Statistics Canada says food manufacturing sales hit record high of $12.3 billion in October

Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales rose 2.8% to $72.6 billion in October as higher prices helped boost petroleum and coal industry sales.

The agency says sales were up in 12 of the 21 industries it tracks, led by a 12.7% gain for petroleum and coal industry sales, which totalled $10.6 billion in October.

Sales in the food manufacturing industry hit a record high in October as they climbed 2.9% to $12.3 billion as grain and oilseed milling sales gained 18.4% to $2.0 billion, with prices and volumes for canola oil both higher.

Chemical product sales rose 4.9% to $6.1 billion.

Meanwhile, sales of motor vehicles fell 3.2% to $3.4 billion as Statistics Canada said a lack of materials and microchip shortages continue to plague several auto manufacturers.

Overall sales in constant dollars were unchanged in October, indicating that the increase in current dollar sales was driven by higher prices.