On Point | Podcast
How groceries are priced
Apr 8, 2025
Lauren Shenaridis, an expert in food prices and the supply chain from Colorado State University, and Ted Janicki, a Penn State agricultural economics professor, dive into the intricate world of grocery pricing. They unpack the staggering 23% increase in costs over four years and the factors driving this trend: tariffs, labor dynamics, and supply chain disruptions. The discussion highlights emotional consumer reactions and the implications of food safety regulations. They also address the challenges posed by food deserts and the reliance on immigrant labor in the agricultural sector.
45:57
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Quick takeaways
- Grocery prices have soared over 23% due to rising production costs, transportation fees, and external pressures like inflation and geopolitical events.
- Government tariffs significantly impact food pricing and availability, complicating the food market while consumer reliance on loyalty programs grows.
Deep dives
Rising Grocery Prices and Consumer Impact
Grocery prices have significantly increased over the past four years, with an average rise of more than 23%. Factors contributing to this surge include rising production costs, transportation fees, and various external pressures such as the pandemic and geopolitical events like the war in Ukraine. Consumers have reported drastic increases in the prices of everyday items, leading many families to struggle with their grocery budgets. For instance, bread prices at certain stores have jumped from around $5 to nearly $7 in just a matter of weeks, highlighting the distressing inflation in basic food staples.
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