Chapman’s Ice Cream, an Ontario-based ice cream company, has announced plans to substitute over 70% of its American ingredients with Canadian or non-U.S. sources, amid the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States. The family-owned business has committed to keeping its ice cream prices unchanged until March 2028.
CEO Ashley Chapman revealed that the company began exploring alternatives to U.S. suppliers in March 2025, following the initial imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration. Chapman emphasized the company’s proactive approach, stating, “We made a statement at that time that we weren’t raising prices and we were going to start this journey. And here we are. We have not been sitting idle. We have been working very hard.”
Chapman’s Ice Cream aims to complete the transition to Canadian or non-U.S. sources for more than 70% of its ingredients and components by mid-2027. One significant change involves the production of sugar cones, as there are currently no industrial sugar cone manufacturers 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 manufacture sugar cones for Chapman’s, a collaboration initiated amidst escalating trade discussions between Canada and the U.S. President Steeve Tremblay expressed satisfaction in supporting local manufacturing, stating, “It’s very rewarding to keep the jobs in Canada. It makes our economy stronger and we’re not being dependent outside the country.”
The partnership between the two companies has already been solidified through a signed agreement, with necessary equipment procured from Germany. However, delays have been encountered due to Canada’s electricity registration requirements and other bureaucratic hurdles. Tremblay intends to reach out to other Canadian businesses to foster more local partnerships.
Apart from sourcing sugar cones locally, Chapman’s is also shifting the production of wafers for its ice cream sandwiches to Canada. Additionally, the company is exploring alternative ingredient sources, such as almonds from Australia and cherries from Chile.
The ongoing trade dispute has prompted Canadian companies, including Chapman’s, to reassess their domestic production strategies. Chapman highlighted the unexpected affordability of some changes, stating, “It’s crazy what this has done for businesses in this country.” He emphasized the shift towards more cost-effective options and the discovery of new opportunities.
Chapman affirmed the company’s long-term commitments, including a five-year contract for Canadian-made cones, and emphasized efforts to enhance production efficiency to manage costs. He expressed confidence in navigating the challenges, stating, “I am fully confident that we are going to make it to the other side of this.” Additionally, Chapman’s Ice Cream reiterated its commitment to using 100% Canadian dairy in its products.
