Why Canada Must Move Beyond Commodities-Based Trade – A New Opinion Piece by Andreas Duess

Andreas Duess Food in Canada Magazine Opinion Column

Canada has long been a powerhouse in agriculture, exporting billions in raw commodities like wheat, pulses, and beef. But while other nations transform these resources into high-value products—selling pasta, premium cuts of meat, and plant-based snacks at a premium—Canada misses out on massive economic opportunities.

In his latest Food in Canada column, 6 Seeds CEO and Chief AI Officer Andreas Duess argues that it’s time to rethink our approach. By investing in domestic processing, innovation, and branding, Canada can shift from being a supplier of raw ingredients to a leader in value-added, premium food products—a strategy that would make our industry more resilient to global trade disruptions and tariffs.

What’s inside the piece?

  • How Canada’s commodity-based trade leaves billions in value on the table
  • Lessons from Ireland and New Zealand on how to build globally recognized food brands
  • Why investing in processing, R&D, and AI-driven innovation is key to competing in global markets
  • A roadmap for turning raw materials into high-value, branded food and beverage products

Read the full article in Food in Canada.

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Saskia Brussaard, Managing Partner, Marketing and Communications: [email protected]

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