Chicken thigh prices rise as Canadian grocery inflation shifts

Chicken thigh prices in Canada rose sharply in June, even as overall inflation eased. According to Statistics Canada, fresh or frozen chicken thighs increased 8.2% from May to June and were 13.6% higher than a year earlier. Economists say the increase is linked to stronger demand for chicken as shoppers look for cheaper protein alternatives to beef. Food prices for other items that had recently climbed, including cucumbers, tomatoes and grapes, fell in June, but meat prices remained uneven. Experts note that chicken supply is limited in the short term, so prices can move quickly when demand changes. They also say several chicken products, not just thighs, have become more expensive, while beef continues to shape buying habits across Canada.