Canadian grocers shift supply chains as US boycott reshapes shelves

September 12, 2026 at 09:02 PM2 min

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Canadian grocers are reworking supply chains and labeling as consumers boycott U.S. products. Vince's Market now stocks about 90% Canadian produce, while Loblaw and Metro adjust sourcing and signage. The shift follows U.S. tariffs and recent trade tensions.

Key Facts

Vince's Market, an independent grocer in Ontario, now stocks about 90% Canadian produce.
Loblaw Cos, Canada's largest food retailer, reintroduced maple leaf signs and tariff tags in August.
Metro, Canada's third-largest grocer, said it will continue to prioritize local Canadian products.
The United States remains the biggest supplier of fresh produce to Canada, accounting for more than half of imports.

Consumer Pressure

Giancarlo Trimarchi, president of Vince's Market, turned to Facebook to show customers that most produce in his stores is Canadian after receiving angry emails and comments about stocking U.S. produce. The 'Buy Canadian' movement started last year after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian goods. The movement has 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 current push is 'a lot more aggressive this time around than last year.'

Retailer Response

Trimarchi's four stores across the Greater Toronto Area now carry about 90% Canadian produce. He is sourcing strawberries from Quebec instead of the United States and has cut his advertising budget as the changes pressure operating costs. Loblaw Cos brought back large maple leaf signs in produce and fresh-food sections in August after a brief hiatus. Loblaw also reintroduced a 'T' tag to inform customers which products are affected by tariffs and make Canadian products easier to identify. Metro said it would continue to prioritize local Canadian products in the current context.

Market Shift

Gary Sands, senior vice president of public policy and advocacy for the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, said there has been a permanent change in the Canadian psyche. Canada is the world's fifth-largest importer of fresh vegetables by value. The United States is still the biggest supplier of fresh produce, accounting for more than half of imports, followed by Mexico.