October 25 marks World Pasta Day and here in Canada we have plenty to celebrate. Specifically, the homegrown, golden grain that makes our pasta not only delicious but world-class—Canada Western Amber Durum.

Canada’s Durum Wheat: Small Region, Global Impact

While wheat is grown coast-to-coast, Canada Western Amber Durum (CWAD) is cultivated in a small but mighty region of the southern Prairies. The unique climate and soil conditions of southern Saskatchewan and surrounding areas create the perfect environment for growing high-quality durum wheat.

Farmers like Scott Hepworth near Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, are at the heart of this success, rotating CWAD into their crops and helping Canada lead the world in durum exports. Meet Scott and his family: Durum Farming in Canada

CWAD on the Global Stage

Canadian durum is prized globally for its superior yellow pigmentation, high protein content, excellent gluten quality, and high semolina yield. These characteristics make CWAD the top choice for pasta makers around the world.

In fact, Canada accounts for over half of the world’s durum exports, with 4.6 million tonnes shipped annually to countries like Italy, Morocco, Algeria, and Japan. Learn more about key markets for Canadian durum at: Canadian Cereals in the Global Marketplace

Supporting the Durum Value Chain

Cereals Canada plays a vital role in supporting the durum value chain. Our experts provide technical support, training, and customized programs to help international customers understand and optimize CWAD’s performance in milling and pasta production.

One of our six technical areas, our pasta area has both lab and pilot scale equipment and the capacity to produce short and long pasta. This provides flexibility as it can work with small or large sample sizes and mimic commercial production. See our pasta end-products area: Cereals Canada Market Support – Pasta and Asian Products

Pasta Made From Canadian Durum: Nutrition That Delivers

Did you know Canadian durum is packed with nutrition? It’s true! Pasta made from CWAD offers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, protein for muscle support, and a low glycemic index, making it a smart choice for balanced diets.

In 2020, Canadians consumed an average of 7.9 kilograms of pasta per person, and with good reason—it’s a quick, satisfying, and nutritious meal. Learn more about what makes pasta made from Canadian durum a smart choice for your family: What About Wheat?

Durum: An Economic Powerhouse

A major contributor to Canada’s $68.8 billion cereals industry, durum makes a significant impact for a grain grown in a relatively small region. A 2023 study commissioned by Cereals Canada revealed that durum wheat alone generated:

• $7.5 billion in revenue
• $2.2 billion in wages
• 33,000 full-time jobs

Read the study: The Economic Impact of Cereal Grains on the Canadian Economy

Celebrate Canadian Durum Pasta on October 25

This World Durum Day, treat yourself to a pasta feast in celebration of Canadian farmers, breeders, researchers, and industry leaders who make CWAD a global success story. Whether you’re enjoying spaghetti, penne, linguini, or fusilli, know that you’re tasting the best of what Canada has to offer.