Growing the global footprint of Canadian food processors

Growth in the global demand for food brings tremendous opportunities for the Canadian agri-food industry. Two options are available to supply foreign markets: produce locally and export from Canada or invest abroad to serve foreign customers directly. These options may appear mutually exclusive, but the evidence suggests foreign direct investment plays a critical role in supporting exports.

Outbound foreign direct investment (FDI) occurs when Canadian businesses invest in other countries. FDI brings a better understanding of foreign consumers’ tastes and preferences, it reduces transport-related costs, and leads to learning opportunities and technology transfer, which ultimately all help Canadian businesses perform better in the domestic market.

Investment grows at a rate slower than exports

In the 3-year period from 2005-2007, greenfield investments in the food and beverage sector by Canadian businesses totaled US$922M. Fast forward 10 years and investment grew to US$1.3B during the 2015-2017 period, a 45% increase. Canadian exports of food and beverages grew much faster over the same period, going from $39.1B in the 2005-2007 period to $60.7 in the 2015-2017 period, a 55% increase. This further reinstates the conclusion that FDI growth did not impede growth in exports.

The U.S. economy has remained a preferred destination for Canadian FDI. It captured a 64% market share of Canadian greenfield investments, up from 50% ten years ago. The U.S. market is an important destination for food and beverage exports, representing on average 77% of all exports between 2015 and 2017. This market share has remained relatively stable over the last ten years. NAFTA and proximity of buyers have made the U.S. an attractive export and investment destination. 

The conclusion of CETA negotiations in 2014 and the subsequent elimination of trade barriers did not slow down investments in Europe. In fact, Canadian investment into European markets has grown by 265% from 2005-2007 to 2015-2017. And exports of food increased from $859M in 2008 to more than $1B in 2017.

Figure 1: Canadian greenfield investments into the U.S. increased in value and importance

Source: fDi Intelligence and FCC computation

Investing abroad develops stronger supply chains

A supply chain perspective is fundamental to developing a strong performance in domestic and export markets. Foreign investment can help source higher quality primary products that otherwise are not grown in Canada (such as cacao) and invest in processing capacity to add value (producing chocolate for example). Exercising control in the supply chain through vertical integration or strategic partnerships can lead to traceability initiatives, something highly desirable by today’s consumer.

Chocolate is part of the ‘sugar and confectionary products’ category which grew substantially over 10 years (Figure 2). The fruits and vegetables processing sector captures a large share of all greenfield investments, and include initiative in potato processing, greenhouse, and beverage sectors. In this sector alone, FDI has risen by 55% over the 10-year period, increasing from US$544M in 2005-2007 to US$841M in 2015-2017. During that same period, exports of fruits and vegetables and specialty foods rose 50%, starting at US$3.3B and increasing to US$4.9B.

Figure 2: Fruit and vegetable processing sector dominates where Canadian greenfield investments are made

Source: fDi Intelligence and FCC computation