Canada is making headlines as one of the fastest-growing exporters of fruits and vegetables globally, according to analysts at EastFruit. The country has achieved an impressive annual export growth rate of 9.2%, surpassing Morocco and adding $305 million USD to its export revenue each year.
To provide context, Canada’s annual increase in fruit and vegetable exports is equivalent to the total pre-invasion export volume from Ukraine. By the end of 2023, Canada’s total exports in this sector reached $3.9 billion USD, a figure 12 times greater than Ukraine’s and about 4.5 times more than Uzbekistan’s.
In relative terms, only Egypt (11.7%) and Peru (10.5%) have posted higher growth rates over the past five years. Thailand, notable for its durian exports to China, was excluded from this ranking as its growth is largely specific to that market.
Canada’s success in this sector can be attributed to several factors. Andriy Yarmak, an economist with the FAO, cites the country’s free trade agreements with the U.S., access to high-quality water, and inexpensive hydroelectric power. Additionally, Canada’s advanced greenhouse complexes are pivotal, delivering both high product quality and exceptional yield rates.
Greenhouse vegetables, including cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes, represent a major portion of Canada’s exports, generating half a billion dollars annually. Other significant exports include frozen wild berries, particularly blueberries, and commercial potatoes. Despite its reliance on the stable U.S. market, recent political rhetoric from U.S. presidential candidates has raised concerns among Canadian exporters.