The food and beverage processing sector is responsible for transforming raw food materials or substances into new products, which can be either finished and ready for consumption or semi-finished, serving as raw materials for further manufacturing.
The food and beverage processing sector holds a significant position in Canada’s economy, being the largest manufacturing sector in terms of both GDP contribution and employment statistics:
In 2022, the sales within the food processing industry amounted to $141.6 billion. While processing facilities are located across the country, the majority can be found in Ontario and Quebec. This sector is particularly advantaged by Canada’s trade agreements, such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and the United Kingdom-Canada agreement, which provide expanded export opportunities and access to markets.
Furthermore, the industry has established collaborative partnerships with the government to foster innovation clusters. These clusters bring together companies, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations, jointly accelerating the development of innovative products and processes.
The agri-food sector’s mandate extends to supporting primary agriculture and the food and beverage processing industry. This influence stretches across the broader agri-food system, impacting various segments of the food supply chain.
Canadian primary agriculture serves as a diverse economic driver throughout the country, encompassing around 189,874 farms and covering approximately 62.2 million hectares (6.2%) of Canada’s land area. Notably, the average farm size has increased by 50% over the past five decades due to technological advancements and industry consolidation.
Canada’s food system is recognized for its resilience and innovation, contributing to both the environment and the economy. In 2022, the entire agriculture and agri-food system achieved the following:
Qualifying R&D activities:
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