Chapman’s sweet success

As Canadian Grocer marks 140 years of covering the evolution of grocery in Canada, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the standout companies that have helped build—and continue to shape—the industry. 

First up, Chapman’s.

Then

The story of Chapman’s Ice Cream began in 1973 when David and Penny Chapman moved into an apartment above an old creamery in Markdale, Ont. In the early days, the company had just four employees and two used trucks; but what they lacked in resources, they made up for in ambition, producing 15 flavours of ice cream.

“Our early ambitions were to succeed, while shaking up the norm in the value market, offering many flavours and not just four, which was common,” explains Penny Chapman, president of the company. “The biggest challenges at the time were to get both the industry and consumers to accept the black packaging and to get enough space in the stores for the many flavours we were introducing.”

That bold thinking translated into industry firsts: the introduction of its Sorbetto sorbet line in 1985; Canada’s first frozen yogurt line in 1989 (Chapman’s remains Canada’s No. 1 frozen yogurt maker today); and in 1999, Canada’s first certified peanut-free and nut-free ice cream—setting a new standard for food safety and inclusion.
 

Now

Today, Chapman’s is Canada’s largest ice cream producer, with products sold in every province and territory. The operation has grown to include a nut-free production site—“The Nut House,” a dedicated facility for nut-containing products—a distribution centre and a wastewater treatment plant, making it one of the most impressive ice cream operations in the country.

The portfolio has also grown to more than 180 products ranging from luxury, premium and economy ice creams alongside sorbets, ice lollys and innovative offerings designed to meet consumers’ dietary needs and preferences.

At its core is a philosophy of “growing with care.” From reducing water consumption and participating in energy conservation initiatives to responsible sourcing and sustainable packaging, Chapman’s is building one of the most efficient—and environmentally responsible—ice cream factories in the world.

For its efforts, in 2025, Chapman’s was named Canada’s Most Valued Brand by Toronto Metropolitan University’s Great Canadian Brand Index.

Next

True to its roots, Chapman’s continues to prioritize Canadian suppliers whenever possible, championing Canadian dairy as among the highest quality in the world.

And the company is investing in its future. Construction is underway on a new production facility in Markdale—an expansion that will create 200 high-paying jobs and introduce state-of-the-art automation. With an investment exceeding $200 million, Chapman’s plans to launch a wave of innovative products, including offerings not currently available in Canada.

READ: Chapman’s expands production with $27 million in support from Invest Ontario

“We are committed to Canada, we always have been and Canadians showing their trust in our brand is the greatest feedback we could get,” says Ashley Chapman, the company’s chief operating officer, and David and Penny’s son.

“It has been a challenging year for all Canadian businesses. Costs are going up and uncertainty puts a shadow on potential growth, but we are committed to doing our best to continue offering the best possible ice cream products at the best price coast to coast.”