Food professor Sylvain Charlebois on why Canadian grocery prices are so high, what a Lidl store in Cork, Ireland reveals about what we're actually paying for, and why Ottawa's new Competition Bureau food study is long overdue but unlikely to deliver easy answers.

Charlebois was calling in from inside a Lidl in Ireland when the conversation happened, pricing out a kilo of mozzarella at the equivalent of a dollar seventy-nine Canadian. The comparison to Canadian shelf prices is not subtle. What's behind the gap goes deeper than grocer margins.

From supply management to anti-competitive lease clauses blocking independent stores from opening, the structural problems in Canada's food chain are well documented. The harder question is whether a government study that puts industry players in the same room will produce honest data, or just a room full of people telling Ottawa what it wants to hear.

Topics: Canadian grocery prices, food inflation, Competition Bureau, supply management, retail competition

GUEST: Sylvain Charlebois | foodprofessor.com

Originally aired on 2026-06-18

Food professor Sylvain Charlebois on why Canadian grocery prices are so high, what a Lidl store in Cork, Ireland reveals about what we're actually paying for, and why Ottawa's new Competition Bureau food study is long overdue but unlikely to deliver easy answers.
Charlebois was calling in from inside a Lidl in Ireland when the conversation happened, pricing out a kilo of mozzarella at the equivalent of a dollar seventy-nine Canadian. The comparison to Canadian shelf prices is not subtle. What's behind the gap goes deeper than grocer margins.
From supply management to anti-competitive lease clauses blocking independent stores from opening, the structural problems in Canada's food chain are well documented. The harder question is whether a government study that puts industry players in the same room will produce honest data, or just a room full of people telling Ottawa what it wants to hear.
Topics: Canadian grocery prices, food inflation, Competition Bureau, supply management, retail competition
GUEST: Sylvain Charlebois |<a href="http://foodprofessor.com"> foodprofessor.com</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-06-18

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From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

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Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.