The Canadian snack food industry, North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 31191, comprises establishments that are primarily engaged in salting, roasting, drying, cooking or canning nuts; processing grains or seeds into snacks; manufacturing peanut butter; or manufacturing potato chips, corn chips, popped popcorn, hard pretzels, pork rinds and similar snacks. Snack foods have been one of the fastest growing product categories in the domestic market in recent years and are widely available in all retail channels across the country, including major chain grocery retailers, large format outlets, corner stores, drug stores, gas stations and vending machines as well as in movie theaters and at sporting events. This industry has been very responsive to consumer preferences for flavour, healthier products and convenience. The snack food industry has developed innovative products with new ingredients (such as hemp seeds, grains, and pulses), less salt, reduced fat, new flavours, and gluten-free options. In 2012, 105 establishments were operating in Canada with the majority in Ontario (43), British Columbia (19), and Quebec (17). The industry generated revenues of $2.3 billion, and employed over 8,000 people. Production facilities making snack food products range in size from small to very large. The largest four firms account for 82% of the value of production. The industry is a net importer; Canada imported $676.7 million in snack food products in 2014, while $251.0 million was exported in the same year. The United States accounts for 90% of exports and the majority of imports come from the United States (85%), followed by Vietnam and Thailand.
Source: www.agr.gc.ca Agri
