Canada Fruits and Vegetables Market Analysis
The Canada Fruits And Vegetables Market size is estimated at USD 14.11 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 16.37 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.01% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- The growing season in Canada is very short. Despite the relatively short growing season, Canadian farmers produce a wide range of fruits and vegetables, including apples, grapes, cherries, peaches, blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, and raspberries, and vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, spinach, lettuce, and asparagus.
- According to the Government of Canada, in 2022, carrots, onions, tomatoes, and lettuce were the major vegetable crops produced in the country. These vegetables accounted for more than 45% of the overall vegetable production in the country. The demand for fresh produce has been growing on a large scale because of increased healthier eating trends for consumers. Thus, the increase in health consciousness is driving market growth.
- However, harsh climatic conditions like extremely cold climates may also prevent production, restraining market growth. Canada relies heavily on imports to meet its fruit and vegetable needs, particularly during winter months. The organic segment within the fruits and vegetables market has seen significant growth, with organic produce accounting for approximately 7% of total fruit and vegetable sales in Canada in 2023. This growth is driven by consumers' concerns over pesticides and chemicals and the environmental impact of conventional farming practices, with consumers increasingly opting for locally grown produce, which is perceived as fresher and more sustainable.
- Therefore, the fruits and vegetables market in Canada is poised for continued growth, driven by health-conscious consumers, the popularity of organic produce, and an increasing preference for locally sourced and convenient products.
Canada Fruits and Vegetables Market Trends
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.
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.
Canada Fruits and Vegetables Market News
- December 2022: CMA CGM introduced the MOCANA service, a new seasonal offering aimed at exporting fruits and vegetables from the US East Coast and Canada during the produce season. This service features CMA CGM's 'Smart Containers' that are capable of monitoring the condition and status of the cargo in transit.
- June 2022: To enhance exports and stimulate the economy, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food declared an investment exceeding USD 700,000 in four initiatives within British Columbia's fruit market. Funded by the federal AgriMarketing and AgriScience Programs, these initiatives aim to help fruit producers increase competitiveness and elevate their sales in key export markets.
- February 2022: The Weston Family Foundation launched the USD 33 million Homegrown Innovation Challenge to stimulate new ideas and foster innovative approaches to enhance the sustainable cultivation of fruits and vegetables in Canada. The primary goal of the Challenge has been to discover methods that enable local food producers to cultivate berries out of season competitively, sustainably, and on a large scale.
