Boycott of U.S. products reshapes Canadian grocery shelves as retailers seek new suppliers

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published September 12, 2026

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A growing boycott of U.S. products and stronger demand for Canadian-made goods are beginning to reshape grocery shelves across Canada, prompting some retailers to increase local sourcing and seek new suppliers outside the United States amid continued trade tensions between the two countries.

According to a Reuters report published Saturday, September 12, Canadian grocers are giving greater prominence to domestic products while expanding their search for alternatives from other international markets, as country of origin becomes a more important factor in purchasing decisions for some consumers.

In Ontario, Giancarlo Trimarchi, president of independent grocery chain Vince’s Market, said Canadian products now account for about 90% of the fruits and vegetables sold at the company’s four stores in the Greater Toronto Area. The chain has also begun sourcing strawberries from Quebec instead of the United States.

The shift has also reached major grocery chains. Loblaw brought back large maple-leaf signs in its produce and fresh-food departments in August to help customers identify Canadian products, while also restoring its “T” label on goods affected by tariffs. Metro said it would continue prioritizing Canadian and locally sourced products under current conditions.

Trade data also point to a gradual decline in reliance on U.S. supplies. The U.S. share of Canada’s vegetable imports fell to 62.6% in July 2026, compared with 69% in the same month in 2023, although the United States remains Canada’s largest supplier of fresh produce, followed by Mexico.

At the same time, some retailers are increasing purchases from other markets. The owner of Mike Dean Local Grocer, which operates stores in rural Ontario and Quebec, said his stores are now selling more products imported from countries including Spain, Brazil and Honduras as part of efforts to diversify supply and reduce dependence on the U.S. market.

A complete shift away from U.S. supplies, however, remains difficult. Canada relies heavily on imported fresh fruit and vegetables during the winter months because of limited domestic production, while differences in some provincial regulations can also complicate the movement of food products within the country.

The Canadian government is investing about C$3 billion over 10 years in greenhouses and agricultural production facilities capable of increasing food supplies during the winter, as part of efforts to strengthen domestic production and ease pressure on food costs.

Despite retailers’ efforts to diversify their suppliers, the United States remains a major source of imported food for Canada, accounting for more than half of the country’s fruit imports through July. That means any broader restructuring of supply chains will continue to depend on whether Canadian producers and alternative foreign suppliers can provide sufficient volumes at competitive prices.