Competitiveness, Training and Trade
Industry: Growing Opportunities
Meat/Dairy | Cereal/Grain | Vegetable | Prepared Food/Beverage | Growing Opportunities | Commodities
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Functional foods and nutraceuticals – Manitoba is home to one of Canada’s largest manufacturers of private label vitamins, minerals, herbal products, dietary supplements and over-the-counter drugs. Currently, the manufacturer imports most materials because local supply of semi-processed product is still developing. The opportunity exists for an intermediate processing facility and production of high-quality medicinal crops. -
Manitoba is finding new uses for surplus agri-fibre. This includes processing flax straw and fibre for textiles and industrial goods as well as wheat straw for composite strawboard, pulp, insulation and geotextile.
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Wind is an emerging source of electricity in the province and the electricity generated provides a clean and efficient natural resource.
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Ethanol production is increasing as the province moves toward a mandate for ethanol-blended fuel. This mandate provides local market potential for 160 million litres (35 million imperial gallons) per year, using 460,000 tonnes (16.9 million bushels) of wheat. A marketable by-product of ethanol production is distiller’s grain – a source of high-protein livestock feed. -
Biodiesel can be produced from oilseed crops and animal fats. Biodiesel is competitive with regular diesel fuel and a local market for this product is developing quickly. Two facilities produce biodiesel in Manitoba and the government is actively working with interested groups throughout the province to develop this industry.
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The market for organic products is growing at approximately 20 per cent across product sectors. Opportunities to market private-label brands to Canadian retailers are increasing. Few companies have successfully branded natural and organic products, so the market is open to create consumer-brand loyalty.
