Trends in Canada's restaurant and foodservice industry (2010 USDA Gain report)

Canada's restaurant and food service industry plays a key role in Canada's economy. With over C$60 billion in sales, the food service industry accounts for nearly 4.0 percent of Canada's gross domestic product.

It also employs over one million people and accounts for 6.4 percent of Canada's workforce.

With 80,800 establishments, including restaurants, cafeterias, snack bars, pubs, or caterers, the food service industry generates investments, jobs, tourism, and a sense of community in cities and towns across Canada.

Following a tough year in 2009, when real food service sales fell by an estimated 4.7 percent, a healthy recovery in Canada's economy combined with rising disposable income is expected to raise food service sales by $1.9 billion, or 3.1 percent, to $62.1 billion as consumer confidence increases.

Best prospects include low sodium foods, functional foods/superfoods, organics, gluten-free products, pre-packaged foods with low trans fats, overall snack foods and products associated with a clean (simple ingredients) diet.
 

Menu trends Canada (Courtesy: NPD Group)