Food Oligopoly Price Coordination
3 chains control 57% of market
Loblaws alone controls 27% of the Canadian market, enabling coordinated price increases 30-50% above inflation while executives earn $22 million in two months.
The real cost
$1,500-$2,500 annually vs. competitive pricing
How to not get wrecked
- 1Shop ethnic and independent markets
- 2Use multiple chains and price-match
- 3Buy direct from farmers markets
- 4Cook from scratch to avoid markups
Related money drains
#22
Coffee Shop Addiction Tax
$3+ daily = $780-$1,095/year
A daily $3 coffee habit costs $780–$1,095/year, more than many grocery budgets.
#23
Food Delivery App Fee Explosion
53% surcharge per order
Delivery apps add up to 53% in fees. A $15 meal becomes $23.
#24
Restaurant Price Inflation
17.8% vs 1.9% general inflation
Restaurant inflation hit 17.8%. Dining out twice a week can cost $4,000–$8,000/year.
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