Bring on the gingerbread!

December is right around the corner, and for many, the countdown to the holiday season has already begun. While hundreds will scour busy shopping centres over the next few weeks, baking is a great way to slow down and spend quality time with loved ones.

Not much of a baker? Decorating a pre-made gingerbread house may be more up your alley—all the fun and creativity without having to mix or measure!

Gingerbread, which is typically flavoured with ginger, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, is a popular holiday treat in Canada. While you can bake gingerbread at any time of year, many retail stores and bakeries only sell gingerbread during the winter holiday season.

In September 2024, Canada imported over $4.2 million worth of gingerbread and the like. Imports of gingerbread from Italy accounted for more than half ($2.3 million) of the total imports, while imports from Germany accounted for about $1.1 million of total imports.

In the months leading up to December, gingerbread imports are at their peak. In 2023, for example, Canada imported the most gingerbread in September ($5.2 million), October ($5.7 million), and November ($3.2 million).

In 2023 overall, Canada imported $17.7 million worth of gingerbread and the like. Imports in September, October and November accounted for 79.7% ($14.1 million) of total annual imports.

So, at this time of year, there is definitely no shortage of gingerbread to go around! Store-bought or homemade, there’s no time like the present to indulge in these delectable holiday sweet treats!