From vast prairie grain belts to the nation's busiest greenhouses, Canada's food industry is a powerhouse of production, processing, and consumption, as revealed by a year of record-breaking harvests, shifting consumer habits, and thriving international trade.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, Canadian farms produced 82.3 million metric tons of grains and oilseeds, a 5.2% increase from 2021 driven by favorable weather in the Prairies.
- Dairy production in Canada reached 9.8 billion litres in 2023, with Quebec accounting for 38% of total output under supply management.
- Canada's beef cattle inventory stood at 11.9 million head as of July 1, 2023, down 1.4% from the previous year due to drought impacts.
- In 2022, Canadian food processing establishments numbered 7,800, employing 244,000 workers with sales of $140 billion.
- The meat processing sector generated $28.5 billion in revenues in 2022, accounting for 22% of total food manufacturing.
- Bakery and tortilla manufacturing output reached $12.4 billion in 2023, with 1,200 plants across Canada.
- In 2023, Canadian retail food sales reached $125 billion, with supermarkets capturing 78% market share.
- Grocery store sales grew 7.2% to $102 billion in 2022, driven by inflation and online shifts.
- Convenience stores sold $18.5 billion in food and beverages in 2023, with 25% from prepared foods.
- Household grocery spending averaged $1,450 per capita in 2022, up 8% from 2021.
- 68% of Canadians consumed plant-based alternatives weekly in 2023, up from 55% in 2020.
- Average annual meat consumption per capita was 82 kg in 2022, poultry at 35 kg highest.
- Canada's agri-food exports reached $92.1 billion in 2023, up 6% from 2022.
- United States imported $44.5 billion of Canadian food products in 2023, 48% of total exports.
- Canola oil exports hit $5.8 billion in 2023, to China and U.S. primarily.
Canada's diverse food industry is strong, growing, and export-focused across production, processing, and retail.
Consumption
1Household grocery spending averaged $1,450 per capita in 2022, up 8% from 2021.
Verified268% of Canadians consumed plant-based alternatives weekly in 2023, up from 55% in 2020.
Verified3Average annual meat consumption per capita was 82 kg in 2022, poultry at 35 kg highest.
Verified4Dairy consumption averaged 220 litres per capita in 2023, cheese leading at 18.5 kg.
Directional5Fruit and vegetable intake averaged 5.2 servings daily per person in 2022, below WHO's 7.
Single source6Soft drink consumption was 110 litres per capita in 2023, declining 2% YoY.
Verified752% of Canadians followed a specific diet in 2023, keto and vegan top at 15% each.
Verified8Bread consumption per capita was 25 kg annually in 2022, white bread 45% share.
Verified9Seafood consumption averaged 23.5 kg per capita in 2023, salmon at 8 kg highest.
Directional10Snack consumption frequency was 3.2 times daily in 2022, 40% savory preferences.
Single source1137% of Canadians reduced sugar intake in 2023, driving low-sugar product sales up 11%.
Verified12Per capita spending on organic foods was $245 in 2022, urban areas 30% higher.
Verified13Home meal replacement consumption grew 14% to 45 meals per household yearly in 2023.
Verified1461% of consumers prioritized local foods in 2022, boosting farm-to-table purchases.
Directional15Alcohol consumption averaged 8.1 litres pure alcohol per capita in 2023, beer 50%.
Single source16Functional beverage intake rose 18% in 2023, energy drinks at 25 litres per capita.
VerifiedConsumption Interpretation
While Canadians are clearly trying to eat their vegetables and cut sugar, our collective diet remains a tug-of-war between the aspirational kale salad and the undeniable allure of cheese, chicken, and snacks that has grocery bills climbing.
Processing
1In 2022, Canadian food processing establishments numbered 7,800, employing 244,000 workers with sales of $140 billion.
Verified2The meat processing sector generated $28.5 billion in revenues in 2022, accounting for 22% of total food manufacturing.
Verified3Bakery and tortilla manufacturing output reached $12.4 billion in 2023, with 1,200 plants across Canada.
Verified4Dairy product manufacturing sales hit $18.2 billion in 2022, dominated by fluid milk and cheese processing.
Directional5Fruit and vegetable preserving industry produced 2.1 million tonnes in 2022, with frozen products at 55%.
Single source6Seafood processing plants processed 1.2 million tonnes in 2023, generating $3.8 billion in exports.
Verified7Sugar and confectionery manufacturing revenues were $9.6 billion in 2022, led by chocolate products.
Verified8Beverage manufacturing, including soft drinks, totaled $15.1 billion in sales in 2023.
Verified9Snack food manufacturing grew 4.2% to $7.3 billion in 2022, with potato chips dominant.
Directional10Flour milling output was 3.5 million tonnes in 2022, supplying 80% of domestic wheat flour needs.
Single source11In 2023, 65% of Canadian food processors adopted automation, boosting productivity by 12% on average.
Verified12Vegetable and melon processing facilities numbered 450 in 2022, canning 450,000 tonnes annually.
Verified13Poultry processing throughput reached 1.5 million tonnes in 2023, with integrated operations leading.
Verified14Juice and beverage concentrate production was 1.2 million hectolitres in 2022.
Directional15Cheese production totaled 550,000 tonnes in 2023, with specialty cheeses up 8%.
Single source16Ready-to-eat food manufacturing sales hit $10.2 billion in 2022, growing 6.5% YoY.
Verified17Edible oil refining capacity was 4.5 million tonnes in 2023, processing 95% canola-based.
Verified18Frozen food production volume reached 2.8 million tonnes in 2022, led by vegetables and meals.
VerifiedProcessing Interpretation
Canada’s food industry, employing a quarter-million people, is a sprawling, $140 billion culinary juggernaut that’s equal parts carnivore (thanks to its massive meat sector) and tech-savvy bean counter, all while keeping the nation reliably fueled with everything from milled wheat to frozen peas and an ever-growing mountain of potato chips.
Production
1In 2022, Canadian farms produced 82.3 million metric tons of grains and oilseeds, a 5.2% increase from 2021 driven by favorable weather in the Prairies.
Verified2Dairy production in Canada reached 9.8 billion litres in 2023, with Quebec accounting for 38% of total output under supply management.
Verified3Canada's beef cattle inventory stood at 11.9 million head as of July 1, 2023, down 1.4% from the previous year due to drought impacts.
Verified4Greenhouse vegetable production hit 1.1 million tonnes in 2022, led by tomatoes at 580,000 tonnes primarily from Ontario.
Directional5Apple production in Canada totaled 62,000 tonnes in 2022, with British Columbia contributing 55% of the national yield.
Single source6Canada's pork production reached 1.46 million tonnes in 2023, up 2.1% year-over-year with Ontario as the top province.
Verified7Potato production across Canada was 6.4 million tonnes in 2022, with Prince Edward Island producing 25% of the total.
Verified8Maple syrup production amounted to 13.7 million litres in 2023, a record high primarily from Quebec's 92% share.
Verified9Canada's canola production surged to 19.3 million tonnes in 2022, making it the world's second-largest producer after China.
Directional10Greenhouse cucumber production reached 240,000 tonnes in 2022, with Leamington, Ontario, as the key hub supplying 70%.
Single source11In 2023, Canadian farms harvested 34.2 million tonnes of corn for grain, up 12% from 2022 due to expanded acreage.
Verified12Strawberry production totaled 55,000 tonnes in 2022, concentrated in Quebec and British Columbia with field and greenhouse combined.
Verified13Canada's barley production was 10.1 million tonnes in 2022, vital for malt and feed with Alberta leading at 45%.
Verified14Soybean output hit 6.8 million tonnes in 2023, a 15% rise with Ontario producing 60% of the national total.
Directional15Wild blueberry production reached 45,000 tonnes in 2022, mostly from Nova Scotia and Quebec wild harvests.
Single source16Oat production in Canada was 3.2 million tonnes in 2022, supporting the domestic feed and export markets.
Verified17Greenhouse bell pepper production totaled 180,000 tonnes in 2022, driven by year-round facilities in Ontario.
Verified18Lamb and mutton production was 14,500 tonnes in 2023, with small-scale operations across provinces.
Verified19Cranberry production amounted to 12,000 tonnes in 2022, led by British Columbia's 70% share.
Directional20Sunflower seed production reached 1.5 million tonnes in 2022, mainly for oil in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Single sourceProduction Interpretation
Canada's agricultural output reads like a carefully balanced recipe: the Prairies are baking a massive grain and oilseed surplus under sunny skies, Quebec is diligently measuring out nearly all the maple syrup and much of the milk, Ontario is running the year-round greenhouse and pork operations, and everyone else is specializing in everything from Prince Edward Island potatoes to Nova Scotia blueberries, all while collectively keeping an eye on the weather and the cattle count.
Retail
1In 2023, Canadian retail food sales reached $125 billion, with supermarkets capturing 78% market share.
Verified2Grocery store sales grew 7.2% to $102 billion in 2022, driven by inflation and online shifts.
Verified3Convenience stores sold $18.5 billion in food and beverages in 2023, with 25% from prepared foods.
Verified4Online grocery sales hit $6.8 billion in 2023, representing 5.4% of total food retail.
Directional5There were 18,500 grocery and supermarket outlets in Canada in 2022, down 1.2% from 2021.
Single source6Food service sales in retail reached $22 billion in 2023, including takeout and delivery.
Verified7Private label food products accounted for 22% of grocery sales in 2022, up from 19% in 2020.
Verified8Organic food retail sales totaled $9.2 billion in 2023, growing 12% annually.
Verified9Fresh produce sales in supermarkets were $15.4 billion in 2022, with bananas top at $1.1B.
Directional10Meat department sales reached $14.7 billion in 2023, with chicken overtaking beef at 42% share.
Single source11Dairy case sales hit $12.8 billion in 2022, fluid milk down 3% but yogurt up 5%.
Verified12Baked goods retail volume was 2.1 million tonnes in 2023, bread at 60% of category.
Verified13Snack aisle sales grew to $8.9 billion in 2022, chips and extruded snacks leading.
Verified14Beverage retail sales totaled $28.5 billion in 2023, non-alcoholic at 65% share.
Directional15Health and wellness food products sales reached $11.3 billion in 2022, 9% market growth.
Single source16In 2023, 42% of retail food waste was diverted from landfills via donations and composting.
Verified17E-commerce penetration in food retail was 6.2% in 2023, with 15 million users monthly.
VerifiedRetail Interpretation
While inflation and shifting habits keep us clicking for convenience and reaching for private labels, the heart of the Canadian grocery cart reveals a nation still devoted to its bananas, chicken, and snacks, all while quietly making more room for organics and a bit less for waste.
Trade
1Canada's agri-food exports reached $92.1 billion in 2023, up 6% from 2022.
Verified2United States imported $44.5 billion of Canadian food products in 2023, 48% of total exports.
Verified3Canola oil exports hit $5.8 billion in 2023, to China and U.S. primarily.
Verified4Pork exports totaled $4.9 billion in 2023, with Asia taking 55% volume.
Directional5Wheat exports reached 25.6 million tonnes valued at $9.2 billion in 2023.
Single source6Seafood exports were $9.1 billion in 2023, lobster to China at $3.2B.
Verified7Pulse exports (peas, lentils) hit $4.5 billion in 2023, India top market.
Verified8Maple syrup exports amounted to $650 million in 2023, U.S. 75% share.
Verified9Beef exports reached $5.7 billion in 2023, U.S. and Japan key destinations.
Directional10Processed fruit exports totaled $2.8 billion in 2023, berries to Europe growing.
Single source11Dairy exports surged to $1.9 billion in 2023, cheese to U.S. at $900M.
Verified12Agri-food imports into Canada were $68.4 billion in 2023, fruits 25% share.
Verified13U.S. supplied 62% of Canada's food imports at $42.3 billion in 2023.
Verified14Processed food imports hit $22.1 billion in 2023, snacks from U.S. dominant.
Directional15Tropical fruit imports totaled 1.8 million tonnes in 2023, bananas 70%.
Single source16Wine imports reached $1.2 billion in 2023, France and Italy top suppliers.
Verified17Vegetable oil imports were 1.1 million tonnes in 2023, palm oil 40%.
Verified18Food trade surplus with U.S. was $12.6 billion in 2023 for Canada.
Verified19EU-Canada trade deal boosted agri-food exports by 15% to $3.4B in 2023.
Directional20Potato exports reached 1.2 million tonnes valued at $550 million in 2023.
Single sourceTrade Interpretation
Canada has successfully leveraged its land and policy deals to feed the world's most discerning palates, exporting a pantry from prairie wheat to Atlantic lobster, while still leaving room on its own plate for bananas, wine, and the occasional American snack.
Sources & References
- Reference 1STATCANwww150.statcan.gc.caVisit source
- Reference 2AGRICULTUREagriculture.canada.caVisit source
- Reference 3STATCANstatcan.gc.caVisit source
- Reference 4AGRagr.gc.caVisit source
- Reference 5FPPAfppa.caVisit source
- Reference 6OMAFRAomafra.gov.on.caVisit source
- Reference 7NOVASCOTIAnovascotia.caVisit source
- Reference 8ICic.gc.caVisit source
- Reference 9DFO-MPOdfo-mpo.gc.caVisit source
- Reference 10GRAINSCANADAgrainscanada.gc.caVisit source
- Reference 11FOODPROCESSINGfoodprocessing.comVisit source
- Reference 12EPCepc.comVisit source
- Reference 13DAIRYFARMERSOFCANADAdairyfarmersofcanada.caVisit source
- Reference 14FMIfmi.caVisit source
- Reference 15CANOLACOUNCILcanolacouncil.orgVisit source
- Reference 16RETAILCOUNCILretailcouncil.orgVisit source
- Reference 17CSPDAILYNEWScspdailynews.comVisit source
- Reference 18RESTAURANTSCANADArestaurantscanada.orgVisit source
- Reference 19NIELSENIQnielseniq.comVisit source
- Reference 20COTAcota.orgVisit source
- Reference 21BAKERYINFObakeryinfo.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 22BEVNETbevnet.comVisit source
- Reference 23NUTRAINGREDIENTSnutraingredients.comVisit source
- Reference 24SECONDHARVESTsecondharvest.caVisit source
- Reference 25STATISTAstatista.comVisit source
- Reference 26PROATERRAproaterra.comVisit source
- Reference 27BEVERAGESDIGESTbeveragesdigest.comVisit source
- Reference 28DALMENYdalmeny.comVisit source
- Reference 29NIELSENnielsen.comVisit source
- Reference 30HEARTANDSTROKEheartandstroke.caVisit source
- Reference 31NPDGROUPnpdgroup.comVisit source
- Reference 32FOODLANDfoodland.gov.on.caVisit source
- Reference 33INNOVAMARKETINSIGHTSinnovamarketinsights.comVisit source
- Reference 34SWINEHEALTHONTARIOswinehealthontario.caVisit source
- Reference 35PULSECANADApulsecanada.comVisit source
- Reference 36BEEFbeef.orgVisit source
- Reference 37INTERNATIONALinternational.gc.caVisit source
- Reference 38CBSA-ASFCcbsa-asfc.gc.caVisit source