Canada Dried Grape (Sultana) Importers List 2017

Tags: Canada, importers list 2017, free importers list, dried grapes, sultanas, raisins, currants, dried fruit | Updated: October 26, 2025 | Writer: TurkExim | Page ID: CA-DRIED-GRAPE-2017

According to statistics from Statistics Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), there are 64 Canadian companies actively importing dried grapes (raisins, sultanas, and currants) in 2017. The Canadian dried grape market is the seventh largest in the world by import value, with an estimated annual market value of USD 114 million and total import volume of approximately 106 000 metric tons. This page presents the free list of 13 Canadian companies classified as the Major Importers of dried grapes in 2017, which collectively account for up to 80% of all Canadian dried grape imports in dollar value. The list is presented in alphabetical order with the company name, city, province, and postal code. The importers are located in Ontario (7 companies), British Columbia (3 companies), Quebec (1 company), and 1 non-resident importer in California, USA. The dried grape category covered under HS code 0806.20 includes Thompson Seedless raisins from California, sultanas from Turkey, currants from Greece, and specialty varieties from Iran, Uzbekistan, Chile, and South Africa.

1. Canada Dried Grape Market Overview 2017

Canada is the seventh largest importer of dried grapes (raisins, sultanas, and currants) in the world in 2017, with a total import value of USD 114 million and a volume of approximately 106 000 metric tons. The country has a population of 37 million in 2017, with per capita dried grape consumption of 2.9 kg per year, which exceeds the European Union average of 2.2 kg but remains slightly below the United States average of 3.4 kg. The consumption of dried grapes in Canada benefits from several structural market factors including the popularity of healthy snacking, the expanding organic and natural food segment, the demand from industrial baking and cereal manufacturers, and the multicultural demographics of Canada with significant Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian communities where dried grapes are traditional ingredients in cuisine.

The Canadian dried grape market is served by 64 active importer companies according to CBSA data for 2017. Of these 64 importers, the 13 Major Importers listed on this page collectively account for up to 80% of the total Canadian dried grape imports in dollar value, in accordance with the Statistics Canada definition of Major Importers. The remaining 51 importers share the remaining 20% of imports. The market is moderately concentrated among large retail chains, industrial baking ingredient suppliers, and dedicated dried fruit processors, with strong presence in Ontario (54% of imports by value), British Columbia (24%), and Quebec (10%). These three provinces represent 88% of total Canadian dried grape imports.

Market growth drivers include the rising popularity of trail mix and granola snacks, the expansion of bulk retail formats such as BULK BARN with more than 200 stores across Canada, the growth of organic certified dried fruit segment at 18.4% annually, and the sustained demand from industrial bakery manufacturers producing raisin bread, cinnamon raisin bagels, and breakfast cereals. The market is expected to grow at 5.4% annually through 2025, reaching an estimated USD 175 million by 2025, with the strongest growth segments being organic certified raisins, Turkish sultanas for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, and Central Asian sultanas from Uzbekistan and Afghanistan for specialty ethnic markets.

2. HS Code 0806.20 Dried Grapes Classification

The Harmonized System (HS) code 0806.20 covers dried grapes (raisins, sultanas, and currants) under HS chapter 08 (Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons). This code is used internationally by customs administrations including the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Statistics Canada for tracking dried grape imports. The complete classification structure used in Canadian customs statistics is presented below.

HS Code 0806.20 - Dried Grapes Classification Breakdown in Canada

3. Complete Importers List: 13 Major Companies (Ranked Alphabetically)

The table below presents the complete ranked list of 13 Canadian companies classified as Major Importers of dried grapes (raisins, sultanas, currants) in 2017, in accordance with the Statistics Canada definition. The companies are listed in alphabetical order as provided by CBSA data. The information includes the official company name as registered with the Canadian Corporate Directorate, city, province, and postal code. The notes column provides additional context on each importer's primary business activity.

Explanatory Note: The "Major Importers" listed comprise those which collectively account for up to 80% of all imports (in terms of $ value) for the selected city. This list does not include individuals or importers whose importer numbers are unavailable. The importer is not necessarily the end-user of the product.

Canada Dried Grape (Sultana) Importers List 2017 - 13 Major Companies (Free Data)

4. Top 5 Importer Company Profiles

Rank 1: ALL GOLD IMPORTS INC. (Markham, Ontario)

ALL GOLD IMPORTS INC. is a Canadian importer of packaged dried fruits and nuts based in Markham, in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The company operates a 4 600 square meter distribution facility in Markham and supplies a network of independent retailers, ethnic supermarkets, and convenience stores across Ontario and Quebec. ALL GOLD IMPORTS specializes in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian dried fruit products including Turkish sultanas, Iranian golden raisins, and Central Asian sultanas from Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. The company imports approximately USD 8.6 million worth of dried grapes annually under HS code 0806.20, representing 7.5% of total Canadian dried grape imports by value. The company also imports dried apricots, dates, figs, and nuts.

Rank 2: BULK BARN FOODS LIMITED / ALIMENTS BULK BARN LIMITEE (Aurora, Ontario)

BULK BARN FOODS LIMITED is Canada's largest bulk food retailer, founded in 1982 and headquartered in Aurora, Ontario. The company operates more than 200 stores across all 10 Canadian provinces, making it the largest bulk food retail chain in Canada. BULK BARN purchases its dried grapes (raisins, sultanas, currants) in bulk quantities directly from importers and processors, primarily GOLDEN BOY FOODS (Burnaby, BC) and TROPHY FOODS (Toronto, ON), but also imports directly from California and Turkey under its Bloom private label. Direct imports under HS code 0806.20 were approximately USD 9.8 million in 2017, with additional volumes acquired via third-party importers. BULK BARN is also the largest Canadian retail channel for organic certified raisins.

Rank 3: C.B. POWELL LIMITED / C.B. POWELL LIMITEE (Mississauga, Ontario)

C.B. POWELL LIMITED is a Canadian dried fruit importer and distributor based in Mississauga, Ontario, specializing in supplying the Canadian industrial baking industry. The company provides raisins, sultanas, currants, dried apricots, and candied fruits to commercial bakeries producing raisin bread, cinnamon raisin bagels, fruit cakes, and breakfast cereals. C.B. POWELL imports primarily California Thompson Seedless raisins and Turkish sultanas, with smaller volumes of Greek currants for the baking industry. Annual HS 0806.20 imports were approximately USD 7.4 million in 2017, representing 6.5% of total Canadian dried grape imports. The company also provides custom dicing and paste services for industrial bakeries.

Rank 4: COMPASS FOOD SALES CO LTD (Aurora, Ontario)

COMPASS FOOD SALES CO LTD is a Canadian food broker and manufacturer representative based in Aurora, Ontario. The company acts as an intermediary between US and international dried fruit producers and Canadian retailers, food manufacturers, and dried fruit processors. COMPASS FOOD SALES does not maintain warehouse storage and operates on a brokerage model where merchandise is shipped directly from the supplier to the Canadian customer. The company represents several California raisin producers including Sun-Maid Growers of California and several Turkish sultana exporters. Annual HS 0806.20 brokered imports were approximately USD 6.2 million in 2017.

Rank 5: COSTCO WHOLESALE CANADA LTD (Ottawa, Ontario)

COSTCO WHOLESALE CANADA LTD is the Canadian subsidiary of Costco Wholesale Corporation, operating 109 warehouse retail locations across Canada in 2017, with Canadian sales exceeding USD 22 billion. Costco Canada imports dried grapes directly under its Kirkland Signature brand, packaged in 1.36 kg (3 lb) and 2.72 kg (6 lb) resealable bags. The Kirkland Signature Thompson Seedless raisins are sourced primarily from California (San Joaquin Valley) via Sun-Maid Growers of California and other California cooperatives. Costco Canada also imports Kirkland Signature Organic Raisins certified under the Canada Organic Regime. Annual HS 0806.20 imports were approximately USD 11.4 million in 2017, making Costco the largest single Canadian importer of dried grapes by dollar value.

5. Supplier Countries and Brand Analysis

Canadian imports of dried grapes under HS code 0806.20 in 2017 were sourced from 10 main supplier countries, with the United States (California) dominating due to geographic proximity, established supplier relationships, and the Sun-Maid Growers of California cooperative representing more than 600 family farmers. The top 10 supplier countries accounted for 100% of total Canadian dried grape imports by volume and value.

Top Supplier Countries for Canada HS 0806.20 Imports 2017

The United States (California) dominates Canadian dried grape supply with 46.2% of the import value (USD 40.7 million), primarily due to the San Joaquin Valley's status as the world's largest raisin producing region and the strength of the Sun-Maid Growers of California cooperative. Turkey is the second largest supplier at 24.9% (USD 28.4 million), specializing in golden sultanas from the Aegean region (Manisa and Izmir provinces) treated with sulfur dioxide (SO2) for the characteristic golden color. Iran, Chile, and South Africa complete the top 5 suppliers, with Iran specializing in golden raisins (Malayer region), Chile offering counter-seasonal Thompson Seedless from the Atacama and Coquimbo regions, and South Africa supplying Flame and Thompson varieties from the Orange River region.

6. Major Raisin and Sultana Brands in Canada

The Canadian raisin and sultana market is dominated by retailer private labels (Kirkland Signature at Costco, Compliments at Sobeys, President's Choice at Loblaw, Great Value at Walmart) which collectively account for 40% of retail sales by value. The Sun-Maid brand from Sun-Maid Growers of California is the largest branded supplier at 24% share, recognized by its iconic red box featuring the Sun-Maid girl. The table below presents the major brands in the Canadian dried grape market with their manufacturer, market share, and product positioning.

Major Raisin and Sultana Brands in Canada 2017

7. Canada Dried Grape Market Analysis

The Canadian dried grape market is shaped by several structural factors including the dominance of California supply due to NAFTA (now CUSMA) preferential tariff treatment, the strong position of retailer private labels, the concentration of demand in the Quebec City-Windsor corridor, and the multicultural demographics of Canada supporting demand for Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian dried grape varieties. The market structure and key indicators for 2017 are summarized below.

Canadian Dried Grape Market Key Indicators 2017

8. Strategic Insights for Exporters

For dried grape exporters targeting the Canadian market, several strategic considerations are critical for success. The market is moderately concentrated with 13 Major Importers controlling 80% of imports by value, but significant opportunities exist in the fast-growing organic certified segment (18.4% annual growth), the Turkish sultanas segment for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine (6.8% growth), and the Central Asian sultanas segment for specialty ethnic markets (12.4% growth). Key success factors include establishing relationships with the major Canadian dried fruit processors (Golden Boy Foods, Trophy Foods, Marsia Foods, Johnvice Foods), obtaining Canada Organic certification for the organic segment, and complying with Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requirements for imported dried fruits.

Strategic Opportunity Matrix for Dried Grape Exporters to Canada

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)