Future
Workforce
Planning today for the future of Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing industry workforce and the increasing global demand for food.
Workforce Projections
Between 2023 and 2030, the Canadian food and beverage manufacturing industry is estimated to need to hire and retain over 92,500 additional people. The average annual hiring requirement of approximately 11,500 new people per year is driven primarily by the need to replace an estimated 66,800 retirements and age-related exits while considering projected industry growth and labour productivity gains. Additionally, the industry’s current 50,000 vacancies that remain unfilled means the total hiring requirement increases to 142,000 new people or almost 50% of the current workforce.
Beverage manufacturing is projected to lead industry growth, with employment increasing 16% between 2023 and 2030. Bakeries and tortilla manufacturing is also projected to see notable employment growth by 2030 from increased consumption over the decade. Dairy and meat processing, segments which have seen a decline in consumption, are projected to see more modest growth over the same period.
What are the labour challenges?
Across Canada, 1/5th of the workforce is aged between 55 and 64 and will be eligible for retirement within the next 10 years. This segment of the workforce will account for up to a forecasted a large number of anticipated vacancies by 2025. There are several geographical barriers which affect the food and beverage industry. For many businesses operating in rural locations, it can be difficult to recruit individuals willing to relocate for a job.
There are several geographical barriers which affect the food and beverage industry. For many businesses operating out of rural locations, it can be difficult to recruit individuals willing to re-locate for a job.
Canada’s meat and Atlantic seafood processors in particular are experiencing unique challenges with recruiting and retaining qualified employees for foundational roles and skilled positions from slaughter to finished product.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program has been an asset to the industry in this regard but does not provide a long-term, sustainable workforce solution.
There are several geographical barriers which affect the food and beverage industry. For many businesses operating out of rural locations, it can be difficult to recruit individuals willing to re-locate for a job. Canada’s meat and Atlantic seafood processors in particular are experiencing unique challenges with recruiting and retaining qualified employees for foundational roles and skilled positions from slaughter to finished product. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program has been an asset to the industry in this regard but does not provide a long-term, sustainable workforce solution.
Challenge
Only 1 in 4 Canadians are familiar with the food and beverage processing industry AND only 1 in 6 say they would apply for a job if it was near them.
Challenge
24% of the workforce is aged between 55 and 64 and will be eligible for retirement within the next 10 years.
Challenge
Only 53% of employers reported offering benefits at their organization
Challenge
7 in 10 employers report facing recruitment and retention challenges, and most describe this as a persistent and ongoing problem.
Challenge
4 in 10 companies have reported that they have neither an HR department or dedicated HR staff.
Challenge
68% of employers stated that the pandemic negatively impacted their company sales.
Understanding the multi-generational workforce
Like other economic sectors in Canada, food and beverage manufacturers can have up to five generations in their workforce at one time. To examine the diverse perspectives of these generations, research was conducted to understand how an employer can better adapt and innovate to meet generational expectations.
Resources
Videos & Webinars
On demand videos & webinars on a variety of topics.
Career Ladders
Learn about career ladders in the food and beverage processing industry.
Employer Programs
Employer programs for Canada’s food and beverage processing industry.
Featured reports
Seafood Survey Report
With 45% of seafood processors reporting having vacant positions, this survey report tells the full story of seafood processors reported by them. Understand the sector as whole through the industry profile and then go through the specialized challenges that they face. With relevant and timely information about turnover rate, which workers the industry is dependent on or what positions are considered key positions from seafood processors. Access to the information and more can be found in this survey report.
Future Skills in Food Processing
This report looks at what future skills and trends will be integral for the industry. Canada’s agri-food sector is an indispensable part of the country’s current and future economic growth, so knowing what the future holds is critical. Through a roundtable discussion participants discussed the ideal skills that should be cultivated in the industry to further innovation. To better understand the context of future work a variety of trends in the industry from technology to consumer relationships were explored. The findings were turned into actionable recommendations to take the work off the paper and into the real world.
Other Food Processing Sector Report
An in-depth survey where the information comes directly from Other Food Processors. From the 126 processors we surveyed, approximately one-third (34%) reported not being able to fill positions or chronic recruitment challenges. Through this survey report you will get to hear information about recruitment challenges, how many vacancies there are and what benefits the industry is offering, all right from the industry.
Highlights Brief From Canadian Meat Processing
Highlights from a Labour Market Information Study of Canada’s Meat Processing Industry
Labour Market Information Survey
With so many companies and processors in the food and beverage industry struggling with employment, such as hiring, vacancy, retention and etc. this survey report, Labour Market Information Survey looks at some of key issues that might be contributing to this. There were 740 food and beverage companies that were surveyed across Canada from Atlantic Canada to British Colombia in a variety of sectors, to make sure a comprehensive view was seen. Different aspects were examined like industry training, government programs, HR processes and more to really understand the challenges the industry as whole is facing.