A conversation about U.S. grown foods

A conversation about U.S. grown foods

Like many Canadians, we’ve been frustrated and dismayed by the unjustified demands and tariffs placed on Canada and the overall poor state of trade negotiations with the U.S. As a Canadian company with a 46-year history of relationships with farmers in the U.S., these trade issues are hitting close to home. 

Currently, about two-thirds of our products come from Canada, Mexico, Türkiye, Vietnam, and other global sources. The remaining third comes from the U.S., primarily California. While it may seem simple enough to find new farmers and food producers to replace the U.S.-grown foods, it comes with many considerations, complications, and compromises. 

We have built decades-long relationships with our farming partners in California; we know they will provide us, and in turn you, with the same top-quality foods we have all come to expect each harvest. These aren’t just faceless suppliers, we know them, trust them, and share values around environmental stewardship and fair labour practices. Replacing that level of trust and quality in a matter of weeks isn’t realistic.

We don’t feel comfortable offering many of our best-selling foods from unknown sources we have no history with, especially when a large part of our mandate is building relationships with the people who grow and process the foods we sell. We do not simply buy from whatever source has the lowest price. Over the last 46 years, we’ve worked to find people that align with our vision for quality foods, environmentally sustainable business practices, and ethical policies for workers. These trusted long-term connections are not easy to replace. 

There’s also timing to consider: even if we pivoted today, new international sources wouldn’t deliver until well into next year. In addition, sourcing from farther away means higher shipping costs and, therefore, higher end-product costs and a larger environmental footprint. We wouldn’t feel comfortable launching our Wholesale Pre-Order period selling products we haven’t seen, tasted, or vetted. For example, Spanish almonds and Turkish pistachios differ significantly from those grown in California, while other items, like the Native Baby Pecans, simply aren’t available anywhere else.

The silver lining is that the products we have been sourcing from the U.S. are not currently subject to tariffs, though we understand if you choose to avoid U.S. products this season. We’re already evaluating alternative sources for next year’s harvest and once we’ve had time to meet new partners and sample their crops, we’ll only bring them to you if they meet our standards. 

Thank you for standing with us as we navigate this with care, integrity, and transparency.