Statistics Canada Reports Flat Real Foodservice Sales in June
Despite the expectation for improved foodservice sales in the summer, restaurants in Canada continue to underperform. On a year-over-year basis, nominal foodservice sales rose by 4.3% in June — a sharp slowdown from the 9.4% growth reported in June 2023. After adjusting for menu inflation of 4.3%, real sales were flat in June compared to June 2023.
Three of four commercial foodservice segments saw lower real sales in June. At full-service restaurants, real sales slipped 0.4% in June compared to June 2023. With households closely watching their discretionary spending, full-service restaurants have struggled to return to pre-pandemic levels. In the first half of 2024, real sales at full-service restaurants were 0.8% below the same period in 2019.
Quick-service restaurants and drinking places also reported lower real sales in June compared to last year. Real sales at drinking places fell by 4.8% in June, while quick-service restaurants reported a modest 0.1% decline. Caterers were the only segment to post higher real sales in June, growing by 1.7% due to robust gains in the Maritime and Prairie provinces.
For more detailed insights and data, please refer to the Restaurant Industry at a Glance dashboard and the latest Fast Facts report.
As the Chief Economist and Vice President of Research for Restaurants Canada, Chris Elliott manages and produces a comprehensive research program that has made Restaurants Canada a leading source of information for and about Canada’s $114-billion foodservice industry. Chris tracks and analyzes key industry and economic indicators and translates them into member reports and publications. He also provides research to support Restaurants Canada’s lobbying efforts on issues that affect foodservice operators – from payroll taxes to food costs.
Chris has worked with Restaurants Canada for over 20 years, has a Bachelor of Arts and Master Degree in Economics and specializes in economic modelling and forecasting.
