Benzinga - by Nicolás Jose Rodriguez, Benzinga Staff Writer.
Canada's cannabis industry is about to hit C$6 billion (nearly $4.4 billion) in retail sales. In its latest report, analysis firm Z&A looks into the thriving year-on-year surge in recreational sales and the worrisome downturn in the medical marijuana sector.
The report examines the market performance of major players like Tilray (NASDAQ: TLRY), Decibel Cannabis Company Inc. (OTC: DBCCF) and Village Farms International, Inc. (NASDAQ: VFF) to address a critical query: What drives the divergent paths of Canada's recreational and medical cannabis markets, and who is at the forefront?
"Canada's growth rate is impressive, given the similar legal framework. However, it highlights the potential for even more growth as the market matures," wrote Pablo Zuanic, chief analyst at Z&A.
Recreational Weed Is Up, Medical Is Down
In contrast, Canada's medical marijuana (MMJ) market has experienced a decline in recent years, with sales dropping from C$501 million in 2021 to C$401 million in 2023, impacting leading companies such as Aurora (NASDAQ: ACB) and Organigram Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OGI).
"The medical market's decline underscores the allure of the recreational market for consumers due to its cost-effectiveness and convenience," Zuanic said.
Exports And LP Performance Canada's exports of medical cannabis are on an upward trajectory, reaching C$160 million in 2023, with major destinations including Australia and Israel.
Among the top LPs, licensed producers, Decibel stands out with a 77% growth in recreational sales, positioning itself as a strong player in the industry.
In this complex landscape, Canada's cannabis market presents a mix of challenges and opportunities, with companies like VFF and Decibel making strides toward future success.
Leading Players in the Canadian Cannabis Market Decibel's 77% year-on-year growth in recreational sales and a shift towards pre-rolls (now 70% of sales) signify changing market dynamics.
Meanwhile, VFF's 10% growth rate and focus on product mix stability reveal a preference for consistency, while Tilray's 4% year-on-year growth is accompanied by quarter-on-quarter increases in flower sales and a position as the lowest-priced option at $4.30/gram, indicating adaptability and market positioning expertise.
Decibel
- Recorded a 77% year-on-year growth in recreational sales in 3Q22.
- Holds the position of the second-largest LP with a 7.5% market share.
- Shifted towards pre-rolls, now 70% of their sales.
- Pre-rolls saw a 179% year-on-year growth, outperforming the category.
- Achieved a 10% growth rate in the third quarter.
- Maintains a stable product mix, with flower sales at 75% of total sales.
- Pre-rolls are 19% of sales, vapes are 5%, and edibles are 1%.
- Increased flower SKUs to 123 in 3Q23 from 44 in 1Q22.
- Experienced a 4% proforma year-on-year growth.
- Notable growth in flower sales, up 11% quarter-on-quarter.
- Pre-rolls increased by 2% quarter-on-quarter.
- Offers the lowest average flower price at $4.30/gram.
- 1% year-on-year growth.
- 3Q23 outperformed 2Q23 and 1Q23.
- Growth was driven by pre-rolls (+59%) and concentrates (+273%).
- Flower sales are down 20%, and edibles are flat.
- Sales mix: 50% flower, 23% pre-rolls, 15% edibles, 9% concentrates.
- Average flower price: $4.68/gram (up from $4.37 in 3Q22).
- Pre-roll prices are down to $5.60/g from $6.38 year-on-year.
- The top three flower SKUs account for 62% of flower sales.
VFF's price improvement and sales growth and Decibel's share gains and SKU efficiency are notable highlights.
For a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in the report, subscribe and watch Pablo Zuanic's panel discussions from the recent Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference held in Chicago on September 27 and 28. Experts delved into crucial aspects such as navigating capital challenges, formulating effective long-term survival strategies, and addressing the future of rescheduling cannabis.
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