Mike von Masso

Mike von Massow, a food economist and University of Guelph professor, breaks down why groceries keep getting pricier. He discusses rising costs for beef and coffee, how climate and weather shocks ripple through supply, the role of tariffs and shrinkflation, and why food reacts differently to policy. He also covers consumer shifts between proteins and practical ways households cope.

Tim Hudak, former leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservatives, joins the discussion on whether taxing the wealthy can help reduce debt. He shares insights on how high taxes may deter investment. Meanwhile, Mike Von Massow, a food economics expert, highlights the rising costs of groceries due to factors like beef herd declines and supply chain issues. The conversation also touches on the increasing flu cases and how various experiences with the illness are impacting public health discussions.

Mike von Masso, a food economist at the University of Guelph who studies food systems and pricing, and Errol Schweitzer, a grocery analyst who advocates commissary-style public stores, debate public grocery stores in Canada. They discuss commissary models, startup and operating costs, scale and purchasing power, subsidy mechanisms to lower prices, and political tradeoffs around public investments.