French’s plans to move ketchup production to Ontario

Who knew ketchup could cause such an outcry? Although mustard may come to mind when we think of the brand French’s, they are actually large producers of ketchup as well. The tomatoes used for French’s ketchup are grown in Leamington, Ontario, but are then sent to Ohio to be processed and packaged. This has been upsetting Canadians who are wanting to use 100 per cent local products.

“We have started negotiations with a partner in Canada and within the next week or so you will hear how we are bottling ketchup there, as well,” said French’s President Elliott Penner in a statement. “It’s something we are looking to do for sure.”

Leamington, however, is not an option for production of French’s ketchup because Highbury Canco took over the Heinz factory and is already busy there.

Last week, grocery store Loblaws decided to no longer sell French’s ketchup and removed it from the shelves. They felt that it was threatening the sales of their private brand, President’s Choice ketchup. However, consumers demanded French’s back on store shelves, quickly leading to Loblaws deciding to bring back French’s ketchup.