‘Buy Canadian’ Messages Across the Country Sales Spike, Saves Ontario Condiment Business

For Shenul Williams, owner of Aki’s Fine Foods in Pickering, Ont., a single post on Reddit’s “Buy Canadian” thread became the unexpected catalyst that saved her struggling condiment business.

With sales dwindling and the future of her Indo-African condiments—including pickles, chutneys, and barbecue marinades—uncertain, Williams feared she might have to close shop. That was until her daughter, Aliza Welch, took action.

A Viral Moment That Changed Everything

Earlier this week, Welch shared a heartfelt post about her mother’s business, emphasizing its Canadian-made identity and struggles post-COVID.

“My mom owns a Canadian-made Indo-African sauce company that has been in business for 38 years. It is truly amazing and has been struggling since COVID,” she wrote. “Your support would change her life. All products have a maple leaf!”

The response was immediate and overwhelming—orders surged by nearly 4,000%, flooding the company’s website with new customers eager to support Canadian businesses.

“I can’t believe it,” Williams told CBC News. “This impact is significant—it’s saving my business.”

A Growing Movement to Buy Canadian

Williams’ experience is part of a larger shift in consumer behavior. Since U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, there has been a notable surge in demand for Canadian-made products.

According to Gary Sands, senior VP of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, this is the most dramatic shift he’s seen in 25 years.

Businesses Emphasizing Canadian Roots

A Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) poll found that:

• 25% of businesses have taken steps to highlight their Canadian-made products.
• 50% of those businesses have seen a direct boost in demand.

A Shift That’s Here to Stay

While businesses continue working to reduce reliance on U.S. imports, CFIB policy analyst Michelle Auger warns that not all can transition immediately.

Still, the sentiment is clear—Canadians are rallying behind local businesses like never before, and for Williams, this wave of support has given Aki’s Fine Foods a second chance.