Introduction – Canada’s Raisins Market: A Quantitative Overview
When people think about raisins, Canada might not be the first country that comes to mind. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that Canada plays a unique and vital role in the global raisins trade—not by growing them, but by importing and re-exporting them with remarkable efficiency.
Canada doesn’t produce raisins on a large scale due to its climate. Still, it imports hundreds of thousands of metric tons of dried grapes annually, processes them, and re-exports a portion. This makes Canada a key transit hub for raisins in North America. For businesses sourcing raisins, adopting a data-driven approach to supplier selection is the only way to ensure quality, reliability, and profitability. In this article, we’ll walk you through the stats, dynamics, and—most importantly—the Top 8 Raisins Suppliers in Canada in Q3 2025.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Demand Insights
Let’s talk numbers. Canada’s domestic raisin production is nearly nonexistent due to its climate. This means the entire market relies on imports to fulfill both local demand and re-export purposes.
Import Overview
- In 2022, Canada imported 210,730 metric tons of grapes (including raisins).
- Total import value: CAD 727.4 million.
- Major import partners: U.S., Peru, Chile, South Africa, Mexico.
Export Summary
Even with low production, Canada exported 1,319,740 kilograms of dried grapes in 2023, valued at USD 3.1 million. The top destinations were:
– United States: 1,234,100 kg (USD 2.97 million)
– South Africa: 21,151 kg (USD 41,960)
– Turkey: 28,905 kg (USD 40,360)
– Trinidad and Tobago: 26,251 kg (USD 37,580)
– Guyana: 3,207 kg (USD 4,570)
Market Demand
The Canadian raisins market was valued at USD 3.1 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% through 2033. The rise in demand is linked to the growing health-conscious consumer base and the popularity of raisins in snacks like granola bars, cereals, and trail mixes.
Platforms like Freshdi help track this demand through RFQ (Request for Quotation) trends, giving buyers a clear picture of who the most active and reliable suppliers are.
Top 8 Verified Raisins Suppliers in Canada – Leading Exporters by Volume
We’ve analyzed export volumes, certifications, buyer feedback, and Freshdi’s supplier data to bring you the most reliable names in the game. These suppliers lead in trade transparency, customer satisfaction, and operational scale.
1. BMD Materials
- Specialty: Golden Raisins
- Certifications: ISO 22000, HACCP
- Reputation: Strong export history to the U.S. and Caribbean markets.
- Buyer Reviews: Consistently rated 4.8/5 on Freshdi for delivery and product quality.
2. Sunrise Dried Foods Inc.
- Specialty: Organic and conventional raisins
- Certifications: USDA Organic, GFSI
- Markets Served: U.S., South Africa, Netherlands
- Known For: Customized packaging and long-term supply contracts.
3. NutraFarms Canada Ltd.
- Specialty: Mixed dried fruits including raisins
- Certifications: GMP, Non-GMO
- Strengths: Integrated cold chain logistics and direct farm partnerships overseas.
4. Golden Vine Imports
- Specialty: Black and golden seedless raisins
- Certifications: BRC Global Standards
- Export Focus: U.S. and Caribbean nations
- Edge: Advanced sorting and grading technology.
5. Maple Orchard Foods
- Specialty: Snack-grade raisins for retail and bulk
- Certifications: CFIA Licensed, Kosher
- Distribution: Nationwide in Canada and select U.S. retailers.
6. WestCan Agro Trading
- Specialty: Bulk commodity raisins for food processing
- Certifications: ISO 9001, Halal
- Markets: Food manufacturers across North America.
7. Nova World Foods Inc.
- Specialty: Organic raisins and dried fruit blends
- Certifications: Canada Organic, SQF
- Known For: Sustainability-focused supply chain.
8. TrueNorth Exports Ltd.
- Specialty: Re-exporting premium raisins
- Certifications: CFIA Approved, Kosher, Halal
- Notable Clients: Foodservice and wholesale distributors.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Keep in mind that supplier performance can shift based on seasonal demand, pricing strategies, and RFQ activity. Platforms like Freshdi update their “Suppliers of the Month” and “Top Exporters by Quarter” rankings in real time—giving buyers a dynamic, up-to-date view of the supply landscape.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
What’s Driving Demand?
There’s a steady uptick in demand for raisins as healthy snacking becomes mainstream. Raisins are packed with fiber, natural sugars, and antioxidants—making them a favorite in clean-label and plant-based diets.
Price Movements
Raisin prices are impacted seasonally, mainly due to weather in growing countries like Turkey, California, and China. In 2024, global prices ranged from $2.90 to $8.28 per kg, depending on variant and origin.
Export Trends
In 2022, 88% of Canada’s raisin exports went to the U.S. The rest trickled into the Caribbean and parts of Europe. Despite low production, Canadian exporters benefit from:
– Favorable trade agreements.
– Proximity to key markets.
– Strong logistics infrastructure.
Consumption Forecast
Interestingly, domestic consumption is expected to decline slightly from 26.72k metric tons in 2024 to 26.17k by 2028. That’s a CAGR of -0.52%, suggesting that while external demand grows, Canadian preferences may be shifting toward other fruit snacks.
Weather Shock Impact
Shifts in weather in major growing regions affect availability and pricing. For example:
– Turkey saw a 31% export volume drop but a 17% rise in value due to reduced supply.
– China faced yield and quality issues in 2024/25, tightening global supply.
This volatility makes real-time data platforms like Freshdi essential for Canadian buyers who want to lock in competitive prices and ensure supply continuity.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Optimized Supply Chains
Canada may not grow raisins, but it sure knows how to move them. With its strategic location, strong trade infrastructure, and savvy suppliers, it has carved out a niche in the global raisins supply chain. The challenge for buyers is navigating this complex landscape to find suppliers who deliver on quality, price, and reliability.
That’s where platforms like Freshdi shine. By aggregating trade data, real-time RFQ trends, and supplier performance insights, Freshdi empowers businesses to make smart, data-driven sourcing decisions.
Whether you’re a snack manufacturer, a bulk importer, or a foodservice distributor, choosing the right supplier can mean the difference between strong margins and costly missteps.
Key Takeaways
- Canada is a strategic re-exporter of raisins, not a producer.
- Imports are mainly from the U.S., Chile, and South Africa.
- Raisin demand is rising globally, but domestic Canadian consumption is flattening.
- Seasonal weather changes in producing countries directly impact pricing.
- Verified suppliers like BMD Materials and others lead in Q3 2025.
- Platforms like Freshdi help buyers stay ahead with real-time data and supplier rankings.
Buyer’s Checklist for Sourcing Raisins in Canada
✅ Identify your required raisin variant (golden, black, seedless, organic, etc.)
✅ Check supplier certifications (Organic, HACCP, ISO)
✅ Use Freshdi to validate supplier export history and RFQ response time
✅ Watch global price trends and seasonal fluctuations
✅ Prioritize suppliers with strong logistics and packaging capabilities
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Canada’s role as a reliable raisin hub will likely expand, especially with global production facing volatility. As digital sourcing platforms evolve, buyers will benefit from more transparency, better pricing models, and predictive analytics. Raisins may be small, but the business around them is anything but.
With Freshdi, you’re not just buying raisins—you’re making a strategic supply chain investment.
FAQs
1. Why doesn’t Canada produce its own raisins?
Because of the cold climate, Canada can’t grow grapes suitable for raisin production at scale. The industry depends on imports from warmer countries.
2. How can I verify a Canadian raisin supplier’s credibility?
Use platforms like Freshdi, which offer supplier verification, trade data analysis, and buyer reviews.
3. Are raisin prices stable year-round?
Not really. Prices can swing based on weather in producing countries, global stock levels, and shipping costs.
4. What are the most popular raisins in Canada?
Golden seedless and black raisins are the leading variants, particularly in snack and baking industries.
5. Is it better to import directly or work with Canadian re-exporters?
If you’re based in North America, Canadian suppliers offer proximity, lower shipping times, and often better compliance with local food safety standards.
References
- Agriculture Canada – Fruit Industry Overview
- World Bank WITS Trade Data
- Market Research Intellect – North America Raisins Market
- IndexBox – Canada Dried Grapes Market
- LinkedIn Market Forecast
- Tridge Price Trends
- ReportLinker Market Data
- INC Nutfruit – Global Raisins Review
