Despite a temporary pause on looming U.S. tariff threats, Manitoba businesses are experiencing a significant increase in demand as consumers shift toward buying locally-made products.
Sheepdog Brew Co., a specialty coffee roaster located southwest of Winnipeg, has seen heightened interest from retailers, with 15 new inquiries in just the past week. Founder Shawn Black noted that larger commercial chains and independent rural stores are looking to stock more Canadian brands, a trend he hopes will continue.
Black attributes this shift to concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian exports, which were delayed for 30 days. As a result, Sheepdog Brew Co. is ramping up production, expecting to produce 25,000 cans of cold brew next week and investing in new equipment to keep up with demand. However, Black expressed concerns about sourcing American-made equipment before potential tariffs take effect.
The business, which launched in 2023, expects to more than double its sales this year. After selling out four times last summer, the company is preparing for another busy season, with its cold brew soon to be stocked in Sobeys and Safeway locations across Manitoba.
Other local businesses are also witnessing an uptick in support. Winnipeg’s Chaeban Ice Cream, known for making dairy products from scratch, has seen a rise in customers seeking Canadian-made goods. Owner Joseph Chaeban highlighted that the company’s cream cheese will soon be available in major grocery chains, including Sobeys, Save-On-Foods, and Co-op Food. He emphasized the importance of retail stores dedicating sections to local products to help businesses stay competitive.
A spokesperson for Sobeys confirmed the company’s commitment to promoting Canadian-made products in its stores. Meanwhile, Chaeban Ice Cream, which sources its milk from a Manitoba farm, remains concerned about the potential ripple effects of tariffs on production costs.
Patent 5 Distillery, a Winnipeg-based spirits company, has also noticed an increased interest in Canadian-made products, with a spike in online orders from outside Manitoba. Co-owner Brock Coutts stated that while the distillery has long planned to expand into the U.S. market, potential tariffs could disrupt those ambitions. He remains hopeful that the current momentum for buying Canadian will have lasting benefits for local businesses.
Source: Swifteradio.com.
