Potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets market in Canada

Earlier Report Observations

The Canadian market for potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets saw significant fluctuations from 2018 to 2023. Market volume grew from 10 354 t in 2018 to a peak of 15 869 t in 2021, interrupted only by a dip to 13 015 t in 2020. The initial expansion was underpinned by the entry of new players and major investments in processing capacity from companies like McCain Foods and JR Simplot. This wave of investment increased the demand for potato raw materials and supported the growth in market volume, particularly as imports rose to meet processing needs.

A sharp contraction occurred in 2022, with the market falling to 7 707 t. This was primarily driven by trade uncertainties and tariff concerns, which prompted companies to adjust orders and led to a significant surge in exports. By 2023, the market partially recovered to 9 968 t, supported by ongoing industry efforts to manage potato wart disease through new restrictions and biosecurity measures from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which helped stabilize domestic supply chains.

In 2024, new regulatory frameworks were established, including the National Potato Wart Response Plan and the Potato Growers of Alberta Plan Regulation, aimed at controlling disease and organizing local marketing. These changes coincided with a reported record national potato harvest, setting the stage for potential shifts in the availability of raw materials for processing into potato-based products.

Production potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets in Canada

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Globally, Canada ranked as the 19th largest producer of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets, 2017-2020

Canada's production of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 8 191 tonnes, down 2.7% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 3.6%, averaging an annual decline of 1.2%. The highest production level was in 2018 at 8 699 tonnes, while the largest decrease occurred in 2019 with a 3.2% drop. In contrast, 2018 saw the biggest increase at 2.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The value of Canada's potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets production rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production was valued at 11 286 thousand US dollars, up 7.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, the value increased by 17.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 9 478 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 1.1%. The most significant increase happened in 2019 with an 11.2% rise.

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

Exports potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets from Canada

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Canada's exports of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets rebounded. In 2020, exports totaled 9 649 tonnes, a 16.8% increase year-over-year. However, from 2017 to 2020, overall exports fell by 18.8%, with an average annual decrease of 6.7%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 8 262 tonnes, which also experienced the largest drop of 17.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, nearly all of Canada's exports of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets in volume terms went to the United States, accounting for 93.2% 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

Following a two-year downturn, the value of Canada's potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets exports increased. In 2020, exports were valued at 13 295 thousand US dollars, up 28.5% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 10 345 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with an 18.4% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, virtually all of Canada's exports of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets in value terms were linked to the United States, making up 92.7% of total export 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 potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets to Canada

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Canada's imports of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets in volume terms declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 14 473 tonnes, a 5.4% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 68.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.9%. The peak import volume was in 2019 at 15 301 tonnes, and the largest increase happened in 2018 with a 35.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the dominant source for Canada's imports of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets in volume, holding a 94.3% share 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, K $ US

Canada's imports of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets in value terms grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 21 495 thousand US dollars, a 1.9% increase year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value surged by 87%, averaging an annual growth rate of 23.2%.

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

During 2017-2020, the United States was the clear leader in supplying potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets to Canada, capturing 92.9% of total import value.

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

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