Kraft Heinz Canada has expressed “deep disappointment” with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s remarks regarding its ketchup, calling them “misleading” as Canada braces for potential U.S. tariffs.
Following a meeting with Canada’s premiers earlier this week, Trudeau stated his government would impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods if President Donald Trump follows through with the proposed 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports. He highlighted products for which Canadian consumers could easily find domestic alternatives.
Trudeau cited the switch from Heinz ketchup to French’s ketchup during a previous tariff dispute, emphasizing that French’s used Canadian-grown tomatoes.
“That’s why we will look, as we have in the past, at things that have replacements for Canadian consumers that wouldn’t be tariffed,” Trudeau said.
Kraft Heinz Canada was quick to respond, issuing a statement highlighting its long history of producing ketchup in Canada and correcting the prime minister’s narrative.
“With the exception of a five-year period, Heinz Ketchup has been proudly made in Canada for over a century,” the company stated. “We were resolute in our decision to bring the production of Heinz Ketchup back to Canada in 2020 and are proud that Heinz Ketchup is made in Canada, by Canadians, using Canadian tomatoes.”
The company noted it employs over 1,000 Canadians at its Mont Royal facility in Quebec, which sources tomatoes from Ontario. Kraft Heinz also emphasized its position as one of the largest food manufacturers in Canada and the top purchaser of tomatoes in Ontario.
Ketchup production had briefly moved to the U.S. in 2015 after Kraft Heinz closed its Leamington, Ont., facility, but operations returned to Canada five years later, a decision the company continues to stand behind.
Meanwhile, the looming tariffs have sparked urgent discussions among Canadian leaders. President Trump has threatened sweeping tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, citing border issues and the opioid crisis as justification.
“We’re thinking in terms of 25 percent on Mexico and Canada because they’re allowing vast numbers of people and fentanyl to cross the border,” Trump said earlier this week after signing executive orders.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has cited Trump’s tariff threats as a major concern, even calling an early provincial election to secure a mandate to counter the proposed measures.
“We need a mandate from the people to fight against Donald Trump’s tariffs. He’s coming against our families, our businesses, our communities,” Ford said.
The growing tension between Canada and the U.S. has underscored the importance of protecting domestic industries while preparing for potential economic challenges.