Chapman’s Ice Cream, an Ontario-based company, plans to substitute over 70% of its American ingredients with Canadian or non-U.S. sources without raising prices for the next two years. This decision comes amid the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States.
The company initiated the search for alternative suppliers in March 2025, following the announcement of initial tariffs by the Trump administration. CEO Ashley Chapman emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining stable prices and transitioning away from U.S. suppliers during an interview with CBC’s London Morning.
Chapman’s aims to complete the replacement of American ingredients by mid-2027. One significant change involves sourcing sugar cones locally, as there are no Canadian producers of industrial sugar cones. To address this gap, Chapman’s partnered with Original Foods, based in Dunville, Ontario, to establish a Canadian cone production line.
Original Foods Limited will manufacture sugar cones for Chapman’s, enhancing domestic production capabilities and fostering local economic growth. President Steeve Tremblay highlighted the importance of supporting Canadian manufacturing and reducing dependence on external sources amidst trade uncertainties.
The collaboration between Chapman’s and Original Foods has already commenced, with equipment procurement underway. However, delays have arisen due to regulatory requirements specific to Canada, posing challenges that both companies are navigating.
Tremblay expressed intentions to engage other Canadian companies for similar partnerships to strengthen local manufacturing networks. In addition to sourcing sugar cones domestically, Chapman’s is also shifting the production of wafers for ice cream sandwiches to Canada and obtaining ingredients like almonds from Australia and cherries from Chile.
Chapman emphasized the positive impact of reevaluating domestic production in response to trade disruptions, noting unexpected cost efficiencies in sourcing from alternative countries. The company remains dedicated to using 100% Canadian dairy in its ice cream products and is focused on enhancing production efficiency to manage costs effectively.
Looking ahead, Chapman’s is confident in its ability to navigate the changing trade landscape and uphold its commitment to quality and sustainability in the ice cream industry.