Dr. Simon Somogyi, the Arrell Chair in the Business of Food, has made several media appearances to discuss why some Canadians are currently seeing bare shelves at grocery stores. 

Somogyi spoke to The Guardian in the U.K. about the current trucker convoy, and its political involvements and connections to food shortages.  

“At the end of the day, we need more trucks on the road,” he said. “If everyone came to the table for an honest discussion about this, rather than making political statements, it’d be better for everyone.”  

In an interview with CBC The National, he cautioned against panic buying, as it will make the situation of bare shelves worse. He also said, “we won’t be running out of food anytime soon,” even though Canadians may occasionally see shortages of certain brands or products.  

Speaking to CBC Business, he elaborated on the key reasons for the bare shelves, saying that the time of year, COVID-19’s impact on the agricultural industry and the trucker vaccine mandate have all upset the “delicate balancing act” that is Canada’s food supply chain.  

On CBC Radio, Somogyi made similar comments and said that the current strain on the food supply system may require consumers to shop around.  

While speaking to CTVNews.ca, he explained that consumers should not be overly concerned as some of the issues behind the bare shelves, such as the weather and trucker absenteeism, will be relatively short-term.  

On air with 980 CFPL London News, Somogyi focused on how the perfect storm of conditions leading to the shortages has led to an increase in food prices of about five to seven per cent. 

An agribusiness researcher in the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management, Somogyi researches agri-food value chain analysis and management, international market development and food consumer behaviour.