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Canadian pickle lovers are in for some sour news — popular brand Bick’s Pickles has disappeared from the shelves of certain Canadian retailers due to an ongoing trade war between Canada and the United States.
The issue stems from a 25% Canadian retaliatory tariff placed on “cucumbers and gherkins” after the U.S. imposed its own tariffs on Canadian goods earlier this year. This extra cost has made Bick’s products more expensive, leading some grocery chains to stop stocking them. bick’s pickle shortage canada
Also Read : Bick’s Pickles Disappear from Some Canadian Stores Amid Canada-U.S. Tariff Dispute
Why Bick’s Pickles Are Affected
Bick’s, originally a Canadian company, is now owned by TreeHouse Foods Inc. in the U.S. Although production moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 2014, the company still sources 11 million pounds of Ontario cucumbers annually and uses jar lids from an Ontario supplier.
TreeHouse Foods CEO Steven Oakland explained that the food business runs on low margins, so the 25% tariff is hard to absorb. Some retailers simply can’t justify the higher prices, which has led to fewer Bick’s products on store shelves.
Canadian government’s official tariff list
Economic Ripple Effects
Economists warn that while “buy Canadian” sentiments are growing, the situation isn’t straightforward. If consumers avoid Bick’s due to its U.S. assembly, Canadian cucumber farmers could also be hurt because Bick’s may buy less from them.
Food economist Mike von Massow notes that tariffs often lead to higher prices for customers or reduced product availability — either way, the consumer feels the impact.
Also Read : Bick’s Pickles Face Shortages in Canada Due to Tariff Dispute
Impact on Sales and Jobs
Bick’s sales in Canada have dropped about 25% in the last three months, and the company expects to reduce purchases from Canadian suppliers. This could have knock-on effects on local jobs tied to farming and manufacturing.
Industry representatives, such as John Cox from Pickle Packers International, are calling for duty-free transportation of food products under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), stressing that high import duties make it nearly impossible for companies to stay profitable.
What’s Next for Pickle Lovers?
For die-hard fans like Edmonton’s Crystal Porcher, the shortage is more than just an inconvenience. She says she’ll keep eating pickles, even if she has to switch to alternative brands — but admits she might be paying more for her favorite snack.
As the tariff dispute continues, the future of Bick’s Pickles in Canadian stores remains uncertain. Until then, shoppers may need to explore local pickle brands or pay extra for the taste they know and love.
full CBC News report on Bick’s Pickles shortage
Karunakar Mohanta is the creator of OdiaYojana.in, a leading blog that provides the latest updates on government schemes, scholarships, and official notifications in Odia. With a mission to simplify complex government information, he helps Odia citizens stay informed and empowered. Follow him to stay updated on PM Yojanas, state benefits, and important deadlines.