Schwartz’s Deli swaps black cherry soda for local alternative as U.S. tariffs bite

At Schwartz’s Deli in Montreal, a longtime tradition of offering Cott’s Black Cherry Soda to accompany smoked-meat sandwiches is being disrupted by U.S. tariffs. The iconic soda, once a local favorite, is no longer being produced in Canada by its original manufacturer, Refresco, a multinational beverage company that acquired Cott’s in 2018.

In response, Schwartz’s Deli has switched to a local alternative, Fleischer’s Original Black Cherry Soda. Frank Silva, the deli’s general manager, explained that the decision was influenced by the increased cost of aluminum due to American tariffs, which led to Cott’s discontinuation of the canned soda. Additionally, a 2023 change in the provincial recycling system with a 10-cent deposit for canned drinks may have played a role in Cott’s decision to stop production.

While the Fleischer’s soda is more expensive and comes in a larger can, customers at Schwartz’s Deli seem to appreciate supporting a local business and the refreshing taste of the soda. Victor Lukoshius, the founder of Fleischer’s, expressed his commitment to maintaining the tradition and producing the soda despite the challenges posed by tariffs and inflation.

The deli’s shift to Fleischer’s soda reflects the growing trend among businesses to support Canadian products in light of the trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada.