Market News

Food and Beverage Store Sales up 2%

Food and Beverage store sales went up by 2.0% in the first half of 2006 compared to last year. In its national survey of retail sales released last month, J.C. Williams research and consulting firm of Toronto reported that by June 2006 food and beverage store sales had risen to $7.7 billion compared to $7.4 billion in 2005. Retail sales, including automotive, were $185 billion compared to $173 billion last year (+7.0%). Pharmacies and personal care store sales soared by 10.7% (from $11.4 billion to $12.7 billion. The highest increase (11.7%) was registered by the building and outdoor home supplies as the sector sales increased from $10.6 billion to $11.9 billion. Source: Canadian Grocer E-Newsletter, August 25, 2006