Canada’s population increased to 36,328,479 as reported in the 2021 census with this up
from about 24.5m in 1980. This 2021 total population included:

• 27,042,120 non-immigrants (74%), up from about 23.1m (about 94%) in 1980
• 8,361,506 immigrants (23%), up from about 1.4m (about 6%) in 1980
• 924,850 non-residents (3%)

This change in population number and composition has contributed to a broadening demand in Canada for new and different types of food, both directly by the accumulated total number of immigrants in the country and also by non-immigrants who have been exposed to the new and different types of food. Some of the new and different types of food is not and cannot be grown under natural conditions in Canada: it has to be imported to satisfy the demand in Canada for these products. A few of many examples are chili, cinnamon, turmeric, and ube powders.

While some of the new and different types of food is imported directly from source countries, much to date has been sourced indirectly through distributors in the USA able to import larger quantities from original source countries at lower unit costs. However the growing population in Canada as well as evolving protectionism increasing costs of intra North American trade, is changing this situation. Now more imports by Canada directly from source countries is becoming cost-effective. In addition to new and different food products, other traditional imported food products not grown in Canada, in particular cacao and coffee, continue in high demand in Canada (for example Canada imports annually USD 3m+ coffee products and USD 2m+ cacao products).

Many of these food products now in demand in Canada are grown in the Philippines but with the Philippines exporting a very small, if any, share of Canada’s total imports of these products. However the competitive position of the Philippines to exploit these opportunities will be enhanced with completion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that includes both Canada and the Philippines. The successful conclusion of discussions now underway on an ASEAN-Canada FTA and a Canada-Philippines FTA as well as the Philippines joining the CPTPP will all bode well for growth of Philippine exports to Canada.

TechRep, Inc. is ready to work with local producers and exporters to exploit these growing markets in Canada for selected food products from the Philippines.