Roots celebrates its Canadian heritage by supporting local craftsmanship, empowering communities, and proudly investing in Canada's future.
Roots was founded in 1973 by Michael Budman and Don Green, two city kids who met at summer camp in Ontario's Algonquin Park. Inspired by the beauty and possibilities of Canada's wilderness, they created Roots.
What started as one store on Yonge St. in Toronto has since grown into 115 stores nationwide with over 2,000 Canadian employees. Since its founding, Roots continues to support local craftsmanship and makers; its leather goods are handmade in their Toronto factory and its ‘Made in Canada’ products, including their Local Roots and Studio Fleece collections, are made and sourced in Canada with local manufacturers.
Roots continues to invest in the Canadian market through employment, retail, public listing, sponsorships, manufacturing/production, and marketing efforts.
Our beloved beaver icon, a Canadian symbol, is an expression of our love and commitment to nature, and our home.
Each year Roots donates, on average, 20,000 pieces of clothing to schools across Canada.
In 2020, we started Roots Cares, a program designed to give back to and partner with communities in need across Canada.
Publisher: Lauren Christie, Jonah
Things are
Putting on a sleek swimsuit, your comfy pjs, or that pretty little something should make you feel great. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could feel good about where you bought it, too?
Now celebrating its 40th year, la Vie en Rose is a Canadian success story — and a place where Canadians can feel good shopping. When president and CEO François Roberge took over 10 years into its history in 1996, the chain was floundering. He moved the headquarters to Montreal, created a private label, and set out building a network of shops where people could fi nd quality lingerie, sleep-
Roses at la Vie en Rose
wear, and eventually swimwear, that makes them feel fantastic.
There have been a number of initiatives over the years that might make you feel even better. For instance, Sleek Back Bra, or the introduction of extended sizing to fit more bodies, or the Muse line of pretty and practical mastectomy bras. The company phased out disposable plastic bags, instead selling bags and donating the proceeds to environmental causes. But one of the best feel-good aspects of shopping at la Vie en Rose is knowing you are supporting a Canadian company that goes out of its way to support philanthropic causes.
Building a Rosier future In 2002, Roberge created the Roses of Hope Foundation, a way to give back to the communities where his business is built. “There's an evolution with the foundation,“ Roberge explains. Selling bras to a customer base that is “99.9%” women, donating to breast cancer causes seemed a logical place to start. “There was a lot of devotion to women’s issues at the beginning,” he says, “but recently, we have some big challenges with the planet,
in the future of the planet.” And that affects everyone. So the Roses of Hope Foundation partnered with six Canadian organizations dedicated to environmental preservation, donating $1 million to them last year in addition to its donations to other charities.
What’s next
“We invest, we grow!” says Roberge. It’s an adage you can see he takes to heart. When he bought the chain, there were 200 employees and 23 stores solely in Canada, doing roughly $12 million in business. Today they have more than 5000 employees in 425 stores in 18 countries, projecting $600 million this year.
Exciting things are ahead: growing its footprint in Canada with larger stores and expanding globally. Stores in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Panama, Mexico and a reintroduction into Morocco are all in the works. A deal to open 10 stores in the U.S. was inked last year. With a shrug and a smile Roberge says “We'll do my 10 stores, but I would like to see what type of conflict with the US [we face] before I start work on 2026 and 2027.”
Strong Canadian roots
With the imminent demise of The Bay, Roberge sees a place for his company to move into the vacuum left in women’s swimwear, sleepwear, and underwear for Canadians, filling the gap of one national company with another.
Being a Canadian company has always been integral at la Vie en Rose, but it feels more important recently. La Vie en Rose is headquartered in Canada, has stores here coast to coast, is owned by Canadians, and its products are designed and developed (although not manufactured) here. “Be proud to be Canadian,” says Roberge. “That's what I’ve always believed.”
Celebrate Canadian Craftsmanship With
of Ontario’s most beloved brands, Kawartha Dairy proudly continues to produce dairy products that are made by and for Canadians.
For over 88 years, Kawartha Dairy has been providing the province with premium ice cream, milk, butter, and cream. The company’s beginnings were humble - first started by Jack and Ila Crowe, the husband and wife purchased a small Ontario dairy operation in 1937. Now in its second, third, and fourth generation of Crowe family ownership, the company has remained completely Canadian-owned and operated — even as it’s experienced strong growth.
A truly Canadian story
In their early days, Jack and Ila used ice cut from the lake as their refrigeration system – what’s more Canadian than that? Beyond this, the company has stayed true to its roots. Everything is still produced right where it all started, at the dairy’s original location in the small lakeside town of Bobcaygeon, Ontario.
Plus, all their products are made from 100% Canadian fresh milk and fresh cream. Because of this, they’re able to uphold an impressive level of quality, care, and craftsmanship in every scoop. Customers can now purchase their ice cream and dairy products at one of their 13 stores across the province and most grocery stores.
Backed by strong family values, here are a few ways the company embodies the essence of being quintessentially Canadian.
Expanding at home
Despite the company’s rapid growth, they continue to remain 100% Canadian owned and operated. As they open new store locations, their expansion plans remain Canadianbased, boosting local economies.
Cottage country living
Just like weekends at the lake, nothing says summer in Ontario like grabbing a scoop of Kawartha Dairy ice cream. It’s interwoven into the cultural fabric of road trips, cottage weekends, and unforgettable moments with loved ones.
Treasured Canadian inspired flavours include... They work hard to capture and reflect regional taste preferences, representing their customer base. Treasured Canadian treats include the East Coast favourite Moon Mist, Muskoka Mocha, Nanaimo Bar, Sugar Shack Maple, and Moose Tracks.
Supporting local farmers
Their ice cream is made with 100% Canadian fresh milk and fresh cream that arrives daily from farms within a 100-kilometre radius of the Bobcaygeon plant. The ice cream is made within a day of arrival, giving it that extra fresh taste.
Being a good neighbour
Since the company’s inception, it has supported local charities and gives back whenever possible, just like a good neighbour should. They particularly focus on causes related to local agriculture, food insecurity, children’s charities, and local community events.
From their family to yours Kawartha Dairy prides itself on its welcoming company culture. Their scoop shops have become special places where cherished memories are made. Treating every single visitor like family, they encourage people to stop by, grab a cone, and say hello!
One
Katherine Cappellacci
François Roberge is proud of the brand and foundation that he’s built, right here at home.
Jen Mallia
SNACK ON
THIS: Madegood Organic Snacks
Founded, Grown, and Enjoyed Throughout Canada
From its Canadian origins, MadeGood crafts organic, allergen-friendly snacks, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and positive community impact across the nation.
n the competitive world of snacking, one Canadian brand has been steadily winning hearts and taste buds across Canada. Founded in Toronto in 2013 by siblings Nima, Salma, and Sahba Fotovat, MadeGood has grown from a family-run business into a global brand — while staying true to its Canadian roots.
The MadeGood story began with a clear vision: create delicious, organic snacks that everyone in Canada can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions. This vision evolved into building a brand that’s not just about snacks, but about making a positive impact, championing good, and genuinely caring for its people, communities, and our planet. After over a decade, that vision continues to shine in MadeGood by wholeheartedly embracing Canadian values of sustainability, community, and innovation.
...showing that perhaps the most Canadian thing about MadeGood isn't simply where it's made, but how it's made — with consideration for both people and planet.
Inclusive and responsible practices
In line with its commitment to sustainability, MadeGood has been a certified Organic brand from the start. This certification is the only eco-label that requires third-party federal inspection and enforcement, as well as traceability from the farm to shelves of local retailers. For MadeGood, the certification represents more than a label — it’s the gold standard for accountability in Canada.
In addition, MadeGood is making a positive impact in the communities it serves. The brand ensures all their snacks are free
from the top nine allergens and are made in dedicated nut-free manufacturing facilities in Ontario so they can be enjoyed by everyone. This commitment to create a positive impact is also seen in the workers who make them. Certified as a Living Wage Canadian employer with over 600 employees globally, MadeGood makes good on its promise to care for its people.
Innovation meets sustainability
The Canadian value of innovation is another key feature of the company’s ethos. MadeGood continuously creates delicious new products with organic, gluten-free oats from the Canadian prairies. Their latest innovation — launching this April for Earth Month — is an eco-conscious Trail Mix granola bar featuring recyclable paper packaging compatible with curbside paper collection programs throughout Canada. This commitment to sustainability reflects the same care that goes into every product MadeGood makes. From the beloved Chocolate Chip Granola Bites to the soft-baked Cinnamon Bun Morning Bars, MadeGood innovates delicious options that delight families from coast to coast, proving that wholesome ingredients and exceptional taste can coexist.
MadeGood's approach — creating organic, allergen-friendly products in dedicated facilities, sourcing Canadian prairie oats, and pioneering eco-conscious packaging — reflects core Canadian values of inclusivity, sustainability and innovation. As the brand continues to grow, it carries these principles forward, showing that perhaps the most Canadian thing about MadeGood isn't simply where it's made, but how it's made — with consideration for both people and planet.
The Canadian Quench
With 85 per cent of non-alcoholic beverages produced in Canada, consumers should feel confident walking down the beverage
Most Canadians might not realize it, but when they reach for a soft drink, energy drink, bottled water, or juice, they are supporting local jobs. While well-known brands are enjoyed around the world, the vast majority of products sold in Canada are made in Canadian facilities by Canadians. This practice ensures freshness, lowers transportation costs, and improves supply chain efficiency. It also sustains a large network of suppliers, distributors, and retailers who rely on the industry’s stability. Unfortunately, rising costs, tariffs, and supply chain issues threaten this vital sector—and, by extension, Canadian consumers and businesses.
A highly efficient, localized industry
The non-alcoholic beverage sector functions uniquely, balancing global brand recognition with local production. Approximately 85 per cent of non-alcoholic beverages sold in Canada are produced, distributed, and enjoyed in communities across the country. This robust domestic manufacturing presence ensures efficiency, supports jobs, and strengthens local supply chains.
Beyond beverage production, this sector plays a vital role in Canada’s broader economy. According to the Conference Board of Canada report, Economic Impact of the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Industry in Canada, the industry generated over $5 billion in GDP and supports 55,868 fulltime equivalent jobs across over 120 communities nationwide.. Employment opportunities extend across various sectors, including manufacturing, finance, transportation, and retail, positioning the beverage sector as a key economic driver for communities of all sizes.
Investments in local production and economic growth
help to keep the sector competitive, bolster local economies, and adapt to changing consumer demands.
However, continued growth relies on stable trade policies, predictable supply chains, and policies that encourage domestic recycling and material processing. Without these, the cost of producing beverages in Canada could rise, forcing companies to make difficult pricing, production, and employment decisions.
Tariffs and supply chain challenges affect more than just beverages In the current economic climate, Canada’s beverage sector faces mounting challenges due to tariffs and supply chain disruptions. Many beverage inputs — including juice concentrates, syrups, and flavourings — are subject to tariffs when imported into Canada. These added costs are likely to contribute to increased grocery cost inflation.
companies. Some leading manufacturers have integrated supply chains across North America, while others focus more on domestic sourcing. Any disruptions to this system, such as tariffs on aluminum, plastic, or transportation delays, can result in increased production costs.
How consumers can support Canadian beverage manufacturing With growing concerns about food inflation and economic uncertainty, many Canadians are seeking to make informed purchasing decisions. Some consumers rely on websites and social media lists that purport to identify Canadian-made products. While these resources may be well-intentioned, they can occasionally be misleading or inaccurate.
The Canadian Beverage Association (CBA) encourages consumers to rely on the most accurate and verifiable source of information: on-pack labelling. The best ways to determine where a beverage is produced are by checking the packaging for the product’s country of manufacture or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Consumers can feel confident that they are supporting local jobs and businesses when they purchase a non-alcoholic beverage in Canada.
Canada’s beverage sector continues to make significant investments in domestic manufacturing. From 2017 to 2021, the industry allocated over $500 million to new machinery, equipment, construction, and intellectual property. These investments
Tariff threats have also introduced uncertainty to the beverage packaging supply chain. Numerous beverage companies operating in Canada depend on a combination of domestic and international suppliers for packaging materials. The degree of dependence on U.S. containers and raw materials varies among
Conclusion
Canada’s non-alcoholic beverage sector significantly contributes to the economy, employing tens of thousands and making substantial investments in domestic production. With roughly 85 per cent of beverages sold in Canada being produced locally, the industry plays a crucial role in supporting well-paying jobs in communities across the country. However, tariff s, disruptions in the supply chain, and misinformation about product origins could undermine these benefits.
To ensure the continued success of Canadian beverage manufacturing, governments must acknowledge the effects of trade barriers and supply chain limitations. Consumers, for their part, should feel assured that their beverage purchases support Canadian jobs. By collaborating, we can safeguard an industry that not only satisfies our thirst but also sustains employment, investment, and economic resilience in Canada.
Krista Scaldwell, CBA President
Krista Scaldwell President, Canadian Beverage Association
