CANADA’S FRESH PRODUCE INDUSTRY STANDS OUT GLOBALLY
Canada’s fresh-food sector remains a vital driver of both the national economy and the country’s international reputation. From the beef ranches of Alberta to the dairy farms of Quebec and the fishing fleets off the Atlantic coast, fresh Canadian products are recognised worldwide for their quality, traceability and safety. Anchoring this dynamic industry is SIAL Canada, the country’s premier agri-food exhibition and the gateway to both North American and global markets.
In 2024, Canada’s agriculture and agri-food system generated the equivalent of €101.5 billion in gross domestic product, around seven percent of the national total. It is responsible for one in nine Canadian jobs, employing more than 2.3 million people, and serves as a vital economic and social backbone for communities across the country. The food and beverage processing industry within that system is formidable, with total sales exceeding €118 billion in 2024. Meat products alone accounted for more than a quarter of this figure, with dairy representing a further eleven percent, while bakery and prepared foods contributed to the remainder.
Canada is also an agricultural exporter of global significance. Approximately half of the value of primary agricultural production is sold abroad, either in its raw form or as processed food and beverage products. Beef and veal exports reached 494,358 tonnes in 2024, valued at €3.3 billion, while pork exports stood at an impressive 1.45 million tonnes, worth €3.7 billion. Poultry and egg production generated more than €4.6 billion in the same year. Dairy farming continues to be a cornerstone of the food system, with 1.375 million head of dairy cattle across 9,256 farms, supporting dairy exports valued at €377 million. Canada’s coastal waters also play their part, with fish and seafood exports worth €5.2 billion in 2023.
The strength of this sector lies not only in its scale but also in its diversity. Livestock and poultry farming ensures a steady supply of beef, pork, chicken and eggs, while dairy farmers have built a reputation for quality milk, cheese and butter. Canadian seafood, harvested from the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic waters, is sought after in markets around the world. Fruit and vegetable producers, meanwhile, make full use of fertile prairies, orchard regions and greenhouse technologies to provide a growing range of fresh produce. While imports remain necessary to ensure year-round variety, Canadian growers have been innovative in extending seasons and reducing the distance from farm to table.
SIAL Canada serves as the central meeting point for this entire industry. It is the only national trade fair to bring the full spectrum of food products under one roof, from dairy and eggs to meat, poultry, seafood, fresh produce, bakery goods and delicatessen specialities. Each year, the event attracts more than 1,000 exhibitors from over 44 countries and welcomes around 21,000 professional visitors from Canada, the United States and more than 70 other nations. The exhibition provides a unique opportunity for Canadian producers to showcase their products to domestic buyers, while also forging export links and building bridges into the US and international markets.
The appeal of SIAL Canada extends well beyond the exhibition floor. The event is a platform for innovation, where trend reports, conferences and competitions highlight new ideas and market opportunities. It allows producers, processors and buyers to discover not only new products but also fresh collaborations. A cheesemaker from Quebec might connect with a charcuterie producer from Europe, or a seafood exporter from British Columbia might establish new retail partnerships in Asia.
In a world increasingly preoccupied with food security, sustainability and consumer trust, Canada’s fresh-food sector offers a compelling story. It is rooted in abundant natural resources and a diversity of landscapes, governed by high regulatory standards that inspire confidence in international markets, and sustained by resilient supply chains that connect remote farms and fisheries to tables across the globe.
SIAL Canada is where Canada’s fresh-food story comes alive. It is the beating heart of the country’s agri-food sector, a place where innovation meets opportunity and local know-how connects with global demand. Each edition confirms Canada’s position as a trusted supplier of quality, diversity and taste to the world.
For companies eager to showcase their products to buyers from across North America and beyond, becoming an exhibitor at SIAL Canada offers unmatched visibility. For professionals wishing to discover the very best in fresh food innovation, plan your visit to SIAL Canada and experience the industry at its most vibrant.
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Image credit: SIAL Canada