Business

BC food and beverage industry strong after 2019 growth

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 11:21 PDT, Wed September 16, 2020

Last Updated: 1:29 PDT, Wed October 7, 2020

A new report shows that BC’s food and beverage processors grew exponentially in 2019. 

This provides a blueprint for the sector’s economic recovery from COVID-19, say BC officials. In 2019, sales were up $700 million to a record $10.5 billion.

“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 Agriculture Minister Lana Popham. “I’m so proud of our amazing producers and their contributions to a strong BC 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 for BC exports with $4.7 billion in sales of agricultural, seafood and food and beverage products to 152 different international markets. In every region, farmers and producers continue to play a crucial role in contributing to both the local economy and the overall provincial economy.

Government is committed to strengthening BC’s food system through the three pillars of Grow BC, Feed BC and Buy BC. This includes helping more people get into farming, expanding local food production through the BC Food Hub Network, moving more locally grown and processed foods into hospitals and other public institutions, and making it easier for consumers to identify made-in-B.C. products.

For more details on the 2019 industry growth, click here.

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