Peas market in Canada

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Canadian fresh peas market volume grew from 56 323 tonnes to 58 096 tonnes, while production increased from 45 531 tonnes to 50 178 tonnes. This expansion was supported by federal-provincial incentive programs like the Supercluster Protein Industries Canada, which encouraged green pea cultivation. The entry of new processing players backed by the Agri-Food Innovation Program and the allocation of additional hectares in Southern Ontario further boosted output.

In 2021, market volume dropped sharply to 49 268 tonnes and production fell to 42 251 tonnes, partly due to post-COVID price increases that dampened consumer demand. The market recovered in 2022, reaching 58 744 tonnes, after Canada secured a tariff-free agreement with China for pea exports and experienced surging demand for pea protein in ready-to-eat foods, creating a new product segment. This was aided by a 7% increase in sown area due to crop diversification incentives.

By 2023, market volume slightly declined to 56 544 tonnes despite improved pea yields in Western Canada, likely influenced by inflationary pressures on fresh vegetable prices. In 2024, national green pea production increased by 14.9%, supported by reduced refrigerated transport tariffs and the launch of innovative pea protein products like Burcon NutraScience's 'Peazazz C', indicating ongoing market diversification.

Production peas in Canada

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada ranked 21st globally in pea production volume.

Top producers of peas, 2017-2020

World map of production of peas, 2017-2020

Canada's pea production volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 50 178 tonnes, marking a controlled rise of 3.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 8.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 45 531 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 1.3%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 6.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Canada's pea output was valued at 28 808 thousand US dollars, reflecting a decline of 15.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 18.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -6.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 13.3%.

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

Exports peas from Canada

Exports in kind, t

Canada's pea exports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 3 204 tonnes, representing a significant increase of 38.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 33.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 126 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 11.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China (29.9% of exports in kind), the United States (19.3% of exports in kind), and the United Arab Emirates (14.5% of exports in kind) formed the core group of markets for Canada's pea exports, together accounting for 63.7% of total export flows.

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

Canada's pea export value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Canada exported 1 839 thousand US dollars worth of peas, amounting to a rise of 13.6% compared to 2019. The lowest export value was recorded in 2018 at 1 406 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 23.4%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a growth of 15.2%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, China (27.2% of exports in value terms), the United States (25.7% of exports in value terms), and the United Arab Emirates (11.8% of exports in value terms) were the top buyers of Canadian peas, with their combined share reaching 64.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports peas to Canada

Imports in kind, t

Canada's volume of pea imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 11 122 tonnes, reflecting a decrease of 5.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 80.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -42.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (31.0% of imports in kind), Mexico (29.9% of imports in kind), and China (20.1% of imports in kind) were the principal sources for Canada's pea imports, jointly accounting for 81.0% of total import flows.

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

Canada's pea import value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Canada imported peas worth 58 499 thousand US dollars, down by 6.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 9.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.3%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 58 499 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 1.2%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the United States (40.4% of imports in value terms), Mexico (32.1% of imports in value terms), and Guatemala (13.0% of imports in value terms) together absorbed 85.4% of total pea imports to Canada, making them the main sources.

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

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