Jun 9, 2025
Chapman's Ice Cream has been a staple in grocers' freezers for almost a half a century and the Ontario-based creamery has stayed proud of and true to their origins as one of the favourite ice creams of Canadian families. The recent trade war with the U.S. is no exception.
In response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian dairy products, Chapman's Ice Cream has chosen to absorb the increased costs rather than pass on potential extra costs to their loyal consumers, underscoring the company's dedication to providing affordable products despite economic challenges.
A history of resilience
Founded in 1973 by David and Penny Chapman in Markdale, Ontario, Chapman's began with just four employees and two trucks. Over the decades, it has grown into Canada's largest independent ice cream manufacturer, offering over 280 frozen treats, including premium ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet and novelties, like ice cream cones and sandwiches.
Advertisement
Though the company has never left Markdale, Chapman's faced a real threat to his future in 2009 when a fire destroyed its production facility. In response, Chapman's opted to rebuild in Markdale with a state-of-the-art facility, aptly named Phoenix. The new facility is nearly double the size of the original plant, and still serving the community in which Chapman's was founded.
Must Read
- Stop the leak: 5 costs Canadians (still) overpay for every single month. How many are sabotaging your 2026 budget?
- What's your worth? Here are the 3 net worth milestones that change everything for Canadians (and what they say about you)
- Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich — and that ‘anyone’ can do it
Supporting employees during COVID-19
The trade war facing Canada isn't the first giant hurdle the Chapman's business has had to navigate. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chapman's prioritized employee well-being over their bottom line. In March 2020, they implemented a $2 per hour pandemic pay increase for production and distribution workers. This increase was meant to be temporary but in true Chapman's form, they once again chose their employees over money.
By October 2020, the temporary pay boost became permanent, setting the starting wage for production employees at $18 per hour. Additional benefits included a comprehensive health package, a company-sponsored pension plan and a subsidized cafeteria.
While the private company doesn't report earnings, it's fair to assume that, given that they are still a staple in the grocery store and are opting to absorb the hits they are expecting to come from the tariffs, clearly prioritizing employees didn't translate to bad business news for the company.
Celebrating 50 years
In 2023, Chapman's marked its 50th anniversary by launching the Super Premium Plus line, the world's first allergy-friendly super premium ice cream. This new product line is peanut-free, nut-free, and egg-free, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to innovation and inclusivity.
Indeed, Chapman's has a lot to celebrate. Much more than putting smiles on Canadians' faces with their ice cream, Chapman's has always been deeply involved in community initiatives. They donated $1 million towards the construction of a new hospital in Markdale and contributed to various local infrastructure projects, showcasing their dedication to giving back to the community that supported their growth.
They are a truly Canadian company, who loves their community and loves their country and all of the people in it. That they have chosen to forgo passing on the tariffs to Canadians is, for lack of a better phrase, on brand.
Read more: The ultra-rich are bailing on volatile stocks right now — these 4 shockproof assets are their new safe havens
Looking ahead
As Chapman's continues to navigate economic challenges and industry changes, their focus remains on remaining in Canadians' freezers. By absorbing tariff-related costs, they once again show their commitment to affordability and customer satisfaction, ensuring that their ice cream remains a staple in households across the country.
You May Also Like
- Here’s how to retire in 10 short years no matter where you live in Canada — even if you’re starting with $0 savings
- If you’re still feeling the pinch this month — don’t panic. Here are 5 easy ways to fix your finances without a total overhaul
- How Warren Buffett’s simple buy-and-hold real estate approach offers a lesson for Canadian homeowners and long-term investors
- Approaching retirement with no savings? Don’t panic, you're not alone. Here are easy ways you can catch up (and fast)
Leslie Kennedy served as an editor at Thomson Reuters and for Star Media Group, followed by a number of years as a writer and editor and content manager in marketing communications, before returning to her editorial roots. She is a graduate of Humber College’s post-graduate journalism program and has been a professional writer and editor ever since.
