Food Processing Skills Canada (FPSC) is pleased to present this report to the dairy processing industry, government decision makers and other industry stakeholders. This summary report focused specifically on the dairy processing industry is one in a series of labour market information (LMI) studies that have been designed to be a resource for all. The report covers details on the structure of the industry, current challenges and opportunities, and an overview of the important role of labour in ensuring the industry’s success now and in the future.
Dairy processing establishments are concentrated in Quebec and Ontario, accounting for 71% of the establishments and approximately 75% of the workers in 2021.
Between 2021 and 2030, the rate of employment growth for the Canadian dairy processing industry is expected to be approximately 11% growing from approximately 24,900 employees in 2021 to 27,600 by 2030.
Labour market tightness is expected to persist through 2022 as economic recovery collides with reduced rates of labour force participation. This means that recruitment and retention will be particularly challenging for many occupations and roles through 2022.
