According to a Pro Colombia market study, Canadian consumers are looking for healthy, nutritious, natural and organic foods, such as Colombian physalis, which contains vitamins A and C, fibre and antioxidants.

According to the analysis, the Canadian population is aging, has increased its income levels and has experienced a demographic change by receiving immigrants from countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, which has led to an increase in demand.

Organic fruits are well-received and the favourites are strawberries, bananas, kiwis, oranges, apples, mangoes, guava and pineapples.

As for vegetables, the most popular are peeled minicarrots, carrots, lettuce hearts, broccoli and fresh vegetable mixes.

For the consumer, it is "important to be able to purchase the product in individual portions, easy to carry or to prepare. It is estimated that three out of four fresh products sold in Canada are imported."

However, in autumn and summer "there is great competition with local products, due to price competitiveness," said the market trend study.

Smaller families "have given a boost to the purchase of individual food portions, which must also be natural and offer health benefits."

In Canada, there is a greater preference for "ready-to-eat products because they save time and are easy to consume."

"The Canadian market has great acceptance for gourmet-type products, generating opportunities for organic foods that are also practical," he pointed out.

"The cultural diversity opens the door to exotic and ethnic products. While the consumption of processed fruits has increased, that of processed vegetables has remained stable," highlighted Pro Colombia.

There is great potential for Colombian preserves, as well as for blueberries, raspberries and frozen strawberries, fresh pre-packaged vegetables or refrigerated packaged salads.