Why lettuce is suddenly so unbelievably expensive

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by HSBC
HSBC

Episode 177 of Down to Business podcast

If for nearly two years, every major economic trend could be traced back to the pandemic, then there are signs of changes afoot.

Concerns about rising fuel prices have given way to concerns about rising food prices — particularly as seen for lettuce.

This week on Down to Business, Simon Somogyi, Arrell chair in the business of food at the University of Guelph, talks about the proximate causes of rising food prices, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, climate change, and to a less severe extent hangovers from the pandemic.

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Somogyi also talked about the Canadian government investigation into whether a lack of competition in the grocery business is to blame. He offered a prediction too — that food prices would fall back to normal levels soon.

As always the interview is edited for clarity and brevity.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube where you can also subscribe to get new episodes every Wednesday morning.

If you have any questions about the show, or if there are topics you want us to tackle, email us: downtobusiness@postmedia.com.

• Email: gfriedman@postmedia.com | Twitter: GabeFriedz