Canada Potato Market Outlook

the canadian potato market is one of the most mature and important in the world. it is a key part of traditional canadian cuisine and has been for centuries. in 2018, canadian potato production was estimated around eleven million metric tons, making up 4.9 percent of the world’s total. this value has risen steadily since 2000 and is expected to continue grow. the canadian potato market is a mix of imported and domestic production. imports account for more than 90 percent of the volume of potatoes consumed in canada, with the majority coming from the united states. this reflects the fact that canadian potato farmers cannot meet the demand from the seafood industry, which dominates the potato market. the majority of potatoes grown in canada are used for processing. processed potatoes have been growing in demand; in 2019, processed potatoes accounted for 55 percent of the total potato production. processed potatoes are used mainly in the food service industry, which is expected to grow and become more important in the future. the demand for fresh potatoes in canada has remained relatively stable, however, there has been an increasing need for ‘retail-ready’ potatoes, for convenience stores, supermarkets, and fresh-cut potatoes for restaurants. this has been driven in part by increases in consumer awareness of general health and nutrition. in terms of production, the potato industry in canada is well established and provides multiple innovations. varieties of potatoes have been bred which are resistant to common pests and diseases, while also providing appealing visual characteristics and improved storability. new techniques such as optical sorting and smart packaging have also been introduced to improve the efficiency and quality of potatoes. looking forward, the outlook for the canadian potato market remains positive. the mature market will be characterized by a combination of dynamic innovation, increased demand for convenience, and the continued growth of the processed potato market. by 2032, further value-added options are likely to be available, and imported potatoes may begin to be used more frequently for fresh consumption.