Sales in food and drinking places rise in December 2023

February 26, 2024, 11:00 a.m. (EST)

Sales at food services and drinking places rose 1.1% to $8.0 billion in December 2023 (seasonally adjusted). Sales increased at limited-service eating places (+1.7%), full-service restaurants (+0.5%), special food services (+0.9%) and drinking places (+2.7%).

Sales were up in eight provinces, with the largest increases in dollar terms in Ontario (+1.8%), British Columbia (+2.6%) and Alberta (+2.1%). Quebec (-1.7%) posted the largest decline, coinciding with multiple strikes occurring across the province throughout the month.

Prices for food purchased from restaurants were up 5.6% in December 2023 compared with December 2022, while prices for alcoholic beverages served in licensed establishments increased 5.5%.

December 2023 sales
Description - December 2023 sales

December 2023 sales

(seasonally adjusted)

 

+1.1% to $8.0 billion

 

Full-service restaurants

$3.5 billion; +0.5%

 

Sales at limited-service restaurants
$3.7 billion; +1.7%

 

Price variations

December 2023 versus December 2022

 

+5.6% Food purchased from restaurants

 

+5.5% Alcoholic beverages served in licensed establishments

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