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 dispute between Canada and the United States. The family-owned company has committed to maintaining current prices for its ice cream products until March 2028.
CEO Ashley Chapman revealed that the decision to seek alternatives to U.S. suppliers was made in response to the initial round of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration in March 2025. Chapman emphasized the company’s dedication to this transition, stating that they have been actively working towards this goal.
The company is progressing well towards its target, aiming to complete the replacement of over 70% of American ingredients by mid-2027. 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, a company based in Dunville, Ontario, to establish a Canadian cone line.
Original Foods Limited will be producing the sugar cones for Chapman’s, a collaboration that arose from the escalating trade discussions between Canada and the U.S. President Steeve Tremblay of Original Foods expressed the importance of supporting local manufacturing initiatives to strengthen Canada’s economy and reduce dependency on foreign sources.
While the agreement between the two companies has been finalized, delays have occurred due to regulatory requirements specific to Canada, causing additional costs and setbacks. Tremblay intends to engage other Canadian businesses to promote further local partnerships.
In addition to the shift in sugar cone production, 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 strategic changes align with the company’s efforts to adapt to the trade dispute situation and explore more cost-effective sourcing options.
Chapman highlighted the positive impact of these adjustments on Canadian businesses, emphasizing the unexpected affordability of sourcing certain ingredients from alternative countries. The company remains committed to using 100% Canadian dairy in its ice cream products, focusing on efficiency improvements to manage costs effectively.
Chapman expressed confidence in navigating through the challenges posed by the trade dispute, emphasizing their long-term commitments and dedication to supporting Canadian suppliers.