Ontario food exports jump

Thursday, April 19, 2012

by DAVE PINK

Ontario’s food exports surged by 5.4 per cent through 2011, reports the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs — a $10 billion increase in sales over the previous year bringing the total to nearly $10 billion.

Sales increases were registered across the food spectrum, but were particularly strong in value-added goods, such as bakery products and processed meats.

“We’ve had continued growth over the last 10 years due to our value- added products,” says Dean Post, spokesperson for the Ontario Food Exports Program. “While commodity sales are still very important, our true strength is taking a commodity and adding value to it.”

As well, Ontario food products gained greater penetration into new markets in Asia, notably Japan, Hong Kong and China, as well as in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Mexico. With 77 per cent of the province’s food products going to the United States, the American market remains the primary destination for Ontario-grown exports, but Post points out that year by year more private brands are making gains in other export markets.

About 100,000 people work in Ontario’s food production sector. BF