Total sales in the food services and drinking places subsector increased for the fifth consecutive month in December, rising 0.3% to $8.3 billion, according to a report released Tuesday by Statistics Canada.
Non-seasonally adjusted prices for food purchased from restaurants were down 1.6% in December when compared with December 2023, and unadjusted prices for alcoholic beverages served in licensed establishments decreased 0.8% over the same period due to the federal tax break, which started on December 14, 2024, said the federal agency.
“In December, the largest increase in sales came from limited-service eating places (+0.9%), marking the industry’s ninth consecutive monthly increase. Sales were down at full-service restaurants (-0.1%) and special food services (-0.5%),” said the Statistics Canada report.
In December, five provinces saw increased sales, with Ontario (+1.1%) posting the largest gain in dollar terms. British Columbia (+1.4%) also posted a large increase in sales, which coincided with the three Taylor Swift concerts held at BC Place in Vancouver. Quebec (-1.6%) posted the largest sales decrease.”
Statistics Canada said annual sales of food services and drinking places totalled $96.5 billion in 2024, up 4.0% from 2023. Sales increased at limited-service eating places (+5.5%), full-service restaurants (+2.2%) and special food services (+6.8%) in 2024. Sales at drinking places (-1.9%) were down in the same period. Sales were up in all provinces, led by Ontario (+4.3%), Quebec (+3.6%) and British Columbia (+4.0%).
“Limited-service eating places, also known as fast-food or quick-service restaurants, increased $2.3 billion from 2023 to $44.8 billion in 2024. Every province had growth in the fast-food industry, with the highest increases being in Ontario (+5.5%), Quebec (+6.2%) and British Columbia (+6.0%),” said Statistics Canada.
“Sales in full-service restaurants increased by $895.5 million from one year earlier to $41.6 billion in 2024. Sales were up in nine provinces, led by Ontario (+2.2%) and British Columbia (+3.8%).
“Limited-service eating places (46.4%) and full-service restaurants (43.1%) held the largest shares of sales in the food services and drinking places subsector in 2024.”
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