Latest news with #buyCanadian
CBC
24 minutes ago
- Business
- CBC
CBC investigation finds some big grocers promoting imported food with Canadian branding
Social Sharing Like many shoppers these days, Stacey Dineen, who lives just outside Kitchener, Ont., is all-in on the buy Canadian movement. "Trump's comments about annexing Canada, wanting to make us part of the United States, boy, that really kind of lit something," she said. Dineen buys Canadian food whenever she can, but when she can't, she looks for imported products from outside the United States. And Canada's major grocery chains have jumped on the trend, running patriotic ads and pledging to help shoppers buy Canadian. But Dineen says she gets frustrated when grocers provide conflicting information about where a product comes from. Last week, for example, she saw organic broccoli at her local Sobeys grocery store. A sign stated it was a "product of Canada," but the fine print on the tag said "produce of USA." "It makes me feel misled," said Dineen. "At this point, I have run out of patience for it. It feels — at the very least, it's careless." New data from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and a CBC News investigation suggests country-of-origin mislabeling by grocers is an ongoing problem. It's also against the rules; in-store food signage must be accurate and not misleading. The CFIA, Canada's food regulator, told CBC News that between November 2024 and mid-July, it received 97 complaints related to country-of-origin claims. WATCH | Grocery stores overcharge for meat: Grocery stores overcharge for meat by including package weight 7 months ago Of the 91 complaints investigated so far, the CFIA found companies violated the rules in 29 (32 per cent) of the cases. Most involved bulk produce sold in stores, and in each case the problem was fixed, according to the agency. CBC News visited grocery stores operated by Sobeys, Loblaws and Metro in downtown Toronto this month and found similar issues among both bulk and prepackaged produce. At each store, one or more country-of-origin shelf signs in the produce section stated the accompanying product was a "product of Canada" or Mexico, but the product's sticker or packaging said it was a "product of USA." And it's not just produce. CBC News also found questionable Canadian signage for more than a dozen other types of products at the Sobeys store, including imported raw almonds promoted with a red maple leaf symbol and a "Made in Canada," declaration. "We don't grow almonds in this country. Those should not meet the Made in Canada threshold,"said Mike von Massow, a professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Guelph. He added that a high turnover of grocery products can sometimes lead to mistakes. However, food labelling expert Mary L'Abbé says that, six months into the Buy Canadian movement, shoppers' patience for grocer errors is wearing thin. "It's important to Canadians, and I think they have a responsibility to their consumers who expect them to interpret the regulations correctly," said L'Abbé, a nutritional sciences professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. "I think the retailers have to step up to the plate and actually get their act together." Grocers respond Back in the produce section at Sobeys, CBC News found a large sign promoting blueberries as a "product of Canada." But the fine print on the packaging said the berries were a "product of USA." "That's false advertising," said von Massow, suggesting human error as a possible cause. At the Loblaws store, CBC discovered several produce items, such as berries, squash and eggplant where shelf labels indicated they were a "product of Mexico," while product stickers or packaging revealed they were a "product of U.S.A." Packaged raspberries and blackberries at Metro had similar inconsistent labelling. At a Loblaw-owned No Frills in Toronto, CBC found different inconsistent labelling. The store displayed strawberries with signage that included a red maple leaf and the phrase, "Prepared in Canada." But the berries' packaging stated that they were a "product of USA." It's possible that the strawberries were packaged in Canada, but the CFIA told CBC News it would be inappropriate to use a "Made in Canada" or "Prepared in Canada" claim if a product was only packaged here. L'Abbé says the No Frills ad is misleading. She points out that big grocers have launched big marketing campaigns centred around the Buy Canadian movement. Both Loblaw and Sobeys have produced slick, patriotic ads prominently featuring the Canadian flag. "Obviously they're spending money on those marketing campaigns," said L'Abbé. "They can also do the work behind the scenes to make sure that they're advertising things correctly." CBC News sent photos of its findings to Loblaw Companies Limited, Sobeys Inc., and Metro Inc. Loblaw did not directly answer questions about the strawberries, but shortly after CBC's inquiry, the maple leaf and "Prepared in Canada" signage on the strawberries was gone. Loblaw, Sobeys and Metro each told CBC News in separate emails that they strive for accurate country-of-origin signage, but noted that the task is challenging when dealing with mass inventory. "Fresh produce can change week-to-week and unfortunately mistakes can happen from time to time," said Sobey's spokesperson, Emily Truesdale. Loblaw and Metro offered an apology to customers for any mishaps and encouraged them to alert the store if they discover inconsistencies. Both grocers also said they're working with store staff to reinforce signage policies and minimize errors. "As a result of [CBC's] inquiry, stores received reminders about checking produce labels," said Metro spokesperson Stephanie Bonk. Imported but made in Canada? In response to the Buy Canadian movement, big grocers began marking many domestic products in stores with a maple leaf symbol. But sometimes it winds up on products with no apparent Canadian connection. "There are lots of opportunities for things to get confusing," said von Massow. "It's important for these stores to be transparent." At the Sobeys store, CBC News found more than a dozen "imported" house-brand Compliments products, including ice cream cones, salad dressing, raw nuts and graham crackers, displayed with a red maple leaf symbol. Sobeys' website says the maple leaf symbol refers to items that are "Made in Canada" or are a "Product of Canada." According to the CFIA, "Product of Canada" refers to food that is entirely or almost entirely created in the country. To qualify as "Made in Canada," the last significant transformation of a food product must occur in the country. But the packaging for each of the imported house-brand items states that it was "imported for Sobeys" with no qualifying statement about a Canadian connection. "Why would you put a Maple Leaf on a product that very clearly is imported?" asked Dineen, who discovered imported raw almonds and "California natural" walnut pieces marked with a maple leaf at her local Sobeys. "It just erodes the trust. It just makes you think, 'OK, so that's meaningless.'" Sobeys did not directly answer questions about imported Compliments products marked with a maple leaf. Von Massow says if you're unsure about any store or product labels, ask store staff for an explanation, or call the product's customer service line, often printed on the packaging. WATCH | Why buying Canadian can be difficult: How to 'Buy Canadian' when supply chains are so murky 4 months ago As anger over U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war fuels a surging 'Buy Canadian' movement, The National asks marketing professor Grant Packard to help navigate supply-line confusion so Canadians can keep their elbows up at the checkout line.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Posthaste: The hidden costs of the ‘Buy Canadian' movement
Many Canadians are choosing to buy domestic products to support their country, but some are finding their patriotism is coming at a growing cost. That's because local purchases aren't necessarily cheaper. Since United States President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian imports, Canadians have chosen to fight back by buying products made in Canada and shunning U.S. options. Some provinces have banned U.S. alcohol sales and the overall shift in buying trends has prompted some grocery chains to indicate which items are Canadian and which are tariffed. But are these changes in behaviour actually helping Canadians in their wallets? When it comes to food, many Canadian options are cheaper than their U.S. counterparts, but are more expensive than the U.S. versions pre-tariffs, according to a report from NerdWallet Canada. 'Canadian-imposed retaliatory tariffs mean you'll pay more for American produce, dairy products, coffee, liquor, toiletries, furniture and more,' the report states. 'Tariff-free Canadian alternatives may save you, but only on tariff costs.' Alcohol is a category in which Canadians seem to be saving money, but the growing trend of cutting back on booze may be the bigger factor. Sales of U.S. spirits fell 66 per cent in the first two months after several provinces banning them as push-back on tariffs, but sales of Canadian and international products also fell, signalling a drop in alcohol sales all together, according to data from Spirits Canada. Many Canadians are also opting to travel locally this summer instead of heading to the U.S. Air travel from Canada to the U.S. fell 24.2 per cent year-over-year in May, while automobile round trips fell 38.1 per cent, according to Statistics Canada. Last month, a survey from TD Bank reported that 64 per cent of Canadians plan to travel domestically over the summer. 'It's encouraging to hear that Canadians are planning to support local small businesses as part of their vacation plans this summer, as it helps both entrepreneurs and our local economies,' Julia Kelly, vice-president of small business banking at TD Bank, said in the news release. 'It's particularly welcome news, as many of our small business customers have been concerned about consumer spending slowing down.' Still, keeping travel local might not be the most cost effective strategy. Cancelling existing vacations runs the risk of fees and penalties, and travel insurance rarely covers the cost in these scenarios, NerdWallet notes. While the changing spending habits may not be saving money, Americans are taking notice. Earlier this week, U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra called Canadians 'nasty' for the measures. 'Canadians staying home, that's their business, you know. I don't like it, but if that's what they want to do, it's fine. They want to ban American alcohol. That's fine,' Hoekstra said during a conference in Bellevue, Wash. 'There are reasons why the president and some of his team referred to Canada as being mean and nasty to deal with, OK, because of some of those steps.' to get Posthaste delivered straight to your Premier Doug Ford is back at it with his 'Buy Canada' message as premiers meet this week for wide-ranging discussions in Huntsville, Ont. Canadians are already planning to ramp up their boycott of U.S. products as deeper tariffs loom, according to the Bank of Canada's quarterly survey of households. 'We're encouraging all provinces and territories: start buying Canadian-made vehicles, start buying Canadian-made everything — that will hurt more than anything at all,' Ford told reporters on Monday. The federal government is sending Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, to Washington this week to negotiate with the U.S. administration. Read more here. Final day of premiers' meeting in Huntsville, Ont. Data: Housing price Index for June, U.S. existing home sales for June Earnings: Alphabet Inc., Tesla Inc., International Business Machines Corp., T-Mobile US Inc., AT&T Inc., Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., Southwest Airlines Co., Rogers Communication Inc. 'All because of Trump:' Stellantis, other automakers report losing billions due to tariffs Canada's personal tax rates need to come down. Here's how to do it Skip to deliver from discount retailers Dollarama as it expands beyond food IKEA Canada cuts restaurant prices in half to help with the rising cost of living If a spouse is written out of a loved one's will, they can still claim some inheritance in some provinces. In Ontario, for example, spouses are entitled to property inheritance as they were sharing the same home, the same as they might receive during a divorce. Find out more here. Are you worried about having enough for retirement? Do you need to adjust your portfolio? Are you starting out or making a change and wondering how to build wealth? Are you trying to make ends meet? Drop us a line at wealth@ with your contact info and the gist of your problem and we'll find some experts to help you out while writing a Family Finance story about it (we'll keep your name out of it, of course). McLister on mortgages Want to learn more about mortgages? Mortgage strategist Robert McLister's Financial Post column can help navigate the complex sector, from the latest trends to financing opportunities you won't want to miss. Plus check his mortgage rate page for Canada's lowest national mortgage rates, updated daily. Financial Post on YouTube Visit the Financial Post's YouTube channel for interviews with Canada's leading experts in business, economics, housing, the energy sector and more. Today's Posthaste was written by Ben Cousins with additional reporting from Financial Post staff, The Canadian Press and Bloomberg. Have a story idea, pitch, embargoed report, or a suggestion for this newsletter? Email us at posthaste@ 'Buy Canadian' is going strong except in one very important marketplace Food manufacturers take drastic measures to fight U.S. tariffs
CTV News
a day ago
- Business
- CTV News
Buy-Canadian movement holding strong in Ottawa amid Trump's ‘nasty' comments
"Elbows Up" chocolate for sale at the Maker House in Ottawa on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (Katie Griffin/CTV News Ottawa) Canadians avoiding travel to the United States and bans on American alcohol are among the reasons U.S. President Donald Trump called Canada 'mean and nasty' to deal with this week, but that rhetoric seems to be strengthening the buy Canadian movement. 'We're up still double last year this past week, so even after Canada Day, the push to buy Canadian is sustaining,' said Gareth Davies, owner and founder of Maker House on Wellington Street. The store is made up of all-Canadian products from more than 250 makers across the country. Trump's views were made public by U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra at a conference in Washington State this week. Pete Hoekstra told the conference that such steps 'don't send positive signals' about Canada treating the United States well. Ontario is among the provinces that banned the sale of U.S. alcohol from government-run stores after Trump slapped tariffs on goods from Canada. 'I feel if he's calling us nasty, it's projection,' said Keith Williams. 'That seems to be a bit of his playbook, constantly throwing names and calling names and whatnot, and accusing people of the very things that he himself does.' Williams and his wife are visiting Ottawa from Cambridge, Ont. and have decided to travel within Canada this summer. 'We usually like taking trips to the States because there was so much to do, so much to see. But now, we've been finding that coming to places around Canada it's a lot better,' explains Jackie Mahoney. 'We just really like supporting Canada right now and so we've been avoiding the States for the moment.' New data shows there were about 26,000 fewer cross-border trips from eastern Ontario into New York State in June — the fifth straight month seeing a decline. 'We have to respect our country, to respect ourselves. And there's no way that we're going to spend money in the United States for probably many years to come,' said Suzanne Verville. B.C. Premier David Eby says it appears the efforts of Canadians to stand up to Trump's tariffs are having an impact. 'I think Trump is Trump,' said Teresa von Teichman. 'What he says go through one ear and out the other.' With files from The Canadian Press
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Buy Canadian' movement boosts small business across country
The U.S. president's trade war sparked a 'buy Canadian' movement and that's boosting the bottom line of businesses across the country. But the big question for retailers is whether or not the momentum can be sustained. Anne Gaviola has more on whether the shopping trend will stick around.
CTV News
09-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Demand from ‘buy Canadian' movement pushes Purdys to move into grocer Save-On-Foods
Purdys Chocolatier says the buy Canadian movement has generated so much demand for its products that it decided to sell them outside its own stores for the first time in its 118-year-old history. A Purdys display is seen in a grocery store in this undated handout image. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Purdys Chocolatier (Mandatory Credit) Purdys Chocolatier says the buy Canadian movement has generated so much demand for its products that it decided to sell them outside its own stores for the first time in its 118-year-old history. Kriston Dean, the Vancouver-based confectionary company's vice-president of marketing and sales, says as soon as tariff tensions emerged, shoppers' interest in the brand was piqued. The brand's website traffic jumped more than 200 per cent and searches about whether it is Canadian popped by a whopping 300 per cent. When Easter rolled around, the spiking interest translated into a 25 per cent increase in new customers compared with the year before. Such numbers gave the company the confidence to forge a deal with Pattison Food Group to put four varieties of Purdys chocolates on the shelves of western Canadian grocer Save-On-Foods. Dean says Purdys is watching to see how its chocolates perform at Save-On-Foods to help determine whether it should expand its brand even further outside its own stores. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2025. Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press
