Local demand surges for Canadian-made food and household goods, but retailers lag
This report by The Canadian Press, first published on September 1, 2026, reveals a surge in demand for Canadian-made food and household goods amidst a trade dispute. Companies in Canada report an increase in orders as Canadians prioritize shopping local.
Despite higher grocery prices, many shoppers are actively seeking out Canadian-made products. Kathleen Chapman, president of aVenco Ltd., notes that their company, which previously had a nearly 40% customer base in the U.S., is now experiencing a surge in direct-to-consumer orders due to U.S. tariffs on European goods and a new 50% tariff on Canadian-prepared products.
Chapman mentions that Canadians are outpacing retailers in responding to this demand, resulting in a shift where stores are slow to add more shelf space for Canadian items.
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