This data’s on ice

It’s a long weekend on the horizon for much of the population in Canada. For many, that might mean hitting the road to head for the cottage, the beach, or a fishing trip. For others, perhaps some backyard entertaining is in order.

These activities often involve a key purchase—a bag (or more) or ice. And, as our data show, Canadians spend a lot on it!

Summer means peak ice

In the third quarter of 2023, Canadians spent $27.7 million on ice at retail, in blocks or cubes. About two-thirds of this tally was at food and beverage retailers, while gasoline stations and fuel vendors sold most of the rest.

By comparison, ice purchases were $24.1 million in the second quarter of 2023 and $14.8 million in the fourth quarter, an indication of seasonal demand to fill up those coolers.

Tourism, travel, and prices

Since we started tracking ice, ice data in 2016, sales have always been highest in the third quarter—the iciest on record was $31.7 million in the third quarter of 2019. Close behind was the third quarter of 2022 ($28.6 million), a significant increase from the same quarters in 2020 ($15.3 million) and 2021 ($16.6 million), when travel and gathering restrictions were in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sales in 2022 may reflect more travel and gatherings as restrictions loosened, as well as higher prices. Amid a general inflation rate not seen in 40 years in June of that year, prices for food purchased from stores increased 9.8% on an annual average basis, followed by a 7.8% increase in 2023.

Of course, there are always power outages which might result in a need for ice to keep food cool at home. Hopefully not for long, or on the hottest days!