Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Canada

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds in Canada fluctuated between 2018 and 2023, reaching a peak of 162 thousand tonnes in 2020. This surge was supported by record export volumes of 44.6 million kilograms, highlighting robust production and strong international demand for Canadian produce.

Market volume stabilized around 151 thousand tonnes in 2022. Farmers planted the largest acreage since 2007, but severe drought and extreme heat reduced pumpkin yields, limiting supply growth. Concurrently, a shift in consumer behavior emerged, with households buying squash in larger quantities for freezing and winter storage, which helped maintain demand. By 2024, an early and favorable growing season promised a timely harvest, while product diversification accelerated with over 120 varieties of gourds, squash and pumpkins appearing on the market.

In value terms, the market grew significantly to USD 129.7 million in 2022 and reached USD 131.0 million in 2023, indicating higher prices or a shift toward more valuable product segments even as physical volume remained steady.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Canada

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

After two years of decline, Canada's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds rebounded in 2020. That year, output reached 146.4 thousand tonnes, marking a significant 12.8% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 129.8 thousand tonnes, when it fell by 1.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of Canada's pumpkin, squash, and gourd production was 74 735 thousand US dollars, up 2.5% from the previous year. The lowest value occurred in 2019 at 72 940 thousand US dollars, representing a 3.0% decline. The peak was in 2018, when output reached 75 212 thousand US dollars.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Canada

Exports in kind, t

Canada's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, shipments abroad totaled 44 627 tonnes, a 21.1% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 67%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States was the primary and nearly exclusive market for Canada's pumpkin, squash, and gourd exports in volume terms, accounting for 99.9% of total shipments.

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 pumpkin, squash, and gourd exports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value amounted to 22 776 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steady 10.0% rise from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 51.4%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 14.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada's pumpkin, squash, and gourd exports in value terms were almost entirely concentrated in the United States, which held a 99.8% 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 pumpkins, squash and gourds to Canada

Imports in kind, t

Canada's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds have risen for the third year running. In 2020, imports reached 60 001 tonnes, showing a modest 4.1% gain over 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports expanded dramatically by 294.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 58.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, Mexico and the United States were the leading suppliers of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to Canada, together making up 84.6% of total import volume. Other sources each contributed relatively small 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

Following two years of decline, Canada's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds increased in 2020. That year, import value totaled 66 816 thousand US dollars, indicating a 19.0% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 span, imports grew by 15.8%, averaging 5.0% per year. The lowest value was in 2019 at 56 149 thousand US dollars, when it dropped by 2.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico was the dominant source for Canada's pumpkin, squash, and gourd imports in value terms, accounting for 70.6% of total flows. The remainder was spread across several smaller markets.

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

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