Why Buying Local Matters: Foodbuy’s Role in Backing Canadian Businesses
Amid mounting trade tensions and fresh discussions of tariffs, Canadian consumers are making a conscious choice: buying more local. Nearly four in five Canadians, 78 percent, say they already are, or plan to, purchase more Canadian-made products in response to these pressures[1] . In the grocery aisles, the impact is clear: 98 percent of that group actively look for “Made in Canada” labels when shopping[2], and over 93 percent want retailers to explicitly highlight Canadian goods[3]. Even price doesn’t deter them, three-quarters of shoppers are prepared to pay a premium, with 60.8 percent willing to overlook a 5–10 percent higher cost for domestic produce, meat or dairy[4].
It’s not just about being patriotic, it reflects concerns over food security, jobs, and the economic resilience of our communities. Foodbuy Canada is perfectly aligned with this sentiment. With a long-standing commitment to supporting Canadian farmers, packaging plants, and manufacturers, Foodbuy maintains an extensive portfolio of supplier partners whose products are grown, produced, and packaged right here at home, and who provide stable, meaningful employment to Canadians across every province.
From Berry Plastics, a trusted provider of innovative packaging solutions that help Canadian-made products maintain quality and safety throughout the supply chain, to A. Lassonde, a leading producer of juices and beverages with deep roots in Canadian agriculture, sourcing fruits from local growers and investing in Canadian processing facilities.
Danone, with a strong presence in Quebec, continues to expand its commitment to local dairy, producing yogurts and plant-based alternatives using Canadian milk and ingredients, while also supporting sustainability initiatives across the country. Saputo, one of Canada’s most iconic dairy companies, not only sources milk from Canadian farms but also operates numerous production plants nationwide, contributing significantly to rural employment and the national food supply.
Primo Foods delivers pantry staples like pasta and sauces that are produced in Ontario using Canadian wheat and tomatoes, reinforcing their commitment to quality and homegrown sourcing.
At Foodbuy Canada, we’ve always supported Canadian-made products, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because we know it matters to our members and your guests. We remain committed to offering choices that align with your buying preferences.
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[1] https://angusreid.org/shopping-shift-tariff-threat-buy-canada
[2] https://angusreid.org/shopping-shift-tariff-threat-buy-canada
[3] https://kpmg.com/ca/en/home/media/press-releases/2025/02/canadians-want-retailers-to-highlight-local-products.html
[4] https://retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2025/04/canadians-will-pay-more-for-local-food-amid-u-s-tariff-risk