of successful code implementation in the UK and Australia served as valuable references, emphasizing the benefits of cost stability and the importance of swift action, supported by government, in implementing a code of conduct in Canada. FHCP also stressed the need for all of the large grocery stores and manufacturers to participate in the code in order for it to be effective.
Today's meeting represents the latest in an ongoing and collaborative dialogue between FHCP and government, aimed at providing valuable insights and information to support Canadians, challenged by higher grocery costs.
In closing, FHCP reiterated its firm belief in the industry's collective responsibility to work together to achieve the government's desired outcomes. FHCP emphasized that the Grocery Code of Conduct could play a significant role in achieving these goals, with a resounding majority of stakeholders – from farmer to manufacturer to retailer - expressing support for the code. The need to move decisively and swiftly to assist Canadians was underscored as a shared priority.
FHCP and its member companies remain committed to collaborating with the government to address grocery inflation and continue to work diligently toward supporting Canadians during this challenging period.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Anthony Fuchs
VP, Communications
Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada
Anthony.fuchs@fhcp.ca
416.648.8808
About Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP):
Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP) is a leading industry association representing the food, health, and consumer products sector. FHCP members include a diverse range of companies, from large multinational corporations to small and medium-sized businesses, all of which play a vital role in supplying essential goods to Canadians. FHCP is dedicated to supporting the industry's growth, innovation, and sustainability while advocating for the well-being of Canadian consumers.