Our job is to be your Community-Owned Co-op. We’re here every day, making a difference one bite at a time. We know that rising food costs are on many people’s minds, and sharing education and information is part of who we are.
We’re beginning to see price increases on items like coffee, chocolate, and Brazil nuts. This is due to a combination of new tariffs and the ongoing impacts of climate change. Experts suggest we’ll get a clearer picture of how tariffs will truly affect prices over the next 12 months.
Products most likely to be impacted are those that cannot be sourced domestically—or at least not at the scale of U.S. demand. As Lorrie Griffith shared in her article on the August 2025 FMI: Food Industry Association’s briefing on Trade, Tariffs, and Food Prices, 80% of the U.S. food supply is produced domestically.
According to the FMI, key products that can’t be mass-produced in the U.S. include bananas, coffee, mangos, cocoa, cinnamon, and vanilla. Others can be grown here, but not year-round, such as blueberries, avocados, broccoli, strawberries, peaches, and cucumbers.
The FMI has stated it will work with the current administration to establish an exemption process for foods that cannot be domestically produced.
Other affected imports include olive oil, wine, spices, rice, and seafood. Inputs like aluminum, steel, and copper—which are essential to many levels of food production and packaging—are also subject to tariffs.
SO, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
We’ll likely see price increases on imported goods, though the scale is still uncertain. Climate change will also continue to shape the future of our food system. The FMI remains confident that the supply chain will stay strong and grocery shelves will remain full.
At the Grain Train, we’re focused on strengthening our local and regional food supply chain. This has always been part of who we are, and we’re excited to continue expanding these selections in our stores.
We also know that local doesn’t always mean lower prices, so we want to share a few ways to save when shopping at the Grain Train.
First off, it pays to be an Owner. For $25 a year (until you reach the full $200 equity), you can become an Owner. Owners enjoy:
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- A 10% discount once per month on the day of your choice (excluding beer and wine)
- The potential for a patronage rebate once your ownership is fully paid
- 1% back on purchases through our owner-only loyalty program, plus double points on all Co+op Basics items
- Weekly owner-only deals
- Access to Grain Train Provisions, our special-order program for Owners
- A vote in our annual Board of Directors election—and the chance to run for a Board seat yourself
- Membership in a community of Owners who have supported the Grain Train and its mission for over 50 years
Many Owners use their 10% off day to stock up on pantry items, health and beauty products, and freezer staples. Loyalty points really add up, and Provisions helps Owners save even more—even on sale items!
Another way to save: shop our Co-op Deals. Every two to three weeks, a new sale period begins, featuring seasonal items and staples at great prices—these deals are for everyone.
Co-op Basics is another option: high-quality staple foods at value prices. From pasta and beans to broth, juice, rice, and cereal, these are everyday essentials priced with everyone in mind. Plus, keep an eye out in November for a Co-op Basis sale that you won’t want to miss!
And let’s not forget our bulk section. In Petoskey, we’ve expanded our offerings to include a wide range of grains, legumes, snacks, herbs, spices, and loose teas. Bring your own containers or use our bags—you’ll skip extra packaging, save money, and buy just the amount you need.
Now, we’ll be honest: we’re never going to be the cheapest store in town. Anti-trust laws that once protected small grocers from retail giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Dollar General stopped being enforced in the 1980s—and that affects us all. Our costs are higher than theirs.
But here’s what we promise: we’ll always offer the best prices we can while keeping our Co-op sustainable. For us, “profitable” means ensuring we’re here year after year—serving the community, being an employer of choice, and inspiring well-informed choices that support both people and planet.
We’re honored to be your Community-Owned Co-op in Downtown Petoskey and Boyne City. Since 1971, you’ve kept this special organization alive. We don’t take that lightly. Thank you for your years of support and loyalty. We can’t wait to see what the future holds—together.
Until next time, keep cooperating—and we’ll see you at the stores!
*This blog has been updated, the term monopolies has been changed to retail giants
