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Food Industry Statistics in Canada

The Food and Beverage processing sector

2019

Stats | Food Industry Statistics in Canada

The Food Industry is a significant sector in Canada, contributing to the country’s economy and providing significant benefits and employment opportunities.

Here are some key statistics about the food industry in Canada:

Economic Contribution

The food industry is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in Canada, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. In 2019, the food and beverage processing industry accounted for $117 billion in shipments, representing 16.4% of total manufacturing shipments in Canada. ^[1]

Employment

The food industry is a major employer in Canada, providing jobs to a significant portion of the population. In 2020, the food and beverage manufacturing industry employed approximately 250,000 people, making it one of the largest employers in the manufacturing sector. ^[1]

Food Retail Sales

The retail sales of food and beverages in Canada have steadily increased over the years. In 2020, the total retail sales of food and drinks amounted to $117.8 billion, representing a 5.9% increase compared to the previous year. ^[1]

Food Exports

Canada is a major exporter of food products, with a diverse range of agricultural commodities and processed foods exported to various countries. In 2020, the total value of food and beverage exports from Canada reached $68.8 billion, with the United States being the largest export market. ^[1]

Food Imports

Canada also imports a significant amount of food products to meet domestic demand. In 2020, the total value of food and beverage imports into Canada amounted to $64.4 billion. The United States is the largest source of food imports for Canada. ^[1]

Organic Food Market

The demand for organic food products has been growing in Canada. In 2019, the organic food market in Canada reached $6.9 billion in sales, representing a 5% increase compared to the previous year. Organic fruits and vegetables accounted for the largest share of organic food sales. ^[2]

Food Waste

Food waste is a significant issue in Canada, with a considerable amount of food wasted yearly. Canadians are estimated to waste about 11 million metric tons of food annually, valued at approximately $49.5 billion. This not only has economic implications but also contributes to environmental concerns. ^[3]

These statistics highlight Canada’s food industry’s importance and the various aspects that contribute to its growth and development. The industry’s economic contribution, employment opportunities, and international trade are crucial to the country’s overall economy.

Sources: Canada Small Business – Statistics | 2023