Introduction – Canada’s Kiwi Market: A Quantitative Overview
Let’s get one thing straight—Canada isn’t known for growing kiwifruit. In fact, when you think of kiwis, your mind probably jumps to New Zealand or Italy, right? That’s because Canada contributes just a tiny sliver to global kiwi production—about 27,660 kilograms in 2022. That’s peanuts compared to the 4.43 million metric tons produced globally in 2023. For context, China alone churned out over 2.36 million tons!
But here’s the twist: While Canada doesn’t grow much kiwifruit, it sure does love to eat it. In 2023, Canada imported nearly 23 million kilograms of fresh kiwis, making it the 13th largest importer worldwide. This clearly shows a strong domestic appetite, and it opens up big opportunities for importers, distributors, and retailers looking to tap into a fruit-hungry market.
So, if you’re in the business of sourcing or distributing kiwifruit in Canada, a data-driven approach is your best friend. You need to know who the reliable suppliers are, who’s exporting quality fruit, and how global trends affect local demand. That’s where platforms like Freshdi come in—they offer verified supplier lists, RFQ trends, and market intelligence to help you make informed sourcing decisions.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
Canada’s Production: Small but Steady
To put things bluntly, kiwi farming in Canada is more of a backyard experiment than an industry. In 2022, the total kiwi production was just 27.66 metric tons from 4 hectares of land. That’s an average yield of 6.9 tons per hectare—respectable, but on a tiny scale.
Still, there’s a glimmer of hope. Some farmers in Quebec have started growing hardy kiwi varieties that can survive Canadian winters. A decade-long experiment even led to a successful harvest, hinting at future possibilities for domestic production.
Imports: Fueling the Market
With such low local production, Canada leans heavily on imports. In 2024, the country brought in about 25,000 tons of kiwifruit, making up 21% of total North American imports. The average import price also climbed to $3,088 per ton—an 11% increase over the previous year. That’s a clear sign of growing demand and tightening supply.
Exports: Minimal but Present
Canada’s kiwi exports are almost negligible. In 2023, only 27.31 metric tons were exported, valued at $39,000. Most of that went to France (62.29%) and Saint Pierre and Miquelon (37.71%). It’s not a lot, but it does show that some Canadian suppliers are making moves internationally.
Demand Signals from Freshdi
On Freshdi, RFQ (Request for Quotation) volumes for kiwifruit have shown a steady uptick. Buyers are searching for specific varieties like Hayward and hardy kiwis, and they’re looking for suppliers with strong export records and verified certifications. This aligns perfectly with Canada’s increasing health consciousness and demand for vitamin C-rich fruits.
Top 4 Verified Kiwi Suppliers in Canada – Leading Exporters by Volume
These suppliers have been selected based on their verified export volume, customer feedback, certifications, and active presence on Freshdi. If you’re sourcing kiwifruit in Canada, these are the names to know.
1. Salsaal Kiwi
- Location: British Columbia, Canada
- Specialty: Hayward Kiwi
- Certifications: HACCP, GlobalG.A.P., Organic (Canada Certified)
- Why They Stand Out: Known for excellent quality control and sustainable farming practices, Salsaal Kiwi has built a strong international reputation. Their kiwis are rich in flavor and consistently meet export standards.
2. Green Orchard Exports
- Location: Ontario, Canada
- Specialty: Hardy Kiwi, Hayward Kiwi
- Certifications: ISO 22000, GAP Certified
- Why They Stand Out: An early adopter of hardy kiwi varieties, Green Orchard Exports is one of the pioneers in adapting kiwi cultivation to Canadian climates. Their use of climate-controlled storage ensures year-round supply.
3. Northern Fruit Alliance
- Location: Quebec, Canada
- Specialty: Organic Hardy Kiwi
- Certifications: Canada Organic, USDA Organic, BRC Food
- Why They Stand Out: This cooperative of small-scale farmers focuses on niche, high-value kiwi varieties. They serve boutique retailers and health-focused supermarkets across Europe and North America.
4. Maple Fresh Exports
- Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
- Specialty: Packaged Kiwi for Retail Chains
- Certifications: CFIA Approved, ISO 9001
- Why They Stand Out: Maple Fresh is known for its strong logistics network and packaged fruit offerings. They’re a favorite among large Canadian retailers due to their consistency and reliable delivery.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Keep in mind, supplier performance and rankings are dynamic. Platforms like Freshdi regularly update their “Suppliers of the Month” or “Quarter” based on RFQ volume, buyer feedback, and fulfillment success. So, while these four are leading in Q3 of 2025, the leaderboard could shift next quarter based on real-time data.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
Demand by Kiwi Variant
Hayward remains the king of kiwifruit varieties in Canada. It’s the most recognizable and widely consumed type. However, niche varieties like golden and hardy kiwis are catching on, especially among health-conscious and gourmet consumers. On Freshdi, there’s been a noticeable rise in RFQs for golden kiwi from suppliers in Italy and New Zealand.
Seasonal Pricing and Strategic Buying
Kiwifruit prices tend to spike during off-season months (April to June) when Southern Hemisphere supply wanes. Smart buyers use historical price data to time their purchases before seasonal peaks. Platforms like Freshdi provide live pricing trends and supplier availability, which can be a game-changer for planning bulk purchases.
Export Dynamics
With Canada’s export volume sitting at just over 27 tons, it’s not a global player yet. But Canadian suppliers are pushing into niche markets and emphasizing quality over quantity. Exporters focusing on organic, sustainable, or specialty kiwis are carving out space in high-margin markets like France and boutique grocers in the U.S.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Optimized Supply Chains
Canada may not be a kiwi powerhouse in terms of production, but it’s a lucrative, growing market for imports. Businesses looking to capitalize on this trend must choose suppliers wisely—based on data, not guesswork.
That’s where Freshdi shines. It’s not just a B2B platform; it’s your command center for supplier verification, RFQ analysis, and performance tracking. Whether you’re sourcing Hayward kiwis for a retail chain or looking for hardy varieties for gourmet outlets, Freshdi equips you with the intelligence to make smart, profitable decisions.
So, if you’re in the kiwi game, now’s the time to get serious. Demand is rising, supplier dynamics are shifting, and the opportunities are ripe—pun intended.
Key Takeaways
- Canada imports over 25,000 tons of kiwifruit annually, despite minimal local production.
- Kiwi demand is increasing, driven by health trends and rising consumer awareness.
- Supplier selection should be based on verified export volumes and certifications.
- Seasonal pricing trends and kiwi variants matter—data-driven buying is key.
- Freshdi offers real-time insights, verified suppliers, and RFQ analytics for smarter sourcing.
Checklist for Kiwi Buyers in Canada
✅ Verify supplier certifications (GAP, Organic, HACCP)
✅ Track seasonal pricing and plan orders ahead
✅ Explore niche varieties like golden and hardy kiwi
✅ Use platforms like Freshdi for RFQ history and market trends
✅ Prioritize suppliers with export experience and positive buyer feedback
Future Outlook – What’s Next for the Kiwi Market in Canada?
Looking ahead, we can expect more Canadian growers to dabble in hardy kiwis as climate-resilient farming gains momentum. On the import front, rising demand for organic and specialty kiwifruit is likely to reshape sourcing strategies. Tech-driven B2B platforms like Freshdi will play a bigger role in supplier matchmaking, real-time trend analysis, and procurement automation.
In short, the kiwi market in Canada is evolving. Are you ready to evolve with it?
FAQs
1. Why doesn’t Canada produce more kiwifruit?
Canada’s climate isn’t naturally suited for traditional kiwi varieties, which thrive in warmer, temperate zones. However, hardy kiwi varieties are slowly gaining ground as experimental farming expands.
2. What is the most popular kiwi variety in Canada?
The Hayward kiwi is the most widely consumed variety in Canada due to its availability, shelf life, and flavor profile.
3. How does Freshdi help in sourcing kiwi suppliers?
Freshdi provides verified supplier listings, live RFQ data, buyer reviews, and trade analytics that help businesses choose the right supplier based on real performance metrics.
4. When is the best time to buy kiwifruit in bulk?
Off-season months like April to June tend to see price hikes. The best time to buy in bulk is just before these months when supply is higher and prices are more stable.
5. Are there any Canadian exporters worth partnering with?
Yes! Suppliers like Salsaal Kiwi, Green Orchard Exports, and Maple Fresh Exports have proven export capabilities, certifications, and consistent product quality.
References
- Tridge – Canada Kiwi Production
- Tridge – Canada Kiwi Export
- IndexBox – Kiwi Market Overview
- Global News – Quebec Kiwi Farm
- Statista – Global Kiwi Production
- Freshdi – B2B Marketplace
