Prof. Michael von Massow was featured on CBC News and CTV News Dec. 13, discussing his projections for major food trends in 2018.  He recently co-authored a new food trends report with other U of G researchers.

Alternative proteins from plants, insects and lab-grown meats, more food choices and niche products, as well as an increase in eating out in restaurants, are some of the trends von Massow flagged for next year. The report also said the minimum wage increase may put financial strain on food businesses, especially restaurants.

The CBC report also discussed the 8th annual  Canada’s Food Price Report that was released Dec. 13.  The report, a partnership between U of G and Dalhousie University, predicts Canadians will spend more money than ever before in restaurants and on convenience foods in 2018, and pay higher prices for vegetables and fruits in grocery stores.

Last week, von Massow made headlines for a commentary he wrote in The Conversation Canada on tipping. This commentary grabbed national headlines in Maclean’s and the National Post and was reported on CBC radio. In the article, von Massow talks about the origin of tipping, its intended purpose and the movement toward abolishing the practice.

A professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics, von Massow studies the structure and performance of food value chains, economics of food demand in restaurant and retail, management science and operations, and pricing strategy.