Frozen vegetables market in Canada

Earlier Report Observations

The Canadian frozen vegetables market contracted in volume from 1,283 thousand tons in 2018 to 1,197 thousand tons in 2020, with production falling to 1,184 thousand tons. A strong recovery followed in 2021, lifting market volume to 1,346 thousand tons and production to 1,322 thousand tons.

From 2021 onward, economic pressures and rising grocery prices made frozen vegetables a cost-saving choice for households, boosting demand. This shift was supported by growing consumer interest in plant-based diets, which increased the appeal of frozen vegetable products as convenient and nutritious options.

Market dynamics were further influenced by rising packaging material costs and falling refrigerated trucking rates due to lower fuel prices. Major processor Nortera, with its 13 Canadian plants, provided stable support for local agriculture and production, helping sustain market growth through 2023 when volume reached 1,377 thousand tons.

Production frozen vegetables in Canada

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada was one of the world's top producers of frozen vegetables, ranking third globally by production volume.

Top producers of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

Canada's frozen vegetable production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 1 184 thousand tonnes, marking a slight year-over-year decrease of 2.5%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 6.1%, with an average annual decline of 2.1%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 291 thousand tonnes, which saw a 2.3% increase. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with a 5.9% decrease.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of frozen vegetable production in Canada also declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, it was valued at 1 308 million US dollars, down 7.4% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 10.1%, equating to an average annual decline of 3.5%. The peak value was in 2018 at 1 500 million US dollars, which represented a 3.1% increase.

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

Exports frozen vegetables from Canada

Exports in kind, K t

Canada's frozen vegetable export volume fell for the third straight year. In 2020, exports totaled 122.8 thousand tonnes, a small decrease of 2.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 6.9%, with an average annual decline of 2.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the primary destination for Canada's frozen vegetable exports, accounting for 99.3% of total export volume.

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, M $ US

The value of Canada's frozen vegetable exports also declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were worth 135.6 million US dollars, a moderate decrease of 7.5% from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value fell by 10.9%, with an average annual decline of 3.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States remained the dominant market for Canada's frozen vegetable exports in value terms, holding a 99.4% share.

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

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

Imports frozen vegetables to Canada

Imports in kind, K t

Canada imported 135.5 thousand tonnes of frozen vegetables in 2020, which was 7.0% less than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import volume decreased by 17.4%, with an average annual decline of 6.2%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 121.3 thousand tonnes, which saw a significant drop of 26.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 20.1% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main sources for Canada's frozen vegetable imports were the United States (40.1% of import volume), China (16.6%), and Mexico (9.8%), together making up 66.5% of total imports.

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, M $ US

After increasing for two years, the value of Canada's frozen vegetable imports declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 171.7 million US dollars, showing little change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 38.3%, with an average annual increase of 11.4%. The highest value was in 2019 at 172.0 million US dollars, which saw an 18.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, China, and Mexico were the top three markets for Canada's frozen vegetable imports in value terms, collectively accounting for 67.3% of total imports.

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

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