Market Trends of Canada Ornamental Horticulture Industry
Export Drives the Ornamental Horticulture Segment in the Country
Canada's ornamental plant exports continue to expand, primarily due to strong demand for flowers. In 2023, the total value of Canadian ornamental exports increased by 13.1% from 2022, reaching USD 1.073 billion. This represents a 39.4% increase over the average of the previous four years. A significant factor in this growth is Canada's ability to export a wide range of live plants with soil, including turf sod, potted plants, and bedding plants. The United States is the primary destination for Canada's ornamental exports, accounting for 99.6% of the total, while also providing 45.3% of Canada's ornamental imports by value in 2023.
While the broader ornamental export sector is expanding, the annual value of Canadian Christmas tree exports decreased slightly to USD 90.4 million in 2023, down 8.0% from 2022. However, this figure remains 3.5% higher than the average of the previous four years. The Christmas tree export market is dominated by three provinces: Quebec (66.7%), Nova Scotia (15.5%), and New Brunswick (13.8%).
The substantial growth in Canada's ornamental exports highlights its strong position in the international market, particularly in the United States, where it continues to be a key supplier. This trend reflects Canada's competitive advantage in the ornamental plant sector and its ability to meet the demands of the U.S. market effectively.
Ontario is Leading the Floriculture Industry in Canada
Ontario leads Canada's ornamental industry, driven by increasing demand for fresh-cut flowers, potted plants, and bedding plants. In 2022, the province accounted for 50.5% of Canada's total floriculture sales, making it the largest contributor in this sector. Ontario also dominated nursery product sales, representing 43.1% of the national total, and led in turf sod sales, generating USD 70.1 million, or 43.2% of the national total.
Several factors contribute to Ontario's leadership in the ornamental industry. According to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), a growing population, adverse climate conditions, and proximity to U.S. markets, coupled with large, technologically advanced operations, have all spurred growth in Ontario's floriculture sector.
Most floriculture production occurs in climate-controlled greenhouses, while nursery production typically takes place outdoors. The nursery industry is more vertically integrated, with many producers generating income from retail sales (garden centers), landscaping, and installation and maintenance services.
The total area for specialized greenhouse flowers and plants production in Ontario increased to 3,603.1 thousand square meters in 2023, up from 3,330.9 thousand square meters in the previous year. This expansion represented 48.4% of Canada's total greenhouse production area for flowers and plants, further reinforcing Ontario's dominant position in the sector.
