An ice cream company in Ontario has announced plans to substitute over 70% of its American ingredients while maintaining prices for the next two years. Chapman’s Ice Cream is making this shift in response to the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States. The family-run business has committed to keeping its ice cream prices stable until March 2028.
The decision to seek alternatives to U.S. suppliers was initiated in March 2025, following the implementation of tariffs by the Trump administration. CEO Ashley Chapman stated that the company has been diligently working towards this transition, emphasizing their proactive approach during an interview with CBC’s London Morning.
By mid-2027, Chapman’s Ice Cream aims to replace more than 70% of its American-sourced ingredients with Canadian or other non-U.S. options. Notably, the company is collaborating with Original Foods, based outside Hamilton, to introduce a cone oven for producing sugar cones, making them the sole Canadian company with a fully Canadian cone line.
Additionally, the company is relocating the production of wafers for its ice cream sandwiches to Canada and sourcing items like almonds from Australia and cherries from Chile. Chapman highlighted that the trade dispute has prompted Canadian companies, including Chapman’s, to reevaluate their domestic production strategies.
The CEO mentioned that the current changes have also led to cost efficiencies beyond expectations, such as securing better prices for almonds from Australia over the U.S. market. Chapman expressed confidence in overcoming these challenges and emphasized the company’s commitment to using 100% Canadian dairy in its ice cream products.
Moreover, Chapman’s Ice Cream is implementing measures to enhance production efficiency to manage costs effectively. The company has entered into long-term agreements, like a five-year contract for Canadian-made cones, to support its sustainable sourcing practices and operational resilience.
In conclusion, Chapman’s Ice Cream’s strategic shift away from U.S. suppliers underscores its dedication to promoting Canadian sourcing and maintaining consumer affordability without compromising product quality.
