Canadians want grocers to ditch U.S. products, promote local goods: survey
As tensions build in the leadup to the U.S.-Canada tariff war, it seems Canadians want grocers to clear American products from their shelves.
A new survey from KPMG found that the majority of shoppers—nine in 10—want food retailers to promote Canadian products.
The same number think grocers should be required to give local goods preferential space, and nearly 70% want Canadian supermarkets to stop selling U.S. products altogether during a trade war.
READ: Loblaw sees uplift in sales for Canadian products ahead of U.S. tariffs
"We're seeing a significant shift in the shopping behaviour of Canadians, who are fired up to support local producers, artisans, and companies," said Kostya Polyakov, partner and national consumer and retail leader at KPMG in Canada, in a release. "Canadians are fighting for Canada, to keep jobs and their dollars within the community. But it's not always easy at first glance to know if what they're buying is Canadian and increasingly, they now demand retailers make it easier for them, calling out those that don't."
Seventy per cent of Canadian consumers say they will boycott U.S. products—including produce and other groceries—should U.S. President Donald Trump follow through with a 25% tariff on imports from Canada
Eighty four per cent of Canadians say they’re reading packages to see where products are made and three-quarters are willing to pay more to buy a Canadian product over one made in the U.S.
Notably, 77% say they will buy Canadian products even if it costs more, and 94% expect the cost of groceries to rise for their household
Ninety three per cent say they hope—and expect—Canadian retailers are searching for non-U.S. suppliers
If the cost of essentials—like groceries—go up, 84% say they will have to reduce spending on other things including eating out and entertainment.
Many shoppers (80%) are also purposefully looking for a non-U.S. version of a product if a Canadian product equivalent isn’t available.
READ: These Canadian retailers and brands are tapping into the ‘Buy Canadian’ trend
Ninety six per cent say inter-provincial trade barriers must be eliminated to make it possible for consumers to buy Canadian and have a choice of Canadian products
"As consumers increasingly prioritize Canadian products, it is crucial for retailers to adjust their supply chain so they can continue to operate locally. This not only serves to build trust with customers by aligning to their expectations but also helps strengthen our national economy," Polyakov said. "There is also strong agreement among survey respondents that inter-provincial trade barriers must be eliminated so they can have enough product choice to continue buying Canadian."
