An Ontario-based ice cream company has announced plans to substitute over 70% of its American ingredients with Canadian or non-U.S. sources without raising prices for at least two years. Chapman’s Ice Cream is making this strategic shift in response to the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States.
CEO Ashley Chapman revealed that the company initiated the search for alternative suppliers in March 2025 when the initial round of tariffs by the Trump administration was unveiled. Chapman affirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining current prices until March 2028 while actively diversifying its ingredient sources.
A significant adjustment involves the production of sugar cones, as there are currently no domestic manufacturers of industrial sugar cones in Canada. To address this, Chapman’s partnered with Original Foods, a company based in Dunville, Ontario, to establish a 100% Canadian cone line, making them the sole Canadian company offering this product.
Original Foods Limited will be responsible for producing the sugar cones, following discussions that began during intensified trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. President Steeve Tremblay emphasized the importance of supporting local manufacturing to bolster the Canadian economy and reduce external dependencies.
While the agreement between Chapman’s and Original Foods has been finalized, delays have been encountered due to Canada’s electricity registration requirements and other bureaucratic hurdles. Tremblay intends to explore additional Canadian partnerships to further local collaboration.
Chapman’s is also relocating the production of wafers for its ice cream sandwiches to Canada and sourcing ingredients like almonds from Australia and cherries from Chile. These adjustments are part of the company’s broader effort to enhance production efficiency and cost control.
Chapman expressed optimism about navigating the challenges posed by the trade dispute, emphasizing the company’s commitment to using 100% Canadian dairy in its ice cream. The shift towards sourcing ingredients locally and internationally has not only been cost-effective but has also spurred innovation within the Canadian business landscape.