As the trade war between Canada and the United States intensifies, many businesses across Ontario are adjusting their strategies and reducing their reliance on American ingredients, suppliers, and goods.
President Donald Trump’s executive order hits Canada and Mexico with 25 per cent tariffs across the board, as well as a 10 per cent levy on Canadian energy. In response, Trudeau said Canada would be hitting back with 25 per cent retaliatory tariffs on $30 billion worth of American products immediately, just after the order took effect on Tuesday.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who is fresh off his third consecutive majority win, also followed through on his promise to remove U.S. alcohol from LCBO stores across the province, which resulted in the retailer’s website being taken offline temporarily on Tuesday.
As a result, many Canadian companies — including dessert chain Demetres — have taken it upon themselves to navigate the current trade challenges through creative ways.
“When the U.S. government imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods, we decided to respond in a way only Canadians would — with resilience, pride, and a little bit of humour. Instead of getting mad, we got even sweeter,” a spokesperson for Demetres told blogTO.
The promotion, dubbed “Tariffmisu,” offers customers 25 per cent off tiramisu desserts at all Demetres locations throughout the GTA. To take advantage of the deal, all you need to say is the code “tariffmisu” when you order your food in-store.
The promotion comes as part of the company’s broader effort to highlight Canadian ingredients and showcase locally sourced products. All of the chain’s ice creams, cakes, and tiramisus are crafted in-house at their bakery in Vaughan.
Beyond the promotion, the chain says it’s been working behind the scenes to reduce its reliance on U.S. imports and shift its supply chain to local alternatives.
The promotion runs now through March 31 and offers 25 per cent off any tiramisu dessert, available at all Demetres locations across the GTA.
