Industry Facts
Nationally, Alberta represents about 20 per cent of Canada's total agri-food exports of $26 billion. Alberta remains the second largest agri-food exporter in the country after Ontario.
In 2002, approximately 147,100 Albertans were employed in manufacturing industries. The largest segment was made up of food and beverage processing workers at 28,300 or 19% of the total.
Alberta's food and beverage processing industries represent the province's largest manufacturing sector accounting for 24% or $9.8 billion of total manufactured goods in 2002 ($41.0 billion). Alberta is the third largest food and beverage producing province (14%) in Canada.
Alberta's food and beverage industry has the opportunity to grow its manufactured shipments to $20 billion by 2010.
Alberta's food and beverage products have high standards and a global reputation for safety and quality.
Alberta Agrifood Manufacturing
Two thirds of Alberta's agri-food manufacturing activity is concentrated in two segments, meat & meat products, and dairy.
Agri-food Exports
In 2002, lower exports were recorded for both valued-added processed products and primary commodities. Severe drought conditions in the province and low supplies of crops contributed to the overall decline in exports. Nevertheless, the proportion of value added exports as a percentage of Alberta's total agri-food exports grew from 52 per cent last year to approximately 58 percent in 2002.
