BC is reporting record sales in 2019 for food and beverages, with billions in sales.
According to the provincial government, food and beverage processors play a key role in the food system and overall economy.
Last year, sales were up $700 million to a record $10.5 billion.
BC’s food and beverage processing industry comprises 2,995 establishments and is the second-largest manufacturing sector in the province.
The top five sales in 2019 were $1.9 billion in beverages, which includes soft drinks, wineries and breweries; $1.9 billion in meat and poultry products; $1.7 billion in other food processing products, including snack foods, coffees and teas, flavouring syrups and concentrates and seasonings and dressings; $1.6 billion in dairy products; and $900 million in bakery and tortilla products.
“Our food and beverage processors here in BC have been at the forefront of innovation during the pandemic, adapting their businesses to suit both their needs and consumers. The record sales in 2019 set the foundation for a strong economic recovery,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture.
“I’m so proud of our amazing producers and their contributions to a strong B.C. food system. Everyone can enjoy the high-quality, delicious locally made food and beverages when they choose to 'Buy BC' and support their communities.”
Areas of growth included a $300-million increase in meat and poultry sales, along with a $295-million increase in dairy sales and a $137-million increase in winery sales.
2019 also set a record exports with $4.7 billion in sales of agricultural, seafood and food and beverage products to 152 different international markets.
“The continued revenue growth of the food and beverage processing sector in BC is a testament to the high degree of entrepreneurship and innovation in the industry,” said James Donaldson, CEO, BC Food and Beverage.
“We’ve seen this trend for many years, which demonstrates why the industry is so important to BC’s economy.”
