Market Trends of Canada Fruits And Vegetables Industry
Apples and Tomatoes are the Most Significantly Produced in the Canadian Market
- Apple production in Canada is a significant part of the country's agricultural industry. The most popular varieties grown include McIntosh, Gala, Empire, and Ambrosia, with McIntosh historically being the most widely cultivated. The apple-growing regions are primarily concentrated in the provinces of British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, where the climate is conducive to apple orchards due to a combination of cold winters and warm summers. British Columbia leads in production, contributing about 30-35% of the national output. The Okanagan Valley, located in British Columbia, is particularly known for its high-quality apples. Ontario and Quebec also play major roles, with Ontario producing around 25% of the total output and Quebec contributing around 23%.
- Tomato production is also a significant segment of the country's horticultural market. Canada is not a top global producer of tomatoes but remains an important contributor, particularly in greenhouse cultivation, which has seen substantial growth due to the country's climate. For instance, the area under greenhouse cultivation of tomatoes in the country increased by 17% from 618.4 hectares in 2019 to 720.8 hectares in 2022. Greenhouse production has become increasingly important, allowing for year-round cultivation and higher yields per hectare compared to field-grown tomatoes. Canada’s tomato production is concentrated primarily in Ontario, which accounts for the majority of both field-grown and greenhouse tomatoes.
- Apple exports are an important aspect of the Canadian fruits industry, with the United States being the primary market, followed by the United Kingdom and several Asian countries. Canada exports around 20-25% of its apple production, with export volumes fluctuating depending on the domestic crop yield and global demand. The fresh tomatoes market is also robust, with the majority of greenhouse tomatoes sold domestically. However, Canada also imports a substantial quantity of fresh tomatoes, primarily from the United States, particularly during the winter months when domestic production is lower. Therefore, the ideal conditions for the production of certain fruits and vegetables, characterized by a strong emphasis on greenhouse cultivation and export demand, are anticipated to drive the market in the coming years.
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Increase in Exports of Fruits and Vegetables Driving the Canadian Market
- Canada is one of the leading exporters of fresh fruits and vegetables, with key export markets including the United States, Europe, and Asia. The United States remains the largest market, accounting for over 60% of Canada's fruit and vegetable exports due to geographical proximity and the benefits of trade agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). Other significant markets include Japan, China, and the United Kingdom.
- In 2023, Canada's exports of blueberries, apples, and cranberries accounted for around 70% of the nation's total fruit export volume. Blueberries are the major fruits exported from Canada, driven by their popularity as a "superfood" in global markets. For instance, in 2023, the export of blueberries from Canada was 130.2 thousand metric tons, primarily to the United States, China, and Japan. Apple exports also remain strong, with key markets including the United States and the United Kingdom.
- Similarly, carrots, cabbages, and onions were the predominant vegetables exported, representing 40% of the country's vegetable export volume. The United States remained Canada's largest purchaser in 2023, importing 95.9% of Canada's total field vegetable exports in terms of value, according to Statistics Canada.
- The Canadian government actively supports existing and new companies in exporting fruits and vegetables to enhance their market reach. For instance, in 2024, the Canadian government invested USD 4 million to support Group Export Agri-Food Québec-Canada. This funding is a part of the AgriMarketing Program, which aims to enhance the global reach of Canadian fruit and vegetable exporters. This initiative seeks to strengthen Canada’s position as a leading supplier of high-quality fruits and vegetables worldwide, thereby driving growth in the market.
