Canadian Grocers Reshape Shelves as 'Buy Canadian' Boycott of US Goods Intensifies
In Canada, there's a noticeable shift among shoppers who are increasingly choosing local products over those from the U.S. This change is prompting supermarkets to update their product labels and seek new suppliers. Giancarlo Trimarchi, the president of Vince's Market in Ontario, took to social media to reassure his customers that most of their produce is Canadian, especially after some criticism over U.S. imports. The push for 'Buy Canadian' began last year after Donald Trump placed tariffs on Canadian goods. Recently, trade talks hit a snag, and Trump even signed an order to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America. Trimarchi noted that the current movement is much stronger, while Trump mentioned in Dublin that Canada still wants a trade deal, despite his complaints about tariffs affecting U.S. farmers.
Key facts
- A growing consumer push to buy Canadian and boycott US products is reshaping supermarket shelves in Canada.
- Grocers are forced to improve country-of-origin labelling and secure new sources of supply.
- In Ontario, Giancarlo Trimarchi, president of independent grocer Vince's Market, turned to social media to show customers that most produce on his shelves is Canadian.
- Trimarchi acted after receiving angry emails and comments about the grocer stocking US produce.
- The 'Buy Canadian' movements started last year after US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian goods.
- The movements intensified in recent weeks after trade talks broke down and Trump signed an executive order to change the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America.
- Trimarchi said the movement is 'a lot more aggressive this time around than last year.'
- Trump told reporters in Dublin on Saturday that Canada is eager to reach a trade deal with the US and that an agreement could come 'fairly soon', while repeating his complaints that Canada has treated US farmers unfairly and should remove tariffs.
Entities
Artists
- Giancarlo Trimarchi
- Donald Trump
Institutions
- Vince's Market
Locations
- Canada
- United States
- Ontario
- Lake Ontario
- Lake America
- Dublin
- Ireland