Sobeys warns poor weather will keep produce prices high

MONTREAL — Canadians can expect high prices for produce to last at least several more weeks as a result of the weak loonie and weather issues in crop-growing areas, one of the country’s largest grocery chains said Monday. In addition to the adverse impact of the lower Canadian dollar, flooding caused by ElNino have contributed to supply shortages and price increases on produce from California and Mexico, said Claude Tessier, president of Sobeys Quebec. “From what we hear the situation is going to be for the next three weeks and then we’ll see how things evolve (along) the west coast,’’ Tessier told reporters after Sobeys CEO Marc Poulin spoke to the Canadian Club. The company, which also operates banners such as IGA, Safeway and FreshCo, is struggling to deal with the worst situation in 30 years by trying to import fresh food from other growing areas such as Florida, Morocco and Spain, Tessier said.