Chapman’s Ice Cream, an Ontario-based ice cream company, has announced plans to replace over 70% of its American ingredients without increasing prices for the next two years. The decision to shift away from American suppliers comes amidst the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States. CEO Ashley Chapman revealed that the company initiated the search for alternative suppliers back in March 2025 following the imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration.
“We made a commitment at that time not to raise prices and to embark on this journey. We have been actively exploring options and are making significant progress,” Chapman stated during an interview with CBC’s London Morning.
By mid-2027, Chapman’s aims to substitute more than 70% of its American ingredients with sources from Canada or other non-U.S. locations. One notable change involves the sourcing of sugar cones. Since there are no industrial sugar cone producers in Canada, Chapman’s has partnered with Original Foods, a company based in Dunville, Ontario, to establish a Canadian production line for sugar cones.
Original Foods Limited will be responsible for manufacturing the sugar cones, with president Steeve Tremblay highlighting the importance of supporting local manufacturing to strengthen the Canadian economy and reduce dependency on external sources. Despite delays due to Canadian regulatory requirements and other bureaucratic hurdles, the companies have signed an agreement and acquired necessary equipment from Germany.
In addition to the shift in sugar cone production, Chapman’s is also transitioning the production of wafers for its ice cream sandwiches to Canada. Furthermore, the company is diversifying its ingredient sourcing, procuring almonds from Australia and cherries from Chile.
According to Chapman, the trade dispute has prompted Canadian companies to reassess their domestic production strategies, leading to unexpected cost efficiencies. He emphasized the significance of long-term commitments, such as the five-year contract for Canadian-made cones, and highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance production efficiency to manage costs effectively.
Chapman’s reiterated its commitment to using 100% Canadian dairy in its ice cream products. The company’s proactive approach to sourcing, production, and cost management reflects its determination to navigate the challenges posed by the trade dispute successfully.