Chapman’s Ice Cream, an ice cream company based in Ontario, has announced plans to replace over 70% of its American ingredients with Canadian or non-U.S. sources. This decision comes in the midst of the ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the United States. Despite the shift in suppliers, Chapman’s assures customers that prices will remain stable until March 2028.
The company initiated the search for alternative suppliers in March 2025 following the announcement of tariffs by the Trump administration. Ashley Chapman, the CEO, emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining price stability while transitioning away from American suppliers. Chapman stated, “We made a statement at that time that we weren’t raising prices and we were going to start this journey. And here we are. We have not been sitting idle. We have been working very hard.”
Chapman’s aims to complete the transition of ingredients by mid-2027, with a focus on sourcing Ontario sugar cones locally. Partnering with Original Foods Limited, a company based in Dunville, Ontario, Chapman’s will be the exclusive Canadian company with a 100% Canadian cone line. The collaboration with Original Foods Limited aligns with the increasing trend of seeking local manufacturing opportunities amidst trade uncertainties.
Steeve Tremblay, president of Original Foods Limited, highlighted the importance of supporting local production for a stronger Canadian economy. Despite facing delays due to regulatory requirements, both companies are committed to the partnership and are exploring ways to streamline the process for future collaborations.
In addition to sourcing sugar cones locally, Chapman’s is also transitioning the production of wafers for its ice cream sandwiches to Canada. The company is diversifying its ingredient sources by procuring almonds from Australia and cherries from Chile, exploring cost-effective alternatives beyond U.S. suppliers.
Ashley Chapman acknowledged the transformative impact of the trade dispute on Canadian businesses, noting the unexpected affordability of sourcing certain ingredients from international markets. He emphasized the long-term commitments made by Chapman’s, such as the five-year contract for Canadian-made cones, and the ongoing efforts to enhance production efficiency to manage costs effectively.
Chapman’s Ice Cream remains dedicated to using 100% Canadian dairy in its products, reinforcing its commitment to supporting local suppliers and ensuring quality for its customers.