Barbecue Costs Soar as Food Prices Rise Across Canada

The cost of hosting a barbecue has increased significantly over the past few years. According to Statistics Canada, the price of food purchased from stores rose 3.9% in June compared to the same period last year. This is despite overall inflation cooling down from its peak.

Ground beef, which cost around $9 per kilogram before the pandemic, has risen to nearly $16, a near 80% increase. The price of tomatoes has increased by about 95%, while beer prices have risen by almost 19% since 2002.

Rob Euper, who works at Gandy's Home Hardware in Vancouver, says that while the cost of propane for barbecues has risen over the years, customers are more concerned with food prices. He attributes this to global conflicts and trade tensions, which have led to higher costs throughout the economy.