Pulse market outlook favourable

Jun 04, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic may have positive results for pulse growers

Staff Writer

Farms.com

Despite the continued challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; pulse growers may anticipate some favourable markets this year.

Overall, Canada’s pulse acres will be down 3 per cent from the average, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada estimated.

And analysts expect improved demand, said Abhinesh Gopal. He is a commodity analyst with Farms.com Risk Management.

India, for example, is a major pulse importer and consumer.

“India is said to be looking at lowering import tariffs from 50 per cent to 15 per cent for some pulses as COVID-19 raises food price inflation in the country,” said Gopal.

Many consumers are also stocking their pantries with pulses like lentils, which helps the Canadian domestic markets, he said.

So, the outlook for this year’s pulse market could be better than the last two years, said Gopal.

Experts “in the industry point to the rise in veganism and the global increase in plant-based meat demand, for which pulses are used. The 2020 demand profile looks promising with the higher domestic demand. As we still face COVID-19, consumers are likely to continue with home-cooked meals and hence prefer being prepared and stocked,” he said.

LuismiCSS/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Video: When is Sustainable Packaging Coming in the Canadian Agri Food Industry? 3 Critical Perspectives

Canada’s regulatory landscape on single-use plastics is complex but a recent ruling by the Federal Court of Appeal sided with the government’s intent to eliminate single-use plastics. What does this mean for the Canadian agri-food industry? How can companies find the right balance between regulatory compliance and implementing costly alternative solutions? What are retailers and consumers saying about sustainable packaging? This webinar features Joshua Goodman, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Sobeys; Marie-Anne Champoux-Guimond, Director of Sustainability, Keurig Dr Pepper Canada and Glenford Jameson, Canadian Food Lawyer, G.S. Jameson and Company

This 60-minute webinar brings together three industry leaders to examine the opportunities, challenges, and realities of the path forward. In this session, you will gain insights into:

•Canada’s regulatory roadmap and timeline on eliminating single-use plastics

•Current end-of-life solutions for plastics and alternative packaging solutions

•The need to have a corporate strategy that aligns with reality at the retail shelves

•How major brands and retailers are pivoting

•Supply chain considerations

•Common misconceptions