Oct. 2: Benefits of Buying Canadian

October 2, 2025

Is the “buy Canadian” movement having a positive impact?

The whole issue of the trade war with the U.S. has prompted many of us to focus on buying made in Canada goods and services wherever possible.

Save with SPP checked to see how this idea is going, and what benefits it may be bringing.

Writing in Retail Insider, Mario Toneguzzi cites a recent report from NielsenIQ that stated “retailers and brands, take note—this is more than a moment. It’s a mindset. And it’s reshaping what loyalty, value, and national identity look like in the Canadian aisle.”

The article points out that “nearly half of Canadians are taking a stand” on buying Canadian or avoiding American brands. “From boycotting U.S.-made goods to choosing Canadian products even when they’re not the easiest or cheapest option, shoppers are putting their wallets where their values are,” the article adds, again citing NielsenIQ information.

There are economic benefits to the movement, reports Money Canada.

“A report by BMO economist Robert Kavcic suggests that the `Buy Canadian’ trend could add as much as $10 billion annually to Canada’s economy. This shift in consumer behavior is not just patriotic — it’s becoming a meaningful source of stimulus for the Canadian economy. Kavcic estimates that a modest shift in spending toward Canadian goods could generate $6 billion in value. With more than half of Canadians saying they intend to buy Canadian-made products in response to the trade conflict with the U.S., the movement has become a potent economic force,” the article notes.

In the grocery aisle, the article continues, “the `Buy Canadian’ movement represents both a business opportunity and a chance to support local farmers and producers.” As well, the article adds, “with more Canadians choosing to buy local, it seems that the movement is not only reshaping how Canadians shop but also how they think about their role in the economy.”

The Toronto Star reports that Canadian chocolatier Purdys has made its products available in a Canadian grocery store for the first time in its 118-year history, all thanks to increased buy Canadian demand.

“Since about January, we really noticed … people either remembered that we are a Canadian brand and always have been or were interested in learning more about Canadian brands and how they could support Canadian companies through that uncertain time,” said Kriston Dean, vice-president of marketing and sales at Purdys, tells the Star.

“Their interest manifested in a more than 200 per cent increase in traffic to Purdys website and a whopping 300 per cent spike in searches about whether the brand is Canadian,” the article adds.

The CBC reports on a small farm business in Quebec has seen “a spike in sales” thanks to the movement.

The Agricola Co-operative Farm in Petite Nation, Que. “grows vegetables, herbs and cut flowers.” Sales were up more than 20 per cent over last year, the broadcaster reports.

“It’s a way of getting your groceries, but I think it’s also that idea of [how] community supported agriculture is also a way of participating a bit more directly in the local food system,” the farm’s Natalie Childs tells the CBC.

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CBC, Money Canada, Retail Insider, Toronto Star

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