More than half of Nova Scotians believe grocery stores are jacking up the prices to make more money.

The numbers are contained in a new survey by Dalhousie University.

Roughly 52 per cent of shoppers in Nova Scotia believe it’s price gouging and it is clear those who responded were unconvinced by recent testimony from the grocery CEOs in Ottawa, denying claims they were profiting of higher food prices.

“Grocers may stock their shelves with the freshest produce and finest goods, but without the trust of their consumers, their offerings will not sway consumers,” said Janet Music, research associate at Dalhousie University. “For grocers, transparency, ethics, and sustainability will be even more critical moving forward.” 

Overall, the survey of about 10,000 Canadians, finds about 30 per cent across the country believe grocery chain price gouging is the main reason for rising food prices.

Others believe inflation is the main factor.