Ontario's food and beverage processors posted a 12 per cent increase in exports over the past couple of years.
A report for Food and Beverage Ontario says the province's international reputation for wholesome and safe food and drink is one reason for the increase.
Another is population growth and the widening middle class in developing countries.
But while our food and beverage exports are now up to 7 point 6 billion dollars a year, the report says our imports are worth 14 point 1 billion.
The CEO of Food and Beverage Ontario - Norm Beal - says that shows there's opportunity for the province's processor to replace imported finished products, commodities and ingredients.
He points out the softer Canadian dollar has helped Ontario processors with more competitive pricing.
FBO says the province's food and beverage processing industry contributes more than 40 billion dollars in revenue to the Ontario economy and provides 132 thousand direct jobs.
