Chapman’s Ice Cream, an Ontario-based ice cream company, has announced plans to replace over 70% of its American ingredients with Canadian or non-U.S. sources amid the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States. Despite this shift, the family-owned company has committed to keeping prices stable until March 2028.
The decision to seek alternatives to U.S. suppliers was prompted by the initial tariffs imposed by the Trump administration in March 2025. CEO Ashley Chapman emphasized the company’s proactive approach to sourcing new suppliers, stating that they have been diligently working towards this transition.
By mid-2027, Chapman’s aims to have successfully substituted more than 70% of its American ingredients and components with Canadian or non-U.S. alternatives. One significant change involves the production of sugar cones, a product not domestically manufactured in Canada. To address this, Chapman’s has partnered with Original Foods Limited, based in Dunville, Ontario, to establish a 100% Canadian cone line.
Steeve Tremblay, president of Original Foods Limited, expressed pride in supporting local manufacturing and strengthening the Canadian economy through collaborations like the one with Chapman’s. While the agreement between the two companies has been finalized and equipment has been procured, delays have occurred due to regulatory requirements unique to Canada, necessitating a review to streamline processes.
Chapman’s is also shifting the production of wafers used in their ice cream sandwiches to Canada and sourcing ingredients such as almonds from Australia and cherries from Chile. The company’s efforts to localize production align with a broader trend in the Canadian industry to reassess domestic production capabilities in light of trade disputes.
Ashley Chapman highlighted the positive impact of these changes, noting unexpected cost savings and new opportunities arising from sourcing ingredients from different regions. The company remains committed to using 100% Canadian dairy in its ice cream products and is focused on enhancing production efficiency to manage costs effectively.
With a long-term commitment to utilizing Canadian-made cones under a five-year contract, Chapman’s is optimistic about navigating the evolving trade landscape successfully.
