Latest news with #ElisaSwern
Economic Times
27-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Canadians want to buy local this Canada Day, but rising prices are holding them back
Canadians show growing support for local goods ahead of Canada Day but rising prices and economic uncertainty challenge spending habits As Canada Day approaches, Canadians are eager to support homegrown products, but many are still holding back at the checkout counter. Canada Day, celebrated every July 1, marks the anniversary of Confederation and is one of the country's most patriotic holidays. A new PwC Canada survey finds that 75 percent of Canadians say they would pay more for premium or locally produced food. The report reflects a growing wave of consumer patriotism, boosted by tensions from the ongoing US-Canada trade war. 'Canadians value local products and want to support homegrown businesses,' said Elisa Swern, national retail and consumer leader at PwC the enthusiasm for buying Canadian comes with limits. 76 percent of those surveyed say they're concerned about the overall cost of food, and many are cutting back on spending as inflation and tariffs take their toll.A separate TD Bank Group study echoes that trend that Canadians are spending less across nearly every category, as economic uncertainty and US trade policy weigh heavily on household budgets. Still, the will to support Canadian goods is strong, especially when there's transparency. 63 percent of consumers say they'd pay more if they clearly understood where a product was from, and 58 percent actively seek sustainability information.'Consumers told us they want to buy more local, more Canadian, more sustainable goods,' Swern said. 'They want to know the story behind what they're buying.'To help close the gap between intent and affordability, retailers are stepping up efforts to label Canadian-made items both in-store and online, while producers work to scale operations and bring prices patriotic shift extends to travel, too. A TD tourism report shows 64 percent of Canadians plan to travel within the country this summer, avoiding trips to the U.S. as trade tensions rise. The federal government's Canada Strong Pass, launched earlier this month, is designed to support domestic tourism. It offers free or discounted admission to national parks, museums, and galleries. In Prince Albert National Park, staff are already bracing for a surge in visitors. 'This summer, people want to reconnect with Canada not just as a place, but as a principle,' said visitor services lead Aimee for many Canadians, it comes down to cost.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Canadians want to buy local this Canada Day, but rising prices are holding them back
As Canada Day approaches, Canadians are eager to support homegrown products, but many are still holding back at the checkout counter. Canada Day, celebrated every July 1, marks the anniversary of Confederation and is one of the country's most patriotic holidays. A new PwC Canada survey finds that 75 percent of Canadians say they would pay more for premium or locally produced food. The report reflects a growing wave of consumer patriotism , boosted by tensions from the ongoing US-Canada trade war. 'Canadians value local products and want to support homegrown businesses,' said Elisa Swern, national retail and consumer leader at PwC Canada. However, the enthusiasm for buying Canadian comes with limits. 76 percent of those surveyed say they're concerned about the overall cost of food, and many are cutting back on spending as inflation and tariffs take their toll. A separate TD Bank Group study echoes that trend that Canadians are spending less across nearly every category, as economic uncertainty and US trade policy weigh heavily on household budgets. Live Events Still, the will to support Canadian goods is strong, especially when there's transparency. 63 percent of consumers say they'd pay more if they clearly understood where a product was from, and 58 percent actively seek sustainability information. 'Consumers told us they want to buy more local, more Canadian, more sustainable goods,' Swern said. 'They want to know the story behind what they're buying.' To help close the gap between intent and affordability, retailers are stepping up efforts to label Canadian-made items both in-store and online, while producers work to scale operations and bring prices down. The patriotic shift extends to travel, too. A TD tourism report shows 64 percent of Canadians plan to travel within the country this summer, avoiding trips to the U.S. as trade tensions rise. The federal government's Canada Strong Pass, launched earlier this month, is designed to support domestic tourism . It offers free or discounted admission to national parks, museums, and galleries. In Prince Albert National Park, staff are already bracing for a surge in visitors. 'This summer, people want to reconnect with Canada not just as a place, but as a principle,' said visitor services lead Aimee Valmont. But for many Canadians, it comes down to cost.
Global News
27-06-2025
- Business
- Global News
As Canada Day nears, consumers want Canadian goods — but costs are a concern
Canada Day is one of the most patriotic times of the year for Canadians. As July 1 approaches, this year may see the most consumer-driven sense of patriotism in recent memory, based on the findings in several recent studies, with one showing the vast majority of Canadians prefer premium or locally produced food products four months into the U.S. trade war. A PwC Canada report released this week showed that 75 per cent of Canadian consumers said they would pay more for premium or locally produced food products. 'What we heard was that Canadians value local products and they want to support homegrown businesses — that is important to Canadians,' says Elisa Swern, national retail and consumer leader at PwC Canada. However, cost remains a concern that still weighs on consumers, that report noted, saying the efforts from retailers to stock and make domestic products more easily available can help producers scale and ultimately lower costs to close that gap between what Canadians want to buy and what they can afford. Story continues below advertisement That PwC report found 76 per cent of respondents said they were concerned about the overall cost of food, and another TD study shows that amid the trade war and tariff uncertainty Canadians are spending less on just about everything. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy However, consumers may feel inclined to open their wallets more if 'they feel pride in supporting Canadian goods and Canadian companies,' says Swern. 'Consumers told us they want to buy more local, buy more Canadian, buy more sustainable goods…anything from climate change, food waste, things like that.' The study also showed that 63 per cent of consumers would also pay more for a product if they were better able to understand its origin, and 58 per cent said they were actively seeking sustainability transparency. This means retailers will want to make it easier for consumers to get a sense of where products are sourced, and in many cases highlighting ones that are considered Canadian. 'Understanding where that product comes from, I think consumers want to see that story — they want to know and maybe if they are paying a little bit more for peaches that are locally grown,' says Swern. 'Canadian retailers have done a really good job of highlighting in store and online products that are Canadian or products that are made in Canada.' Story continues below advertisement 1:55 Trade war helping Alberta tourism industry That same sentiment appears likely to extend to travel this summer, as well. According to a tourism outlook report by TD Bank Group, 64 per cent of respondents said they plan to travel within Canada this year, with the summer being the peak season. Although the report also outlines how lower U.S. tourism spending will be a bit of a negative impact, that will be somewhat offset by an increase in Canadians travelling domestically. The Canada Day period could see more domestic travel after the recent launch of the Canada Strong Pass, which allows many Canadians to receive free or discounted admission and other perks at national parks, museums, galleries and more. The pass was touted as a way to support tourism within Canada as U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies prompt many Canadians to avoid travel to the United States and purchasing products with a U.S. origin.
Malaysian Reserve
26-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Price, patriotism and purchasing power: The dilemma facing Canadian consumers
PwC Canada's 'Voice of the Consumer' Report 76% of Canadians are concerned about the cost of food, significantly higher than the global average of 59%. 46% cite domestic sourcing as their top sustainability consideration, with a desire to support the local economy and a belief that locally produced food is healthier and higher quality. 75% of Canadians are willing to pay a premium for locally produced food, however, 62% of Canadians say they would still select a lower-priced imported product over a more expensive domestic equivalent. TORONTO, June 25, 2025 /CNW/ – New research from PwC Canada highlights a growing dilemma that the Canadian consumer faces: while national pride strongly influences shopping preferences, economic considerations ultimately guide their decisions at the checkout counter. The heart says 'Buy Local'; the mind overrules with 'Buy Economical': While Canadian consumers express a willingness to pay a premium for locally produced food, a majority (62%) would ultimately choose a lower-priced imported product over a more expensive domestic equivalent, found PwC's 2025 Voice of the Consumer Report, which analyzed survey responses from over 1,000 Canadian consumers. 'This disconnect reflects the tension between Canadians' desire to shop local and the reality of their purchasing decisions at checkout,' said Elisa Swern, National Retail and Consumer Leader, PwC Canada. 'Canadians value local products and want to support homegrown businesses, but price remains a powerful influence, especially in today's economic climate.' It is important to note that the research does not suggest that Canadian products are inherently more expensive. Rather, it reflects consumer perceptions and priorities when evaluating options. The findings underscore the need for brands to communicate the value of local products in ways that resonate with both the heart and the wallet. The need for more efficient supply chains: Shifts in the Canada–US trade and political landscape have also heightened Canadian consumers' preference for locally sourced products. Nearly half (46%) now cite domestic sourcing as their top sustainability consideration in food purchases, surpassing the global average of 40%. This trend is driven by a desire to support the local economy and access healthier, higher-quality foods. Yet, the perceived price premium of Canadian goods often undermines these intentions. 'While there's a clear desire to support the local economy, 'Made in Canada' labels alone aren't enough to sway Canadian consumers,' said Swern. 'This creates an imperative for Canadian retailers and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies to build more efficient food supply chains from farm to table.' The future of food and groceries in Canada depends on a fundamental shift to an interconnected ecosystem. To thrive in Canada's evolving food landscape, the industry must prioritize efficiency and automation to accelerate distribution, manage rising input costs and maintain competitiveness. Beyond these operational improvements, innovation and collaboration on new production methods, technologies and business models are crucial for fostering greater transparency across the value chain. These solutions have the potential to reduce waste and costs while enhancing product quality, ultimately building trust with environmentally conscious consumers, nearly two-thirds (63%) of whom would pay a premium for insight into a product's origins. Seizing these growth opportunities demands deeper partnerships across growers, retailers and food processors — partnerships that can help scale domestic supply chains and effectively address consumers' growing demand for Canadian products. Making healthier food choices: PwC Canada's latest research reveals a nuanced picture regarding Canadian consumers' dietary habits. While many aspire to healthier eating, their actual dietary changes appear more cautious. Fewer consumers are fully embracing alternative meats or vegetarian diets, indicating a slower, more deliberate shift toward healthier habits. This trend contrasts with global peers, as only 45% of Canadians plan to increase fresh produce consumption in the next six months, compared to 56% globally. However, Gen Z consumers are notably more inclined toward pushing for healthier choices and expect food companies to take a leading role. Despite prevailing food cost concerns, the research also highlights that 26% of Canadians would switch brands for added health benefits and two-thirds would pay more for additive-free or nutritionally enhanced foods. For healthier diets to gain broader traction, food companies must make healthier options affordable by finding operational savings and making smart ingredient choices, thereby eliminating the need for consumers to choose between nutrition and cost. To read more about consumer shopping habits, brand loyalty trends and takeaways for food companies and retailers, access the detailed report here. About the report: PwC's 2025 Voice of the Consumer Insights Report is based on our analysis of 21,000 consumers from 28 countries, including 1,020 in Canada. About PwC Canada: At PwC Canada, we help clients build trust and reinvent so they can turn complexity into competitive advantage. We're a tech-forward, people-empowered network with more than 7,000 partners and staff in offices across the country. Across audit and assurance, tax and legal, deals and consulting, we help build, accelerate and sustain momentum. PwC refers to the Canadian member firm and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. Please see for further details. Find out more by visiting us at: © 2025 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. All rights reserved.
Cision Canada
25-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Price, patriotism and purchasing power: The dilemma facing Canadian consumers Français
76% of Canadians are concerned about the cost of food, significantly higher than the global average of 59%. 46% cite domestic sourcing as their top sustainability consideration, with a desire to support the local economy and a belief that locally produced food is healthier and higher quality. 75% of Canadians are willing to pay a premium for locally produced food, however, 62% of Canadians say they would still select a lower-priced imported product over a more expensive domestic equivalent. TORONTO, June 25, 2025 /CNW/ - New research from PwC Canada highlights a growing dilemma that the Canadian consumer faces: while national pride strongly influences shopping preferences, economic considerations ultimately guide their decisions at the checkout counter. The heart says 'Buy Local'; the mind overrules with 'Buy Economical': While Canadian consumers express a willingness to pay a premium for locally produced food, a majority (62%) would ultimately choose a lower-priced imported product over a more expensive domestic equivalent, found PwC's 2025 Voice of the Consumer Report, which analyzed survey responses from over 1,000 Canadian consumers. "This disconnect reflects the tension between Canadians' desire to shop local and the reality of their purchasing decisions at checkout," said Elisa Swern, National Retail and Consumer Leader, PwC Canada. "Canadians value local products and want to support homegrown businesses, but price remains a powerful influence, especially in today's economic climate." It is important to note that the research does not suggest that Canadian products are inherently more expensive. Rather, it reflects consumer perceptions and priorities when evaluating options. The findings underscore the need for brands to communicate the value of local products in ways that resonate with both the heart and the wallet. The need for more efficient supply chains: Shifts in the Canada–US trade and political landscape have also heightened Canadian consumers' preference for locally sourced products. Nearly half (46%) now cite domestic sourcing as their top sustainability consideration in food purchases, surpassing the global average of 40%. This trend is driven by a desire to support the local economy and access healthier, higher-quality foods. Yet, the perceived price premium of Canadian goods often undermines these intentions. "While there's a clear desire to support the local economy, 'Made in Canada' labels alone aren't enough to sway Canadian consumers," said Swern. "This creates an imperative for Canadian retailers and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies to build more efficient food supply chains from farm to table." The future of food and groceries in Canada depends on a fundamental shift to an interconnected ecosystem. To thrive in Canada's evolving food landscape, the industry must prioritize efficiency and automation to accelerate distribution, manage rising input costs and maintain competitiveness. Beyond these operational improvements, innovation and collaboration on new production methods, technologies and business models are crucial for fostering greater transparency across the value chain. These solutions have the potential to reduce waste and costs while enhancing product quality, ultimately building trust with environmentally conscious consumers, nearly two-thirds (63%) of whom would pay a premium for insight into a product's origins. Seizing these growth opportunities demands deeper partnerships across growers, retailers and food processors — partnerships that can help scale domestic supply chains and effectively address consumers' growing demand for Canadian products. Making healthier food choices: PwC Canada's latest research reveals a nuanced picture regarding Canadian consumers' dietary habits. While many aspire to healthier eating, their actual dietary changes appear more cautious. Fewer consumers are fully embracing alternative meats or vegetarian diets, indicating a slower, more deliberate shift toward healthier habits. This trend contrasts with global peers, as only 45% of Canadians plan to increase fresh produce consumption in the next six months, compared to 56% globally. However, Gen Z consumers are notably more inclined toward pushing for healthier choices and expect food companies to take a leading role. Despite prevailing food cost concerns, the research also highlights that 26% of Canadians would switch brands for added health benefits and two-thirds would pay more for additive-free or nutritionally enhanced foods. For healthier diets to gain broader traction, food companies must make healthier options affordable by finding operational savings and making smart ingredient choices, thereby eliminating the need for consumers to choose between nutrition and cost. To read more about consumer shopping habits, brand loyalty trends and takeaways for food companies and retailers, access the detailed report here. PwC's 2025 Voice of the Consumer Insights Report is based on our analysis of 21,000 consumers from 28 countries, including 1,020 in Canada. About PwC Canada: At PwC Canada, we help clients build trust and reinvent so they can turn complexity into competitive advantage. We're a tech-forward, people-empowered network with more than 7,000 partners and staff in offices across the country. Across audit and assurance, tax and legal, deals and consulting, we help build, accelerate and sustain momentum. PwC refers to the Canadian member firm and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. Please see for further details. Find out more by visiting us at: © 2025 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. All rights reserved. SOURCE PwC Management Services LP
