Chapman’s Ice Cream, an Ontario-based company, has announced plans to replace over 70% of its American ingredients with Canadian or non-U.S. sources. Despite the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States, the family-owned company is committed to maintaining its current prices for ice cream until March 2028.
The decision to shift away from American suppliers was initiated in March 2025 in response to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. CEO Ashley Chapman emphasized the company’s dedication to this transition, stating that they have been actively seeking alternatives and are on track to complete the shift by mid-2027.
A significant aspect of this change involves the production of sugar cones, a product for which there are no Canadian manufacturers. To address this, Chapman’s has partnered with Original Foods, a company based in Dunville, Ontario, to establish a Canadian cone line. Original Foods Limited will manufacture the sugar cones for Chapman’s, fostering local production and job retention.
President Steeve Tremblay highlighted the importance of supporting local manufacturing and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers, especially in times of economic uncertainty. While delays have been encountered due to regulatory requirements, both companies are committed to the collaboration and are exploring opportunities to enhance local partnerships.
In addition to sourcing sugar cones domestically, Chapman’s is relocating the production of wafers for its ice cream sandwiches to Canada. The company is also diversifying its ingredient sources, such as acquiring almonds from Australia and cherries from Chile.
Ashley Chapman expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the positive impact of these changes on Canadian businesses. He noted that some adjustments have proven to be more cost-effective than anticipated, highlighting the benefits of exploring new opportunities in the global market.
As part of its long-term strategy, Chapman’s has secured a five-year contract for Canadian-made cones and is focusing on improving production efficiency to manage costs effectively. The company remains committed to using 100% Canadian dairy in its ice cream products, reinforcing its dedication to supporting local suppliers and maintaining quality standards.
