Manitoba
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Competitiveness, Training and Trade

Business Opportunities for Agriculture and Food Processing Banner

Industry: Specialty, Prepared Foods and Beverage Sector

Meat/Dairy | Cereal/Grain | Vegetable | Prepared Food/Beverage | Growing Opportunities | Commodities

  • Lab Technician with closeup of test tube Food Processing is one of Manitoba's most dynamic industries, with annual shipments over $3 billion, representing one quarter of the province’s total manufacturing output.

  • The largest segment is meat and poultry processing. Other major segments include flour mills and bakeries, milk and cheese, and potato and vegetable processing.

  • The gourmet food industry is a growing segment of the total North American food industry and is currently growing at an annual rate of over seven per cent.

  • Value added processing of wheat and other cereal grains has developed significantly under the free trade agreement with the U.S. Canada’s flour exports have grown by 23 per cent in the last decade.

  • Canola field with greenhouseThe quality of Manitoba's water has been recognized internationally at the annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting event. Manitoba companies are recognized throughout the world for coolers, liquers, spirits and more.

  • Market potential for liquid foods is high. There has been limited exploitation of export opportunities for value-added, liquid food products.

  • Manitoba restaurants serve food for every taste – from regional cuisine to ethnic specialties – using Manitoba’s finest, locally grown ingredients.

  • Manitoba has an established tradition in the production of confectionary foods, ranging from fine chocolates to family favourites.

Opportunities to explore:

  • Opportunities for specialty foods emphasizing quality and integrity of ingredients and production for niche markets (This includes a growing organic industry.)

  • Exploring liquid foods processing and packaging opportunities

  • Ethnic food markets reflecting the multicultural population of Manitoba

Also view the Value-Added Food Processing Sector

Peak of the Market