You're at the grocery store with your phone out, checking beef prices per kilo. Ground beef is up 25%. Most cuts are up over 30%. You're doing the math, comparing apps, strategizing. The person beside you tosses a roast in their cart without looking. They're not checking anything. That's the problem and the explanation all at once.

Canada exports 90% of its fish because it's seen as premium. We import 90% of what we eat. Same pattern with beef: premium cuts go to China while Canadians buy less or switch to pork. Prices won't drop until mid-2027 because demand remains strong enough. The middle class is shrinking, but the data doesn't show it. People are going to food banks while others buy whatever they want. That gap is what keeps beef expensive.

This isn't about supply recovering or herds rebuilding. It's about who can still afford it setting the price for everyone who can't. Your phone at the meat counter is proof you're being strategic. Their empty cart is proof strategy doesn't matter when enough people aren't using one.

Topics: Canadian beef prices, grocery inflation, food economics, middle class erosion, shopping strategies, meat alternatives

GUEST: Dr. Sylvain Charlebois | @‌foodprofessor

Originally aired on 2026-02-05

You're at the grocery store with your phone out, checking beef prices per kilo. Ground beef is up 25%. Most cuts are up over 30%. You're doing the math, comparing apps, strategizing. The person beside you tosses a roast in their cart without looking. They're not checking anything. That's the problem and the explanation all at once.
Canada exports 90% of its fish because it's seen as premium. We import 90% of what we eat. Same pattern with beef: premium cuts go to China while Canadians buy less or switch to pork. Prices won't drop until mid-2027 because demand remains strong enough. The middle class is shrinking, but the data doesn't show it. People are going to food banks while others buy whatever they want. That gap is what keeps beef expensive.
This isn't about supply recovering or herds rebuilding. It's about who can still afford it setting the price for everyone who can't. Your phone at the meat counter is proof you're being strategic. Their empty cart is proof strategy doesn't matter when enough people aren't using one.
Topics: Canadian beef prices, grocery inflation, food economics, middle class erosion, shopping strategies, meat alternatives
GUEST: Dr. Sylvain Charlebois | @&zwnj;foodprofessor
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-05

Shane Hewitt & 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—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’s signature style—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 &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.