Londoners may be seeing more local produce and Canadian flags on shelves in the coming months, as producers and distributors of goods are tapping into local services at higher rates.
“[Food] and beverage manufacturers are beginning to feel the pinch of trade disruptions,” said a mid-year update by Farm Credit Canada (FCC).
The trade landscape has become more complex and “[a]s a result, overall food exports to the U.S. are down in 2025 and uncertainty is hurting businesses investments.”
This comes after months of changing trade policies implemented by United States President Donald Trump, beginning back in February.
(Canadian flag on store shelf signalling Canadian product, Naomi Ljunggren)
“A lot of companies are holding off [from investing] until there’s more stability in the market,” said Josh Taylor, Manager of Business Development at London Economic Development Corporation.
Despite these challenges, a united front has formed to support local, and they’re moving forward through “diversifying from the U.S.,” said Taylor.
“It might be a little more expensive, but it’s more convenient.”
With this new form of growth comes job opportunities, said Taylor, further aiding the economy.
“Building a stronger Canadian economy can open up interprovincial trade opportunities for food and beverage and capitalize on Canadians’ appetite for domestic products”, said FCC.
A directory for local goods and services in London can be found here.
