Canada Strawberry Market – By Type , By Growing Technique , By Freshness , By Grade , By Distribution Channel , By Application (Food and Beverages – Opportunity Analysis & Industry Forecast, 2024-2030

Canada Strawberry Market Overview

The Canada Strawberry Market size is estimated to reach $1,050.8 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period 2024-2030. The Canada Strawberry market is characterized by high demand for both fresh and processed strawberries. The market benefits from a growing consumer preference for locally produced and fresh fruits, driven by the perception of better quality and reduced environmental impact. Strawberries are primarily grown in provinces like Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, with the growing season typically spanning from late May to October. Advanced agricultural practices, including the use of high tunnels and greenhouses, have extended the growing season, enhancing the market's capacity to meet year-round demand.

The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming strawberry farming in Canada. Tools such as drones, sensors, and GPS systems are being used to monitor crop health, optimize irrigation, and manage pests more effectively. This results in higher yields, improved fruit quality, and reduced environmental impact. The use of greenhouses and high tunnels in Canada is becoming more prevalent, allowing farmers to extend the growing season and produce strawberries year-round. CEA techniques provide controlled growing conditions that enhance productivity and protect crops from adverse weather conditions and pests. These trends highlight the dynamic nature of the Canadian strawberry market, driven by consumer preferences for healthier and more sustainable produce, and the increasing integration of innovative technologies in farming practices.

Market Snapshot: 

Canada Strawberry Market - Report Coverage:

The “Canada Strawberry Report - Forecast (2024-2030)” by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the Canada Strawberry Market.

COVID-19 / Ukraine Crisis - Impact Analysis:  

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the growth of the Canada strawberry market by disrupting supply chains, altering consumer behavior, and affecting labor availability. With stringent lockdowns and travel restrictions, many farms faced labor shortages, complicating the harvesting process and leading to potential crop losses. The disruptions in transportation and logistics also caused delays in the distribution of fresh strawberries, affecting market availability. On the consumer side, there was a notable shift towards buying fresh produce as people sought to boost their health and immunity, resulting in increased demand for strawberries. However, the closure of restaurants and foodservice outlets reduced bulk purchases, impacting overall sales. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of online grocery shopping, prompting retailers and farmers to pivot towards e-commerce platforms to reach consumers.
• The Russia-Ukraine war has indirectly affected the growth of the Canada strawberry market by exacerbating global supply chain disruptions and increasing production costs. The conflict has led to rising fuel prices and logistical challenges, impacting the transportation and distribution of strawberries. Additionally, the war has caused volatility in global markets, leading to higher prices for fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs, thereby increasing the operational costs for Canadian strawberry farmers. These increased costs can squeeze profit margins and potentially lead to higher prices for consumers. Furthermore, the uncertainty in international trade and economic instability has added pressure on the agricultural sector.

Key Takeaways:

• Farm Fresh is Leading the Market:

The Farm Fresh segment accounted for the largest share in 2023 and is estimated to reach $808.0 million by 2030  due to its emphasis on locally grown, fresh produce that meets the high-quality standards demanded by Canadian consumers. This segment represents strawberries that are harvested at peak ripeness and delivered to market quickly, ensuring optimal freshness, flavor, and nutritional value. Canadian consumers prioritize farm-fresh strawberries for their superior taste and texture, and to support local agriculture. Fresh strawberry imports increased by 4% year-over-year in volume and saw a corresponding increase in nominal value. Additionally, fresh U.S. strawberry exports witnessed a 4 percent increase in volume, with a notable portion destined for Canada and Mexico. As consumer awareness of the benefits of locally grown food continues to grow, the farm fresh segment is expected to maintain its dominance in the Canada strawberry market, driven by its commitment to freshness, quality, and sustainability. This segment's ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics reinforces its role as a cornerstone of the Canadian agricultural landscape.

• Canada No.1 segment is to Register the Highest Growth:

The Canada No.1 segment is analyzed to grow with the highest CAGR of 4.7% in Canada Strawberry from 2023 to 2030 due to the high quality and consistent standards. Designated as the top grade for strawberries by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Canada No. 1 strawberries meet stringent criteria for size, color, ripeness, and freedom from defects. This certification not only assures consumers of superior quality but also enhances market credibility and trust in Canadian strawberries both domestically and internationally. Producers of Canada No. 1 strawberries benefit from increased market demand and premium pricing due to the reputation for excellence associated with this grade. The grade and grade name for strawberries is Canada No. 1. If the grade and grade name set out in subsection (1) are used, the strawberries must conform to the requirements set out in section 88. Subject to the general tolerances set out in section 89, strawberries graded Canada No. 1 must be properly packaged, be fairly clean, firm and sound, be well formed and have the calyx attached,  be free from mold and surface moisture and others

• Technological Advancements in Agriculture:

Continuous advancements in agricultural technology are enhancing productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the Canadian strawberry market. Innovations in farming practices, such as precision agriculture and controlled environment agriculture (CEA), have revolutionized strawberry production. Precision agriculture utilizes technologies like GPS, sensors, and drones to optimize inputs such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to increased efficiency, reduced resource wastage, and higher yields. These practices drive the market growth. In October 2023, Koidra announced its distinguished position in the Homegrown Innovation Challenge, a transformative endeavor to elevate Canada’s agricultural sector. These advancements drive the market growth in Canada. Furthermore, advancements in breeding and genetics have led to the development of new strawberry varieties with improved traits such as disease resistance, shelf-life, and flavor profiles. These varieties not only cater to evolving consumer preferences but also enhance the resilience of crops against environmental stressors and pests.

• Increasing Consumer Demand for Healthy and Fresh Produce:

There is a growing consumer preference for healthy and fresh produce, including strawberries, driven by heightened awareness of nutrition and health benefits. San Diego State University researchers say eating an equivalent of two servings of strawberries daily can help improve cognitive function, lower blood pressure, and increase a person’s antioxidant capacity. These researches create opportunities and further drive the market growth. Consumer preferences for natural and organic foods have further propelled the demand for strawberries in Canada. Canadian consumers prioritize freshness and quality, often opting for locally grown strawberries due to their perceived superior taste and reduced environmental impact compared to imported alternatives. As a result, Canadian strawberry farmers are focusing on meeting this demand by adopting sustainable farming practices and ensuring timely harvests to maintain freshness. Retailers and farmers' markets play a crucial role in connecting consumers with locally sourced strawberries, enhancing transparency and trust in food production. The emphasis on health and freshness is expected to continue driving growth in the Canada strawberry market, encouraging innovation in cultivation techniques and packaging to meet evolving consumer preferences.

• Climate Change and Environmental Challenges:

Climate change and environmental factors pose significant challenges to the Canadian strawberry market, impacting crop yields, quality, and overall sustainability. In regions with temperate climates like Canada, strawberries have specific growing seasons, typically from spring to early summer. Similarly, excessive rainfall during the growing season can lead to waterlogging and increased susceptibility to diseases such as fungal infections, impacting both yield and fruit quality. Rising temperatures and erratic weather events, such as frost, hailstorms, and droughts, pose risks to strawberry crops, leading to reduced harvests and increased production costs for farmers who may need to invest in protective measures and crop insurance. Moreover, changes in pollination patterns and water availability further exacerbate challenges in strawberry production.

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Key Market Players: 

Product launches, approvals, patents and events, acquisitions, partnerships and collaborations are key strategies adopted by players in the Canada Strawberry market. The top 10 companies in this industry are listed below:

1. Dole Food Company Inc
2. Walmart Inc.
3. Ever Tru Farms
4. Western Fruit Packers Inc.
5. Millen Farms
6. GW Allen Nursery Ltd.
7. AM Produce Inc.
8. Friedensfeld Honey & Berry Farm
9. Stark Bro’s Canada
10. C.O. Keddy Nursery Inc. 

Scope of the Report:

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