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Quick Stats

Quick Stats

Organics Dashboard From Passport

  • Artisinal products accounted for a 5.7% share of organic packaged food and beverages in Canada in 2021, with Agropur Co-operative Agro-Alimentaire the leading company (5.3%), followed by Nature’s Path Foods Inc (4.7%).
  • The country ranks in the top 10 globally for market size and top 20 for forecast growth over the period 2021-2026.

 

  • Organic products in Canada registered a market value of US$1795.3 mn, representing about 3.0% of global demand in 2021.
  • Increasing support from the government and retailers is expected to increase accessibility and affordability of organic products. This is one of the key drivers expected to propel organic products in Canada with a forecast CAGR of 6.3% for the period 2021-2026.
Qualitative Analysis

Qualitative Analysis

Quick Facts
  • Organic packaged food and beverages in Canada recorded an increase of 11.9% over 2019-21, registering a market size of US$1,795.3 million.
  • Growth in organic packaged food was fuelled by organic dairy, which accounted for almost 30% of the market in 2020 and recorded a 14.6% expansion over 2019-21.
  • Organic beverages recorded a 4.6% expansion over 2019-21, registering a market size of US$557.6 million in 2021.
Market Trends
  • Organic packaged food in Canada recorded an increase of 15.5% over 2019-21, registering a market size of US$1,237.7 million in 2021. Organic packaged food is no longer considered a luxury, affordable to only high-income consumers. It is now sold by all mainstream chained grocery retailers, in line with the ongoing health and wellness trend in Canada. Prices of organic packaged food and beverages are able to remain relatively competitive in Canada, compared to other countries, as the organic industry in Canada receives support from the government in terms of investment and market access. 
  • Over 2019-21, consumers spent more time at home, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, which benefited organic packaged food. Heightened health consciousness and increase in home cooking led consumers to be more careful regarding the ingredients in their food. Organic products with indulgence positioning also performed well over the period, as consumers looked for healthy alternatives to treat themselves. These products included organic chocolate confectionery, organic ice cream and organic sweet biscuits, with “organic” being increasingly viewed as denoting high quality ingredients.
  • Organic beverages in Canada grew over the Covid-19 pandemic period of 2019-21. As sales shifted from foodservice to retail, the overall hot drinks industry achieved double-digit retail volume growth in 2020. Organic hot drinks accounts for nearly three-quarters of sales of overall organic beverages and saw higher growth than organic soft drinks in 2020. One of the key reasons for this growth was the work from home structure and the shift from people from buying take-away tea and coffee to buying premium organic tea and coffee as an at-home indulgence and due to raised health awareness. 
  • Organic coffee was already witnessing dynamic growth and peaked in 2020, recording an expansion of 17.9% over 2019-20. Sales declined in 2021 as foodservice sales resumed and consumers began to visit coffee shops once again. Coffee subscription models proved successful during the pandemic, as consumers became more educated about and had access to organic and fair-trade coffee. They also offered the convenience of home delivery and the ability to receive personalised products through services such as Bean Box. The subscription model is forecast to be a key diver in organic coffee sales as many consumers have continued to purchase coffee habitually through their subscription services.
Competitive Landscape
  • Organic packaged food in Canada was led by Loblaw Cos Ltd in 2021, capturing a retail value share of 8.1%, driven by the wide range of products it offers via its President’s Choice range. Private label products have more competitive pricing, which leads to robust demand. The President’s Choice range dominates in organic milk formula and holds strong shares in other areas, including organic edible oil, breakfast cereals, rice, and honey. The top branded player in 2021 was Agropur, capturing a retail value share of 7.6%. It is the leader in fresh organic milk and has been investing in its flagship brand, Natrel, expanding its product range and venturing into new categories such as butter and cream, with latest launches including high protein dairy and fine-filtered cream in 2020. 
  • Nature’s path ranked third in organic packaged food in Canada in 2021, with a retail value share of 6.9%. Nature’s Path has a strong presence in organic breakfast cereals and organic cereal bars. The Covid-19 pandemic led to an increased focus on innovation within organic companies and Nature’s Path was no exception. The company’s most recent new launches include Superfood Granolas and convenient, ready-to-eat Oatmeal Cups, with these claiming to be “chock full of functional ingredients designed to contribute to optimal health, improve endurance, boost stamina and sharpen mental focus”. 
  • There has also been an increase of awareness and consciousness in the realm of sustainability in Canada, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Organic Meadow, the fourth largest company within organic packaged food in Canada, has been reinforcing its brand positioning of sustainable farming and reduced environmental impact. One of the company’s most recent initiatives saw it partnering with Loop, a reusable platform, and launching products such as organic kefir packaged in 946ml reusable and refillable zero-waste glass bottles.
  • Organic beverages in Canada were led by Kicking Horse Coffee in 2021, capturing a retail value share of 12.8%. This was in line with the heightened demand for organic coffee over the pandemic period of 2019-21, with organic coffee capturing a 58.7% retail value share within organic beverages in 2021. Organic fruit/vegetable juice was another booming category within organic beverages in 2021, accounting for a retail value share of 27.8%, as consumers aimed to shift from unhealthy, high-sugar juices to ones with natural sugars and organic claims. Kiju Organic was a leader within this category, highlighting multiple sustainability claims, and using paper compostable straws as a way to encourage consumers to perceive their products as holistically ethical. Loblaw Cos’ President’s Choice private label line of organic fruit/vegetable juice also boosted sales within the category as it provided a more affordable option for consumers.
Prospects And Growth Opportunity
  • Against the backdrop of an improving economic climate, and growing consumer concerns regarding sustainability and environmental impact, organic packaged food is forecast to exhibit a robust 6.2% CAGR over the forecast period, 2022-25. The Covid-19 pandemic bolstered the ongoing health and wellness trend in Canada. This continued growth will also be intensified by the Canadian government’s financial commitment to support local organic farmers, which will encourage more local producers to enter the organic market over the forecast period and benefit sales as there is also growing demand for locally produced food. However, towards the end of 2020 and 2021, some retail outlets faced issues in maintaining availability and ensuring a good supply chain, especially for organic honey, organic dairy, and organic edible oils. Therefore, increasing manufacturing capacity and maintaining supply and shelf presence will be key to the growth of organic packaged food over the forecast period. 
  • Organic beverages are forecast to exhibit a strong 5.7% CAGR over the forecast period, 2022-25, benefiting from the health trend, which was accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Organic coffee is set to be the key category that drives growth, with organic soft drinks and organic hot drinks set to witness strong performance as well. The pandemic has not only caused consumers to reflect on what they put into their bodies, but also on how what they eat and drink impacts the environment. Organic beverages which clearly position themselves as free from pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, and GM ingredients, as well as being better for the environment due to the use of more responsible farming practices, are set to perform well over the forecast period. 
  • However, organic beverages are set to face stiff competition from other health and wellness beverages with claims on their packaging, including fortified/functional and naturally healthy beverages. Organic beverages remain the smallest category within health and wellness beverages in both retail volume and current value terms, largely due to its relatively high prices in comparison to other health and wellness beverages. They achieve the best sales in more premium supermarket outlets, such as Metro. However, the growth of e-commerce is forecast to lead to a shift in sales to online channels over 2022-25. Investment from the large soft drinks manufacturers and other players will also be key to the success of organic beverages over the forecast period. 
  • E-commerce is forecast to be a driver of organic packaged food and beverages sales over 2022-25, as the channel saw exponential growth in current value sales for organic packaged food and beverages in 2020, maintaining dynamic double-digit growth in 2021. Retailers and producers are increasingly investing in this space and the channel carries a larger organic product offering than most physical stores. E-commerce offers the opportunity for niche brands to gain attention and for players to reach out to a wider consumer base over the forecast period, 2022-25.
General Health And Wellness Trends
  • Over the forecast period, 2022-25, health and wellness is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.4%, a slight decline from the 4.2% CAGR recorded over the review period, 2018-21. Within health and wellness, naturally healthy was the top performing category in 2021, capturing a retail value share of 43.7%. Better for you (21.0%), fortified/functional (18.6%), organic (9.0%), and free from (7.7%) followed. The significant impacts of Covid-19 on sales are expected to fade, with stabilisation seen as vaccinations continue to be rolled out and consumers return to work and resume socialising outside the home. A lasting impact of the pandemic is expected to be greater consumer awareness of health and wellness, and the food and beverages that are consumed, which will drive growth over the forecast period. Around one-third of the population is obese in Canada, and the pandemic has led to a widespread rise in health awareness and consciousness. 
  • Innovation in ingredient-fusing in food and beverages is also likely, particularly as the cannabis industry matures and looks for other value-added properties. The development of e-commerce will also help drive interest in health and wellness packaged food and beverages, with this offering greater opportunities for consumers to explore and find out more about the benefits of these products. E-commerce will also offer more opportunities for smaller players and local producers to gain a foothold in the market. With a growing focus on sustainability and clean labels by consumers, this could also provide a boost to domestic producers, especially those with organic certification. 
  • One potential obstacle to growth is the uncertain economic scenario. Although consumers’ willingness to pay for healthy products has increased, if there is a significant downturn in the economy due to Covid-19, this could force consumers either to switch to cheaper brands and private label, or to switch away from HW packaged food and beverages altogether. Organic products would likely be particularly hard hit in this scenario, with these often carrying much higher prices.
General Economics And Demographic Landscape

Economy: 

  • The Canadian economy is projected to reach pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022 and expand at an average annual real rate of 1.8% over 2021-2040.
  • In 2020, the annual inflation rate in Canada fell below the central bank’s 1.0–3.0% target range but is forecast to rise gradually over the medium term and settle at around 2.0% by 2023.
  • The country’s foreign investments were severely affected in 2020 but are set to recover gradually over the medium term, supported by business-friendly regulations, a well-educated workforce, and well-developed infrastructure.

 

 Population demographics: 

  • The population of Canada grew to 38.2 million in 2021 and is expected to rise to 39.7 million by 2025.
  • The large size of Canada's north, which is not at present arable, and thus cannot support large human populations, significantly lowers the country's carrying capacity. In 2021, the population density of Canada was 4.2 people per square kilometre.
  • The median age in 2021 was recorded at an all-time high 41.1 years and is further expected to increase to 45.0 years by 2040. 

 

Income & expenditure: 

  • Per capita gross income in Canada is forecast to increase by 25.8% in real terms over 2021-2040.
  • Over the 2020-2030 period, Canada is projected to increase by two positions and rank 15th out of 84 countries in Euromonitor International’s Wealth Index.
  • The Ontario region is anticipated to remain the largest consumer market in Canada by 2040, accounting for 38.5% of total consumer expenditure.
Data

Data

Organic Packaged Food And Beverage Data

Data type

Unit

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

CAGR
(18-21)

CAGR
(22-25)

Health & wellness products consumption [1]

USD million

17,527.7

18,090.4

19,712.8

19,853.4

20,612.0

21,356.2

22,070.7

22,768.1

4.2%

3.4%

Organic packaged food and beverages consumption

USD million

1,497.7

1,604.9

1,800.2

1,795.3

1,951.1

2,092.6

2,211.6

2,325.9

6.2%

6.0%

Organic packaged food consumption

USD million

1,003.4

1,071.8

1,201.9

1,237.7

1,327.6

1,417.0

1,505.0

1,590.1

7.3%

6.2%

Organic beverages consumption

USD million

494.3

533.1

598.3

557.6

623.6

675.6

706.7

735.8

4.1%

5.7%

Organic packaged food and beverages consumption as a % of total health & wellness products consumption

%

8.5

8.9

9.1

9.0

9.5

9.8

10.0

10.2

-

-

 

[1] Health and Wellness Definition: Health and wellness is the aggregation of organic packaged food and beverages, fortified/functional packaged food and beverages, naturally healthy packaged food and beverages, better for you packaged food and beverages and food intolerance products. The above definition and more can be referenced from the definitions table at the end of the report.

Economic And Demographic Data

Data type

Unit

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Total population

million

37.1

37.6

38.0

38.2

38.5

38.9

39.3

39.7

% Middle and upper class of total population

%

29.7

29.7

29.7

29.7

29.8

29.8

29.8

29.8

% Population aged 65+

%

17.1

17.5

18.0

18.4

18.9

19.4

19.9

20.3

% Population aged 0-14

%

16.1

16.0

15.9

15.8

15.7

15.6

15.4

15.3

% Population with higher education degrees

%

44.8

45.1

45.3

45.5

45.7

45.9

46.0

46.1

Average number of children per household

children

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

GDP per capita

USD per capita

48,104.7

49,033.0

46,308.2

51,949.8

53,532.9

54,590.6

55,302.0

55,750.7

Consumer expenditure per capita (US$)

USD per capita

26,892.8

27,356.5

25,717.6

27,804.4

28,979.2

29,637.7

30,108.6

30,501.3

Consumer expenditure per capita on food and non-alcoholic beverages (US$)

USD per capita

2,430.9

2,507.0

2,728.7

2,615.2

2,685.6

2,727.6

2,763.0

2,792.8

 

Retailer And City Data

Top 5 Cities By Population

Data category

Rank

City/retailer

Population
(millions)

Top cities by population (2021)

1

Toronto

6.5

Top cities by population (2021)

2

Montreal

4.4

Top cities by population (2021)

3

Vancouver

2.7

Top cities by population (2021)

4

Calgary

1.6

Top cities by population (2021)

5

Edmonton

1.5

 

Top 5 Grocery Retailers By Sales

Data category

Rank

City/retailer

Top grocery retailers by sales (2021)

1

George Weston Ltd

Top grocery retailers by sales (2021)

2

Empire Co Ltd

Top grocery retailers by sales (2021)

3

Walmart Inc

Top grocery retailers by sales (2021)

4

Metro Inc

Top grocery retailers by sales (2021)

5

Liquor Control Board of Ontario

 

United States Department Of Agriculture Global Agricultural Trade System Data

Top 5 Export Commodities To Canada

Year

Country

Rank of
Product/Commodity

Product/Commodity

Export Value (US$)

2021

Canada

1

Organic Lettuce Not Head Fr/Ch

43,330,466

2021

Canada

2

Organic Strawberries Fresh

42,248,224

2021

Canada

3

Organic Spinach Fr/Ch

38,443,024

2021

Canada

4

Organic Carrots Fr/Ch

26,613,616

2021

Canada

5

Organic Apples Fresh

24,264,038

2021

Canada

Total

Total Organics*

320,732,662

2020

Canada

1

Organic Lettuce Not Head Fr/Ch

43,094,382

2020

Canada

2

Organic Spinach Fr/Ch

38,605,746

2020

Canada

3

Organic Strawberries Fresh

31,662,040

2020

Canada

4

Organic Carrots Fr/Ch

27,343,716

2020

Canada

5

Organic Tomato Sauce Ex Ketchup

25,228,019

2020

Canada

Total

Total Organics*

304,562,788

2019

Canada

1

Organic Lettuce Not Head Fr/Ch

43,418,657

2019

Canada

2

Organic Spinach Fr/Ch

34,313,167

2019

Canada

3

Organic Strawberries Fresh

31,950,595

2019

Canada

4

Organic Carrots Fr/Ch

26,459,464

2019

Canada

5

Organic Tomato Sauce Ex Ketchup

20,715,198

2019

Canada

Total

Total Organics*

296,872,727

2018

Canada

1

Organic Lettuce Not Head Fr/Ch

41,888,400

2018

Canada

2

Organic Spinach Fr/Ch

34,244,476

2018

Canada

3

Organic Strawberries Fresh

31,684,425

2018

Canada

4

Organic Carrots Fr/Ch

27,110,811

2018

Canada

5

Organic Tomato Sauce Ex Ketchup

23,112,136

2018

Canada

Total

Total Organics*

292,744,783

 

Note : Total organics is the sum of all exports in a particular year   

Definitions

Definitions

Term

Definition

Health and Wellness

Health and wellness is the aggregation of organic packaged food and beverages, fortified/functional packaged food and beverages, naturally healthy packaged food and beverages, better for you packaged food and beverages and food intolerance products.

Organic packaged foods and beverages

This category includes packaged food & beverages that are certified organic by an approved certification body. Organic production is based on:

• A system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers.
• Organic food & beverages are minimally processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives or irradiation.
• The use of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organism) is prohibited. “Certified Organic” means the item has been grown according to strict uniform standards that are verified by independent state or private organizations.
• Depending on the country, such products are called ‘organic’, ‘biological’ or ‘ecological’: For organic products to be included under Euromonitor definitions, the organic aspect needs to form part of positioning/marketing of the product. This is an aggregation of organic baby food, bakery, confectionery, dairy, ice cream, oils and fats, ready meals, rice, sauces, dressings and condiments, snack bars, soups, spreads, sweet and savory snacks and other organic food.

Note that fresh food products or individual ingredients are not included in this definition.

Compound annual growth rate (CAGR)

The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is the average annual growth rate over a specified period of time. For instance, the CAGR consumption of from 2018 – 2021 will be the average growth rates across these three years.

USDA GATS data clarification

The data presented in table 2.4 represents the dollar values of the top 5 organic commodities as well as of the total organic exports of the trade partner for the period 2018-2021 as per the United States Department of Agriculture’s Global Agricultural Trade System, a database consisting of international agricultural, fish, forest and textile products trade statistics dating from the inception of the Harmonized coding system in 1989 to present.

Policy Information

Policy Information

Government Agency(s) / Competent Authority

Authorized Government Agency(s):

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

Agency(s) Contact Information:

1400 Merivale Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0Y9
Telephone: 1-800-442-2342 / 613-225-2342
TTY: 1-800-465-7735
Fax: 613-228-6601
Web
Canada Organic Regime information

Organic Regulations and/or Standards

Name(s) of Regulation and/or Standard:

Canada has an Equivalency Arrangement with the United States
Agreement information from Canada
Agreement information from the United States

Canadian Organic Standards This link includes:

  • General Principles and Management Standards (CAN/CGSB-32.310 - 2020)
  • Permitted substances lists (CAN/CGSB-32.311 -2020)
  • Aquaculture – General principles, Management standards and permitted substances lists (CAN/CGSB32.312 – 2018)
  • Organic Standards Interpretation Committees.

Canada has Equivalency Arrangements with European Union, Costa Rica, Japan, Taiwan, Switzerland and the United Kingdom as well.

Date of Implementation: 2009

Regulation and/or Standard Scope:

Regulations apply to food and drink intended for human consumption and food intended to feed livestock, including agricultural crops used for those purposes. They also apply to the cultivation of plants. Standards encompass crops, livestock, apiculture, maple products, mushrooms, sprouts, greenhouse crops, and wild crops, as well as processing and handling. Wines sold in Canada may be labeled as organic even if they contain sulfites.

Since January 15, 2019, organic aquaculture products are required to comply with the Organic Aquaculture Standard CAN/CGSB-32.312 Organic Production Systems –Aquaculture – General principles, management standards and permitted substances lists incorporated by reference in the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR). Aquaculture products are not within the scope of of Canada's current international organic equivalency arrangements. Some fresh fruits and vegetables grown with aquaponic techniques could potentially meet either CAN/CGSB-32.312 Organic Production Systems – Aquaculture – General principles, management standards and permitted substances lists or CAN/CGSB 32.310 – Organic Production Systems – General Principles and Management Standards.

Imported Products

A product may be imported or marketed in Canada as an organic product if it is certified as organic by a certification body recognized by a country with which Canada has an import/export arrangement, and the certification is in accordance with the agreement or arrangement referred to in that paragraph. Canada has equivalency arrangements with the United States, the European Union, Costa Rica, Japan, Taiwan, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The equivalency arrangement with the United States includes all USDA organic products, whether they are produced and certified in the US or around the world

Canada's regulations prohibit the use of sodium (Chilean) nitrate. The agreement requires that raw organic produce imported be grown without its use. USDA-authorized certifying agents may not certify Canada-based operations to USDA organic standards. Hydroponic or aeroponic raw produce cannot be sold as organic in Canada. Agricultural products derived from animals (with the exception of ruminants) must be produced according to livestock stocking rates as set out in Canada's organic requirements.

Canada does not have a "100 percent organic" claim for products, so US products sold in Canada must not make this claim. All imported products must comply with all of Canada's packaging and labeling rules. Therefore, finished goods must be relabeled to gain entry and distribution. For example, labels must in both French and English.

Both the 'Canada Organic Biologique Canada' logo and the 'USDA Organic' seal may be used on products entering Canada, provided the products contain at least 95% organic ingredients and meet all the other NOP labeling requirements for the 'USDA Organic' seal. If the 'Canada Organic' seal is used, either the country of origin or 'imported' must appear near the seal. Products that contain 70-95% organic ingredients can state the percentage of organic ingredients on the product label as % organic ingredients. U.S. labeling for 'Made with. . .' organic products will not meet Canada's requirements.

Requirements for documentation for organic products imported to Canada under Canada/US equivalency arrangement: https://inspection.canada.ca/organic-products/equivalence-arrangements/requirements/eng/1588111274513/1588111275200

Certification and Accreditation

Certification:

Lists of approved certifiers, both within and outside Canada.

Accreditation:

The CFIA oversees, monitors and enforces the requirements of the Canada Organic Regime using a third-party service delivery model that includes conformity verification bodies, certification bodies and organic operators. (List of conformity verification bodies). Currently, there are three conformity verification bodies:
Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia (COABC)
Committee on Accreditation for Evaluation of Quality (CAEQ)
International Organic Accreditation Service (IOAS)

Additional Information

Additional Information:

Canada is on the EU's third country list.

U.S. International Trade Administration

Useful contacts and agencies

Canadian Food Inspection Service: Food-specific import requirements

Health Canada Food Labeling Changes (2021)
USDA's Gain Report CARM Customs Program Mandatory in May 2024 (2023)
USDA's Gain Report New Certification of Origin Process Under USMCA (2020)
USDA's Gain Report Health Canada publishes templates for updated Nutrition Facts Tables and List of Ingredients Requirements (2017)
USDA's Gain Report Canada Exporter Guide (2022)
USDA's Gain Report Canada Retail Foods (2022)
USDA's Gain Report Food and Processing Ingredients (2021)
USDA's Gain Report Food Service - Hotel Restaurant Institutional HRI (2023)
USDA's Gain Report Industrial Hemp Production Trade and Regulation (2018)
USDA's Gain Report Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Export Certificate Report (2022)
USDA's Gain Report Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Country Report (2022)
USDA's Gain Report New Border Assessment and Revenue Management Program for Importers (2022)
USDA's Gain Report Canada to Set Recycled Content Requirements for Beverage Containers and Other Plastic Items (2022)
USDA's Gain Report Canada Publishes Final Regulations Banning Single-Use Plastics (2022)
USDA's Gain Report Guidance and Resources on Canada's Front of Package Nutrition Labels (2022)
USDA's Gain Report Canada Publishes Front-of-Package Nutrition Labelling and Other Food Labelling Regulations (2022)
USDA's Gain Report Canada Publishes New Regulations for Supplemented Foods (2022)
USDA's Gain Report Guidance and Resources on Canada's Supplemented Foods (2022)

Canada Organic Trade Association Report Organic Agriculture in the Prairies (2018)

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How to use this website

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) brings the US organic industry to developing markets around the world. This database is a comprehensive tool for OTA membership interested in participating in or expanding international trade in organic products by providing information to understand international markets for organic products. Select the country you wish to export to and find out whether it has an agreement with the United States, who its certifiers are, and much more.

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