In Canada, total baby food packaging retail volumes declined by 5% to 224 million units in 2024, driven by substantial increases in milk formula prices and supply chain disruptions, which significantly impacted consumers’ purchasing decisions. Between 2022 and 2024, milk formula prices rose sharply, by approximately 30%, prompting retailers to ration usage. Meanwhile, lingering supply issues stemming from the 2022 Abbott plant closure affected availability throughout 2023, leading to Health Cana

In 2024, confectionery in Canada witnessed a decline in total packaging retail volumes, decreasing by 4% to 4.0 billion units. The surge in cocoa prices prompted manufacturers to increase product prices, reduce pack sizes, and shift towards more affordable or reformulated products. Notably, even premium brands introduced smaller SKUs or multi-size formats. While unit sales declined, the actual volume of confectionery per pack also decreased due to shrinkflation and downsizing. Furthermore, due t

In 2024, Canada's total dairy packaging retail volumes rose by 2% to 6.4 billion units, driven mainly by the growing demand for cheese, cream, butter, and yoghurt. The Canadian dairy industry remained relatively shielded from trade disruptions; nevertheless, rising costs of non-dairy imported inputs, including packaging, affected profit margins. Fluid milk consumption continued its decline, negatively impacting the associated packaging volumes, including gable top liquid cartons and rigid plasti

In 2024, total processed fruit and vegetables packaging retail volumes in Canada fell by 4% to 1.3 billion units. The COVID-19 pandemic drove Canadians to purchase more frozen and shelf stable fruit and vegetables in 2020 and 2021 due to stockpiling, their long shelf-life, and reduced access to fresh food. However, by 2024, shopping habits had reverted to normal, resulting in lower packaging volumes for products such as frozen berries, mixed vegetables, canned fruits, and French fries or frozen

In 2024, total meat and seafood packaging retail volumes experienced a 1% increase in Canada, reaching 1.6 billion units. The packaging volumes for chilled processed meat rose due to growing consumer demand for convenient, ready-to-cook products, as well as the need for extended shelf life and food safety through advanced packaging technologies. In February 2024, the federal government and the Ontario government announced a CAD13 million investment under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Par

In Canada, total sweet spreads packaging retail volumes declined by 2% in 2024, reaching 138 million units. The country's recent economic stagnation, characterised by decreasing per person GDP and increasing financial pressure on households, led consumers to tighten their grocery budgets and prioritise essential items over discretionary ones. Faced with higher food prices and stagnant incomes, many Canadians opted for more affordable private label products or purchased fewer sweet spreads, viewi

In 2024, total retail packaging volumes for plant-based dairy in Canada rose to 219 million units, representing a 9% increase. Steady growth was seen, driven by the fact that a high number of Canadians are consuming dairy alternatives. Plant-based milk remained the most popular plant-based choice among Canadian consumers, with oat milk experiencing the most rapid growth in new product launches, surpassing almond milk. The adoption of plant-based dairy products was led by Gen Z, who were motivate

In 2024, total sauces, dips, and condiments packaging retail volumes in Canada experienced a 2% increase, reaching 3.9 billion units. Canada's growing immigrant population, particularly from Asia and India, is reshaping the country's taste preferences, driving demand for ethnic sauces, dips, and condiments. The success of brands such as Vancouver's Naked and Saucy, which offers soy-free teriyaki, sweet Thai chilli, and vegan oyster sauces, and plans to expand into ethnic simmer sauces and organi

In 2024, total meals and soups packaging retail volumes in Canada declined by 3% to 2.4 billion units. Packaging volumes for shelf stable ready meals and canned soups decreased. Producers faced higher raw material and tariff-induced costs for metals such as tinplate and aluminium. Therefore, shrinkflation was seen, as in Campbell's Chunky Soup, which now offers 515ml instead of the previous 540ml. Smaller portions are also aligned with broader sustainability goals, as they help reduce food waste

A majority of Canadians try to have a positive impact on the environment by engaging in green activities such as recycling and reducing food waste and plastic use, while looking for and trusting in labels that show products are recyclable or locally sourced, for example. One in four sustainable consumers are naturalists and over two fifths of these are willing to pay more for all-natural features in food, beverages, apparel and household products. The natural claim has the highest spend per capi

In 2025, home audio and cinema in Canada is set to record a decrease in both retail volume and value. Although the leading subcategory, home cinema and speakers, is projected to see a modest increase in value, this growth is being offset by declines across all other subcategories. A combination of higher prices and limited availability of affordable alternatives is discouraging consumers from purchasing home cinema products. Additionally, the enhanced audio quality now integrated into many smart

Retail volume sales for in-car entertainment is set to record a double-digit decline in Canada in 2025.

Retail volume and value sales of computers and peripherals are expected to record a decline in 2025, with all categories recording a fall in sales. Many laptops purchased during the COVID-19 lockdown reached end-of-life in 2024 and have already been replaced, challenging sales levels in 2025. Furthermore, Microsoft’s planned end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025 is likely to increase hardware costs, limiting consumer purchasing power.

Volume sales of mobile phones in Canada are set to increase in 2025. Currently, over 85% of Canadians own a smartphone, while around 4% own a feature phone. Smartphone usage continues to grow across all age groups, with the fastest adoption observed among the older population. Purchases of smartphones have steadily increased over the past nine years. Ownership among 18- to 19-year-olds rose from 94% to 98%, among 30- to 49-year-olds from 82% to 95%, and among those aged 50 and older from 46% to

Volume sales of imaging devices in Canada are set to record a double-digit decline in 2025. The rise of advanced smartphone cameras, now matching or surpassing the quality of many standalone digital cameras, has significantly changed how consumers capture everyday moments, reducing the need for an additional device.

Retail volume sales of consumer electronics in Canada are set to record slight growth in 2025. Key product areas driving growth include smartphones, wireless headphones and wearable technology, with innovation and advanced technology encouraging sales. However, growth in 2025 is being challenged by reduced disposable income, inflationary pressures, and uncertainty stemming from a potential trade war with the United States.

Volume sales of portable players in Canada are set to increase in 2025, supported by shifting consumer preferences, advances in wireless technology, and rising demand for high-quality sound systems. The adoption of voice-controlled devices and AI-driven audio features is also contributing to market expansion.

Volume sales of home video products in Canada are expected to record marginal growth in 2025, driven by increasing demand for OLED TVs and the rising popularity of extra-large screens. Televisions remain the best-performing category in 2025, with OLED models at the forefront. OLED TVs are projected to achieve volume growth of 2% in 2025, following a strong 6% increase in 2024, reflecting continued consumer preference for high-quality display technology.

Volume sales of wearable electronics in Canada are expected to see a slight increase in 2025, following a decline in 2024. Activity wearables is projected to record a volume recovery, with low single-digit growth anticipated.

Volume sales of wireless headphones in Canada increased in 2025, supported by growing consumer preference for wireless, noise-cancelling, and AI-integrated models. Canadians are placing greater value on features such as high-fidelity sound, extended battery life, and seamless Bluetooth connectivity, prompting manufacturers to enhance their product offerings. As a result, both unit and value sales are expected to grow throughout the year.

Value sales of drinking milk products in Canada increased in 2025, although the category continued to contract in retail volume terms. The exceptional population growth of recent years, driven by both permanent and temporary immigration, has helped moderate the decline compared with the sharper drops recorded earlier in the review period. However, consumption remains under pressure from shifting preferences towards plant-based dairy alternatives, which are widely perceived as healthier options.

After two consecutive years of contraction, retail volume sales of baby food in Canada returned to modest growth in 2025. The unusually high food inflation of 2023 and most of 2024 had significantly curtailed consumption, pushing many households to limit purchases while keeping value sales elevated. As inflation slowed in late 2024 and early 2025 – with small price declines in certain segments such as prepared baby food and other baby food excluding infant formula – purchasing activity began to

Value sales of cheese in Canada grew in 2025, driven by its positioning as a versatile, indulgent, and naturally nutrient-dense food. The health and wellness trend continues to play a central role, with cheese widely perceived as a rich source of protein and healthy fats. This is complemented by demographic factors, particularly the exceptional population growth over the last two years, which has boosted household demand. Canadians are increasingly open to exploring the expanding variety of chee

Following a period of unusually high food inflation in 2022, 2023 and the first half of 2024, categories within other dairy – including dairy desserts, coffee whiteners, cream, and condensed and evaporated milk – saw weaker volume growth but relatively strong value performance. As inflation eased in the second half of 2024 and into 2025, and in some cases prices edged down slightly, volume consumption began to recover. However, elevated price levels, coupled with a challenging economic climate m