Potato market in Canada

Earlier Report Observations

The Canadian fresh potato market volume grew from 4.8 million tonnes in 2018 to 6.0 million tonnes in 2023, with notable expansions in 2021 and 2023. The 2021 surge to 5.9 million tonnes coincided with the creation of the Quebec Parmentier cooperative, which introduced flavored varieties and marketing efforts to counter declining consumption. In 2023, market volume increased further to 6.0 million tonnes as McCain Foods and Cavendish Farms announced major investments to double processing capacity in Alberta, boosting demand for raw potatoes.

Regulatory measures established a consistent framework for the market. From 2018, Quebec mandated the use of certified seed potatoes in protected zones, while federal rules updated labeling requirements for fresh potatoes, including standardized size designations for interprovincial trade and imports. Provincial support programs like Agri-Quebec expanded financial and technical assistance to growers, helping maintain production stability.

In 2024, potato production reached a record high nationally, driven by favorable growing conditions and continued processing investments, including new McCain facilities. Temporary market trial authorizations for round potatoes and updated food safety regulations reflected ongoing adjustments to the regulatory environment.

Production potato in Canada

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Canada ranked as the 13th largest producer of potatoes during the period from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of potato, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato, 2017-2020

In 2020, Canada produced 5 287 thousand tonnes of potatoes, marking a 1.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 5 205 thousand tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, with a 4.0% decrease, while the largest increase was observed in 2019, at 3.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Canada's potato production value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 2 951 million US dollars, showing a 6.4% year-over-year uptick. Between 2017 and 2020, production value rose by 21.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.8%.

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

Exports potato from Canada

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, Canada's potato exports rebounded. In 2020, Canada exported 530.3 thousand tonnes of potatoes, representing a 19.8% increase from 2019. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 442.6 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 15.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States played a dominant role in Canada's potato exports in kind, consistently accounting for 93.5% of total 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, M $ US

In 2020, potato shipments from Canada to international markets amounted to 296.0 million US dollars, a 29.3% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 24%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 228.9 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 9.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, the export market structure was highly concentrated, with the United States alone responsible for 94.5% of total exports in value terms.

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 to Canada

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Canada's potato import volume stood at 187.2 thousand tonnes, reflecting a robust decrease of 16.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 26.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 164.3 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 35.4%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 35.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States clearly dominated as the supplier of potatoes to Canada, accounting for 99.9% of total imports in kind.

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

In 2020, potato shipments to Canada from abroad were recorded at 89.1 million US dollars, indicating a solid drop of 17.3% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 7.6%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 107.7 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 17.8%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the United States was the key and almost sole market for potato imports to Canada in value terms, accounting for 99.9% of total flows.

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

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