The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, April 18, edition that Metro posted strong food sales amid higher prices for fresh fruit and vegetables in its most recent quarter. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe reports that Metro's internal measure for food inflation rose 2.5 per cent over the 12 weeks ended March 16, while its food same-store sales moved up 4.3 per cent. Statistics Canada released figures on Wednesday that showed produce led the rise in food inflation this past March. Canadians paid 15.7 per cent more for fresh vegetables and 8.6 per cent more for fresh fruit last month compared with March, 2018. Chief executive officer Eric La Fleche said there are signs of meat inflation down the road, pointing to China's issue with pork production as it grapples with an outbreak of African swine fever in its pig population. It is hard to say whether that will have a domino effect on other meat prices, he said. Metro also said it is piloting its delivery offering in Toronto and expects to launch in the Greater Toronto Area in the next few weeks. Metro earned $121.5-million or 47 cents a diluted share during its second quarter, up from a profit of $106.9-million or 47 cents a share a year ago.