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Loblaw brings back country of origin labels amid ‘Buy Canadian’ push
🇨🇦 Canada /Economy & Trade

Loblaw brings back country of origin labels amid ‘Buy Canadian’ push

From Global News · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Canada's largest grocer, Loblaw, is reinstating country of origin labelling on products following consumer demand and a push to "Buy Canadian."
  • The move comes amid escalating trade tensions with the United States and aims to help consumers identify Canadian products and those affected by tariffs.
  • Retail analysts note the 'Buy Canadian' movement has regained strength, pressuring Loblaw to respond to customer desires for transparency in the supply chain.

Loblaw, one of Canada's largest grocery chains, is responding to consumer pressure by bringing back country of origin labels. This decision comes as the "Buy Canadian" sentiment gains momentum amid an escalating trade dispute with the United States.

As Canada enters another period of trade uncertainty with the United States, we are once again taking steps to give customers clear information about products affected by tariffs and make Canadian products easier to identify.

— Loblaw spokespersonExplaining the decision to reinstate country of origin labelling.

Social media backlash and complaints about misleading labelling prompted Loblaw to reintroduce the labels. "Customers have told us they want to support Canadian farmers, producers, entrepreneurs, and businesses. We want to make doing that easier," a Loblaw spokesperson stated. The company will also continue using a maple leaf symbol to highlight Canadian products.

Industry Minister Melanie Joly has urged Canadians to purchase domestic goods, emphasizing its role in protecting jobs during trade uncertainty. Retail analyst Bruce Winder described the 'Buy Canadian' movement as having "revved back up again," indicating strong consumer engagement.

We will also continue using the maple leaf symbol in our stores to help customers identify Canadian-made and prepared products. This includes reintroducing the country-of-origin in our fresh produce aisles.

— Loblaw spokespersonDetailing additional measures to highlight Canadian products.

Winder also noted the complexities of labelling in an integrated supply chain, where products are often sourced from multiple countries. However, he acknowledged that Loblaw risked losing customers by not complying with consumer demands for clearer product origins.

Customers have told us they want to support Canadian farmers, producers, entrepreneurs, and businesses. We want to make doing that easier.

— Loblaw spokespersonStating the company's understanding of consumer desires.

In addition to country of origin labels, Loblaw is also reinstating the 'T' symbol on shelf labels for U.S. products affected by Canadian counter-tariffs. This symbol will help customers identify items subject to the trade measures.

When you choose a Canadian product, you’re not only putting pressure on the U.S., right now you’re protecting jobs.

— Melanie JolyUrging Canadians to buy domestic products during a press conference.
About this summary

Originally published by Global News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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