Canada’s beverage manufacturing sector plays a vital role in the broader food manufacturing industry and labour market.
This report explores its structure, workforce composition, and the trends influencing its development.
The Canadian beverage manufacturing sector plays an important role within the country’s broader food manufacturing industry, contributing to economic activity, regional development, and employment across multiple provinces and territories. Comprising a diverse range of subsectors—including soft drink and bottled water production, breweries, wineries, and distilleries—the industry reflects both long-standing traditions and evolving consumer preferences.
This mini–case study provides an overview of the structure of the sector, examining the distribution and size of establishments, the characteristics of the workforce, and the educational pathways that support talent development. It also highlights key trends and external factors shaping the sector’s performance, including changing consumer habits, labour market pressures, and emerging opportunities for growth and innovation. Together, these insights provide a snapshot of the current landscape of beverage manufacturing in Canada and help inform workforce planning and industry strategies.
Nearly 96% of beverage manufacturing establishments have fewer than 100 employees, highlighting a sector largely driven by small and micro-scale producers.
Breweries represent almost half (49%) of all beverage manufacturing establishments in Canada, making them the most prominent subsector in the industry.
The number of Temporary Foreign Workers in the sector grew by roughly 140% between 2017 and 2022, reflecting growing labour shortages.
