Asparagus market in Canada

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the asparagus market volume in Canada remained stable at around 31 300 tons annually. This stability occurred alongside a notable increase in domestic production, which rose from 8 963 tons in 2018 to 10 235 tons in 2019, partly due to the ongoing introduction of higher-yielding male hybrid cultivars like 'Guelph Evolution' and 'Guelph Eclipse' from the University of Guelph. These innovations improved crop quality and supported output in key provinces like Ontario. Concurrently, growing consumer health consciousness in North America bolstered demand for fresh and organic asparagus, helping to maintain overall market size even as import levels fluctuated.

The market reached a peak of 34 534 tons in 2021 before declining in subsequent years. The downturn was primarily driven by a sharp contraction in imports, which fell from over 27 000 tons in 2021 to 17 641 tons in 2023, while domestic production continued to expand. This shift aligned with strengthening consumer preference for locally sourced produce and was contextualized by regulatory developments, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's consultation on revising grade and quality standards for fresh asparagus. The growth in exports also reflected this trend toward domestic supply chains.

Production asparagus in Canada

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Canada was one of the world's leading asparagus producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking 17th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of asparagus, 2017-2020

World map of production of asparagus, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, asparagus production in Canada declined. In 2020, Canada produced 7 761 tonnes of asparagus, marking a significant 24.2% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 13.3%, which translates to an annualized decline of 4.7%. The peak production was recorded in 2019 at 10 235 tonnes, with the largest increase of 14.2% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Canada in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of asparagus output in Canada was $34 538 thousand US, showing a 22.0% drop from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 10.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at $44 251 thousand US, with the largest increase of 26.3% also in 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Canada in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports asparagus from Canada

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, asparagus export volumes from Canada declined. In 2020, Canada exported 1 289 tonnes of asparagus, down 38.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 10.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.7%. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 087 tonnes, with the largest increase of 26.6% also in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Canada in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada's export partner base for asparagus in volume terms was extremely narrow, with the United States alone accounting for 99.5% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Canada in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of gains, the value of asparagus exports from Canada declined. In 2020, Canada exported $5 735 thousand US worth of asparagus, a 36.4% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value fell by 7.7%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at $9 024 thousand US, with the largest increase of 40.0% also in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Canada in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Canada's asparagus exports in value terms were almost entirely concentrated in the United States, which held a 99.7% share of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Canada in value, 2017-2020

Imports asparagus to Canada

Imports in kind, t

Canada imported 24 855 tonnes of asparagus in 2020, indicating a moderate 6.1% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 23.9%, with a CAGR of 7.4%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 2.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 19.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Canada in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Mexico and Peru were the core sources for Canada's asparagus imports in volume terms, jointly accounting for 94.8% of total imports, with other destinations having relatively modest shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Canada in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, the value of asparagus imports into Canada increased. In 2020, imports amounted to $86 773 thousand US, which is 4.5% higher than the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at $83 049 thousand US, with the largest decline of 2.4% also in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Canada in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico and Peru remained the key partner countries for Canada's asparagus imports in value terms, with a combined share of 92.5% of total flows; other partners accounted for the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Canada in value, 2017-2020