Canada processed fruit and vegetable sales reach USD 8.5 billion

The processed fruit and vegetable sector in Canada reached USD 8.5 billion in sales in 2025, marking a 6.1% growth rate. This expansion is driven by domestic demand and a structural reliance on imported ingredients, as local production often fails to meet year-round scale requirements.

Major industry players such as McCain Foods and Lassonde Industries are significant purchasers of oils, concentrates, and sweeteners. In the retail segment, processed fruit and vegetable products reached a record USD 2.1 billion, with McCain Foods holding over 12% of the market share. Consumer trends are shifting toward “clean label” products, frozen options, and convenience foods, increasing demand for natural preservatives and sodium-reduction solutions.

Importing food and beverages into Canada involves a complex regulatory framework managed by three primary agencies: the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for safety and licensing, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for customs and duties, and Health Canada for consumer product regulations. Compliance with the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) is mandatory for various categories, including meat, dairy, seafood, and processed produce, to avoid shipment rejections at the border.