An ice cream company in Ontario has announced plans to replace over 70% of its American ingredients with Canadian or non-U.S. sources. Despite the ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the United States, Chapman’s Ice Cream is committed to maintaining its prices unchanged until March 2028.
The decision to shift away from American suppliers was made in response to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration in March 2025. According to CEO Ashley Chapman, the company has been actively seeking alternatives to U.S. suppliers and is on track to achieve the transition by mid-2027.
One significant change involves the sourcing of sugar cones, as there are no industrial producers in Canada. To address this, Chapman’s has partnered with Original Foods, a company based in Dunville, Ontario, to produce 100% Canadian sugar cones. This strategic move aims to support local manufacturing and strengthen the Canadian economy.
President Steeve Tremblay highlighted the importance of keeping jobs in Canada and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers, especially amid trade uncertainties. The partnership between Chapman’s and Original Foods has already been formalized, with equipment procurement underway.
While challenges such as delays due to regulatory requirements persist, Tremblay plans to encourage more Canadian companies to explore local partnerships. In addition to sugar cones, Chapman’s is also transitioning the production of wafers for its ice cream sandwiches to Canada and sourcing ingredients like almonds from Australia and cherries from Chile.
Ashley Chapman emphasized that the trade dispute has prompted Canadian companies to reassess their domestic production capabilities. Some changes have proven to be cost-effective, opening up new opportunities for businesses in the country.
The company is committed to using 100% Canadian dairy in its ice cream and is focused on enhancing production efficiency to manage costs effectively. Chapman expressed confidence in navigating through the current challenges and reiterated the company’s dedication to supporting local industries.
Overall, Chapman’s Ice Cream’s proactive approach to shifting its ingredient sourcing and production processes reflects a broader trend of Canadian companies reevaluating their supply chains in response to changing trade dynamics.