Canada is a key member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which is a free trade agreement involving 11 countries. The CPTPP aims to reduce tariffs and promote trade among member countries, providing significant market access opportunities for Canadian exporters and investors.
The agreement came into force for Canada on December 30, 2018. It includes countries such as Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. The CPTPP is seen as a platform that is open to other countries to join if they meet its high standards.
Top 10 Food and Drink Exports from the UK to Canada (with Estimated Figures)
- Whisky – £220 million annually
- Scottish whisky is the top UK export to Canada, with strong demand for premium and craft spirits, benefiting from reduced tariffs under CPTPP.
- Confectionery – £60 million annually
- The UK exports chocolate, sweets, and biscuits, with British brands like Cadbury and Walker’s Shortbread enjoying high popularity.
- Beverages (Non-Alcoholic) – £42 million annually
- Includes tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks, with strong consumer demand for British specialty beverages.
- Dairy Products – £37 million annually
- The UK exports cheese, butter, and cream, especially high-end cheeses, which are gaining traction in Canada’s gourmet food sector.
- Premium Tea Blends – £29 million
- Shortbread Biscuits – £25 million
- Craft Beer – £18 million
- Luxury Puddings – £12 million
- Organic Oatmeal – £9 million
- Artisan Chutneys – £6 million
With CPTPP improving market access, UK food and drink exports to Canada are expected to increase further, particularly in whisky, confectionery, and dairy products.
For more information about our logistics services to and from the UK to Canada, please email trading@cptpp.co.uk
Success Story: Yorkshire Tea's 35% sales growth through Loblaw's supermarket listings by adapting pack sizes for Canadian shoppers
Key Regulations
– Bilingual labelling (English/French) mandatory
– Health Canada nutrient content claims restrictions
– Dairy products require import permits
– Alcohol sales controlled by provincial boards
Key UK Export Codes for Canada (Food & Beverages)
| Product | UK Export Code (Trade Tariff) | Canadian Import Code (HS 2024) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotch Whisky | 2208 30 00 00 |
2208.30.00 |
||
| Aged Cheddar Cheese | 0406 90 31 00 (UK) |
0406.90.91 (Canada) |
||
| Chocolate (>2kg blocks) | 1806 31 00 00 |
1806.31.00 |
||
| Gin | 2208 70 00 00 |
2208.70.00 |
||
| Smoked Salmon | 1604 11 00 00 |
1604.11.00 |
||
| Black Tea (Packaged) | 0902 30 00 00 |
0902.30.00 |
||
| Malt Beer | 2203 00 00 00 |
2203.00.00 |