Uses of Canola

Canola is either sold as seed to foreign countries where it is processed (crushed) into oil, or it is crushed in Canada and sold as oil here or to foreign countries. (A very small amount of seed is used directly in the feed industry.) When the seed is crushed in Canada, the by-product of the crush is canola meal which is used as a protein supplement in feed rations for livestock.

Approximately 40 percent of Canada's canola seed is directly exported to Japan for processing by Japanese crushers.

Canola oil is Canada's leading vegetable oil and Canada has the highest per capita consumption globally. Due to strong demand from the U.S. for Canada's healthy alternative oil, about 70% of Canada's canola oil is exported to the U.S. Canola's share of processed consumer vegetable oil products is roughly 45% of margarines, 60% of shortenings and 80% of salad oils produced.

Canadian canola oil exports represent over half of the oil produced by Canadian crushers. Exports are primarily to the U.S. but also to many destinations in the Far East.

The industry has the ability to meet demands for highly selective products to fill niche market opportunities. The consumer is demanding choice at the retail level and the industry is meeting this challenge with a diversified base of specialty products. These range from specialty canola oil formulations for use as a replacement component in the confectionery industry, and canola oils that do not require hydrogenation for use in commercial frying and packed foods. Canola oil is also used in the manufacture of inks, as biodegradable greases, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other uses.