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January 08, 2025AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES, NOVEMBER 2024 Statistics Canada makes available scanner data on prices collected for a range of food and personal care items. These prices are collected through point-of-sale (transaction) data obtained directly from Canadian retailers. The data represent commonly purchased items (which do change over time), but are not representative of the Consumer Price Index weights. Over time, products are rotated and quantity or quality may change. Comparisons of prices from one time period to another reflect quantity and quality changes as well as price changes.
For the purposes of this analysis, the 110 items reported by Statistics Canada will be grouped into:
- Meat, fish, poultry and meat substitutes
- Dairy, eggs and substitute products
- Fruit (including canned and frozen products)
- Vegetables (including canned and frozen products)
- Grains, cereals, beans, legumes and nuts
- Sugar, juices, cooking oils, condiments and prepared foods
- Health and cleaning products
Beef and fresh salmon were the most expensive of meat and seafood products while chicken and pork were less expensive. Nova Scotia's prices for beef top sirloin cuts, whole chicken and pork shoulder cuts had the largest percentage price premiums compared to the national average. Nova Scotia's prices for certain pork cuts (loins, ribs), chicken (thigh, drumsticks), beef cuts (striploin, rib) as well as shrimp and salmon were below national averages in November.
Over the last year (November 2024 vs November 2023), the consumer price index for all items in Nova Scotia excluding food increased by 1.5%. At the same time average weekly earnings across all Nova Scotia industries increased by 3.7%.
Over the last year, prices for chicken cuts except drumsticks, pork shoulder cuts, wieners, as well as beef cuts except stewing, striploin grew faster than average weekly earnings. Several products reported year-over-year price declines in Nova Scotia - particularly all cuts of pork (except shoulder), salmon, tuna, shrimp, meatless burgers, and chicken drumsticks.
Dairy and egg prices were generally higher than the national average in Nova Scotia in November 2024 (exception: milk in 2 litre containers, soy and nut milk).
Compared with November 2023, most reported dairy prices have grown faster than average weekly earnings. Average prices declined year-over-year for block cheese, margarine and butter.
Prices for reported fruits in Nova Scotia were all higher than the national average for similar products except strawberries and pears. The largest gaps (in percentage terms) were for limes and apples.
Many fruit prices have fallen in the last year. Fresh strawberries and canned pear prices growth has outpaced average weekly wage growth. The largest price declines (in percentage terms) were for oranges, lemons, limes, and cantaloupe.
Almost all reported vegetable prices were higher in Nova Scotia than the national average in November 2024 (exceptions: carrots, avocados, Romaine lettuce, salad greens). In percentage terms, the largest gap was for squash, potatoes, broccoli, cucumber and mushrooms.
Average weekly wage growth from November 2023 to November 2024 was faster than price increases for most vegetables (exceptions: frozen french fries, squash, peppers, lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes and potatoes). Several vegetable products reported lower prices over the last year, led by frozen spinach.
Nova Scotia prices for grain, cereal, nut, bean and legume products were higher than the national averages for all reported products.
Over the last year, average weekly wages have grown slower than prices for most reported grain, cereal, nut, bean and legume products except tofu, white rice, crackers and white bread. Many grain, nut, bean and cereal prices fell in Nova Scotia over the last year, with the largest decline in the price of dry or fresh pasta and canned beans and lentils.
Among prepared foods, condiments, cooking oils, fruit juices and sugar as reported by Statistics Canada, prices in Nova Scotia exceeded the national averages in November 2024 for all products except pasta sauce and baby food.
Of all products reported by Statistics Canada, infant formula (900 grams) has the highest transaction price based on the volume chosen. Nova Scotia infant formula prices were slightly lower than the national average in November 2024.
Several prepared products had price growth faster than growth in average weekly earnings, with notable increases for orange juice, olive oil, and infant formula. There were notable year-over-year declines in prices for canola oil, baby food, pasta sauce, and canned soup.
Prices for health/cleaning products were slightly higher in Nova Scotia than the national average for laundry detergent and toothpaste. Prices for deodorant and shampoo were slightly lower in Nova scotia than the national average.
Over the last year, prices for health and cleaning products were up for toothpaste and deodorant. Laundry detergent price was down most substantially, with a smaller decline for shampoo.
Trends (November 2024 vs November 2019)
Food prices have been distorted in recent years by global market conditions following the pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Compared with November 2019, prices for many meat products have grown faster than average weekly earnings in Nova Scotia. The exceptions were: meatless burgers, shrimp, chicken thighs and breasts, and pork loin cuts. Prices declined for canned tuna and salmon and chicken drumsticks.
Over the last 5 years, the prices of eggs, margarine, butter and milk in 4 liters have grown faster than average weekly earnings.
Over the last 5 years, most reported fruit prices have not grown as quickly as average weekly earnings (exceptions: canned pears, grapes and limes). Prices declined for cantaloupe, lemons, and apples.
Over the last 5 years, vegetable prices have outpaced wage growth for the following products: canned tomatoes, frozen corn, frozen broccoli, frozen French fries, squash, carrots, and fresh potatoes. Avocado and broccoli prices declined compared with November 2019.
Over the last 5 years, prices for many reported grain, cereal, bean, legume and nut products have been behind growth in average weekly earnings (exceptions: peanuts, tofu, dried lentils, canned baked beans, cereal, and white bread).
Over the last 5 years, prices for most reported foods in the sugar, beverages, cooking oils, condiments and prepared foods category grew faster than average weekly earnings, with the exception of hummus, baby food, canola oil, tea, roasted or ground coffee, apple juice, and frozen pizza.
Over the last 5 years, prices of laundry detergent and toothpaste have grown slower than average weekly earnings while deodorant and shampoo grew faster.
Source: Statistics Canada. Table 18-10-0245-01 Monthly average retail prices for selected products; Table 18-10-0004-01 Consumer Price Index, monthly, not seasonally adjusted; Table 14-10-0063-01 Employee wages by industry, monthly, unadjusted for seasonality
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