The cost of imported British cheeses in Canada may skyrocket due to a 245% tariff imposed by Ottawa earlier this year, leaving retailers scrambling to stock holiday favorites like Stilton and Wensleydale. The tariff stems from unresolved trade negotiations between the Canadian and British governments, nearly two years after Brexit.
Retailers like Vincenzo’s in Waterloo, Ontario, and TOMME, a specialty cheese shop in Guelph, have already felt the pinch. “A lot of the cheeses we booked for the holiday season are starting to not come in,” said Vincenzo’s co-owner, Carmine Caccioppoli. At TOMME, co-owner Andrew Wheeler noted a drastic reduction in UK cheese offerings, from 20 varieties to just three.
The hefty tariffs apply to British dairy products that exceed Canada’s import quotas, effectively pricing many popular cheeses out of reach for retailers. According to Sylvanus Afesorgbor, an associate professor at the University of Guelph, the current out-of-quota tariffs exceed 200%, making it unlikely that the situation will resolve soon.
For now, customers at cheese counters like Vincenzo’s still have plenty of options. However, as these tariffs begin to affect prices more visibly in 2025, some favorites may disappear altogether. “Right now, it’s just availability issues,” said Caccioppoli. “But in the new year, if prices double, that’ll be a whole different story.”
Retailers are encouraging consumers to explore Canadian alternatives to fill the gap. “There are so many great Canadian cheeses that can stand in for these British staples,” Wheeler said. With Christmas fast approaching, shoppers are advised to place their orders early to avoid disappointment during the holiday season.
