In this new edition of Fast Delivery, we will release figures from a study on the consumption of carbonated beverages, we will assess the zero waste challenge for restaurants and we will announce the start of cohabitation between two popular chains.

First, yes the consumption of carbonated drinks was halved between 2004 and 2015, to the chagrin of Coke and Pepsi. On the other hand, fruit juices on the one hand, but especially coffees and sweet teas remain popular and their consumption is even increasing during the same period studied. These data raise fears of the worst for nutritionists who see a weight problem on the horizon. Water remains by far the main thirst quencher.

Second, several restaurants have admitted that the zero waste objective that several cities in the province want to implement will not be achieved without monetary repercussions for their businesses. The biggest enemy of course is the single-use plastic product. If they had rather choose compostable products in order to reach the objective and comply with future regulations, the increase in spending would be around 3.9% ... while their profit margins currently oscillate around of 4 %. Definitely an expense that they should pass on to consumers, again. Will the various levels of government be able to offer any assistance?

Finally, the most recent marriage between two Canadian chains results in a new cohabitation in Quebec: St-Hubert and Harvey’s will now both find themselves under the same roof next June. This concept is already present in Montreal with separate dining rooms. Recipe Unlimited, the owner of the chains, chose to combine the St-Hubert and Harvey’s brands a little over two years ago in order to take advantage of the traffic in the former at the hamburger restaurant.