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. Despite the ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the United States, the family-owned company is committed to maintaining stable prices for its ice cream products until March 2028.
CEO Ashley Chapman revealed that the company initiated the search for alternative suppliers in March 2025, following the imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration. Chapman emphasized the company’s dedication to this transition, 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.”
By mid-2027, Chapman’s aims to complete the replacement of over 70% of its American ingredients and components. A significant change involves sourcing sugar cones locally. Since Canada lacks industrial sugar cone producers, Chapman’s partnered with Original Foods Limited, located in Dunville, Ontario, to establish a Canadian cone production line.
President Steeve Tremblay of Original Foods expressed the importance of supporting local manufacturing, highlighting the benefits of strengthening the Canadian economy and reducing dependency on external sources. The collaboration between the two companies has already begun, with equipment procurement from Germany. However, delays have arisen due to Canada’s unique electricity registration requirements, prompting Tremblay to advocate for streamlined processes to facilitate future partnerships.
In addition to sourcing sugar cones locally, Chapman’s is shifting the production of wafers for its ice cream sandwiches to Canada and procuring ingredients such as almonds from Australia and cherries from Chile. Chapman emphasized that the trade dispute has prompted Canadian companies to reassess domestic production, leading to unexpected cost savings and new opportunities for businesses.
Chapman emphasized the company’s long-term commitments, including a five-year contract for Canadian-made cones, and ongoing efforts to enhance production efficiency to manage costs. The company remains dedicated to using 100% Canadian dairy in its ice cream products.