The Ketchup War: How Heinz & French’s turned the ‘Tomato Capital of Canada’ into a battleground
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 19 май 2024
- It’s no secret that Canadians love ketchup: according to Kraft Heinz Canada, 87 per cent of us have a bottle in the fridge, and we consume more ketchup per capita than our American neighbours. We’re also one of the only countries in the world that produces ketchup chips. But in 2016, the country became divided over the tasty tomato-based condiment. #CBCShortDocs #TheKetchupWar
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
The Ketchup War is the story of French’s versus Heinz and how the people of Leamington, Ont., (a.k.a. the Tomato Capital of Canada) got caught up in what might be the country's most patriotic food fight.
For more than 100 years, Leamington was home to the second-largest Heinz factory in the world. The plant employed around 1,000 workers, plus hundreds of others, indirectly, through the farms and greenhouses that grew tomatoes for Heinz.
The town of Leamington might as well have been built by the ketchup industry.
But in 2013, Heinz announced the factory would be closing its doors and moving its operations to the U.S. It was a gut punch for the community and led the town into economic turmoil. With more than 700 full-time workers laid off and farmers left with tomatoes dying on the vine, locals wondered who could come to their rescue.
Enter French's. A long-time player in the condiment game, it’s one of the best-known brands of prepared mustard in the world.
The company saw Heinz’s departure as an opportunity to move into the ketchup market while aligning itself with the patriotic ideal of supporting the Canadian farmer. Sure, it’s also a U.S. company, but by employing Leamington residents and later branding its bottles to highlight the fact that its ketchup was produced with 100 per cent Canadian tomatoes, it became the hero Leamington needed.
When an Orillia, Ont., construction worker named Brian Fernandez saw a bottle of French’s ketchup at the grocery store, he posted on Facebook about his support for the made-in-Canada ketchup and went on with his day.
Then he got a call from a radio station in Vancouver: “How do you feel about your post going viral?”
Fernandez’s post had blown up. It had tens of thousands of shares and had made headlines across Canada.
At the same time, Loblaws announced it was going to stop carrying French’s ketchup due to low sales. Proud Canadians took to social media to demand that the grocery store keep the condiment on its shelves, and within 24 hours, Loblaws reversed its decision.
Thus, the ketchup war began.
Heinz, which had dominated the Canadian ketchup market for over 100 years, had never really had to compete with anybody else until then. For the first time, it had a true adversary. French’s was eating into its profits north or the border, and Heinz had to figure out a way back into the hearts of Canadians.
More Shows:
gem.cbc.ca/category/documentary
Stay Connected:
Twitter: bit.ly/CBCDocs-Twitter
Facebook: bit.ly/CBCDocs-Facebook
Instagram: bit.ly/CBCDocs-Instagram
Of course they censored out the part where those tomato farmers who were under contract with Heinz were abandoned mid season with crops in the fields that the holder of the contract did not want. French's saved those farmers. You will NEVER see another Heinz product in my home!
Wow...good addition to the story! Thanks Mike and yea I sublimely remember something about this way back but didn't know really what I heard lol...anyways awhile back I recall seeing French's on the store shelf up here in Northern Ontario and said hmmmmm wtf is this! I thought I was seeing double when I saw French's label on Ketchup lol! Anyways I bought it and it tasted really good so since I've bought it and now I feel really happy I did!
French's all the way. Farmers are going to see this more and more with corporations buying houses, farmland, etc. Remember to sharpen the guillotines.
Me too I have not bought a heinz product since too bad we all couldn't get together and make them loose the market here
Same here. As soon as Heinz treated the Leamington workers and farmers so badly, no Heinz products in my home. I buy French's and it tastes great. I told all my friends and family members and most of them have switched to French's.
Same! French's all the way!
Was a Heinz only ketchup guy all my life, but once the news of the factory closing and Krafts blatant disregard for Canadian workers hit the news I switched to French's. No amount of maple leafs on Heinz bottles will ever make me switch back.
Here's what I find interesting. That people take closing a plant down personally. It's a business decision and I say this as someone who has had a factory job relocated. Should they take into consideration the impact of the area? Ideally, yes, but only in so much as how it may impact the company. They owe nothing to the region they're based in which is why I found it odd that the lady at the Pittsburgh plant said how great it was when they become embedded into the community. I am from north of Pittsburgh and putting Heinz's name on a stadium is PR and nothing more. Clearly Heinz misread the tea leaves when it came to Leamington though.
I honestly was loyal to Heinz because of flavor. Ketchup flavor depends a huge amount on the tomatoes used however. It used to be that no other ketchup compared in flavor to Heinz for me and that's not just because I grew up near Pittsburgh. Ketchup is my absolute favorite condiment and flavor is everything. Now that other companies are using the same tomatoes as Heinz, it's no longer so clear cut for me. French's and other off brands likely made by French's are quite good too. And just so people don't think that I am just blowing wind, I used to eat Ketchup on buttered toast with nothing else as a kid. I absolutely adored it.
Same as me. Take away jobs, screw you! I have been using French's ever since.
@@Kiltedbear no one is taking it personally, we just know that it’s important to support our country, our workers, our farmers first.
If you see 2 bottles of ketchup, one from CANADA and the other from the US, you tell me that you don’t mind and will just buy which ever?
Way to go to destroy our economy.
International business often try to encourage local suppliers. You do know that McDonald’s gets its meat from Canadian farmers, right?
I don’t understand how you do no see how it impacts our economy! Wild
Same here buddy!
Same here. Will never buy heinz anything now.
I switched to French's ketchup when I heard that Heinz pulled out, leaving tomatoes in the fields. Still buy French's to this day
Not me , I $tuck with whatever is on $ALE aka CHEAPEST ! the $ame way the farmer's pay their help....OUI !
Mustard is definitely a Canadian product because we are the worlds biggest (or one of) the biggest exporters of mustard seed. Canadians are nice but we don’t take kindly to big employers destroying our towns.
Too bad Canada sells so much of its resources for others to make finished products with instead of having Canadians also make the finished products. Canadians sell mustard to France, they make the condiment, then sell it back to Canadians.
Manitoban here : 100000% FACTS
@@kburdy When I think of Manitoba, I think of the hemp hearts there. I guess it's a good place for seeds. I come from the East Coast where we mostly have potatoes, corn, and onions. One time I got lost in a soybean field looking for birds to photograph, but I think those are used for tofu that's way more expensive than the stuff from BC, so I don't usually buy it.
The seeds are canadian, but the mustard is made in the USA…
Just because Canada grows the seeds doesn’t mean Canadians are big consumers. It’s not a big part of cousins in Canada outside Quebec.
And Canadians are very complacent when it comes to big multinationals moving in. That’s why every small town across Canada is now built around those smart centres with the same big chains and all the locals buy from them.
As a proud Canadian there will never be another bottle of Heinz ketchup on my table support our Farmer’s🇨🇦👍🏻🇨🇦👍🏻
Isn’t French still an American Company?
@@TheRockkickass but they supported Canadian farmers also if you watched the full video they literally addressed that lol.
Very proud of Brian F. for helping out Leamington after Heinz bailed. 🥰
😊😊😊
I switched to French's a few years back. I wasn't really sure why at the time, but after watching this it appears in hindsight I did so to stand in solidarity with my Canadian farmer family. Will never buy another bottle of anything Heinz ever again, and will buy whatever I can from French's.
You're hitching on board to a company for the same reasons you're boycotting another one. Yes, keep in mind and learn about where the stuff you buy comes from but you dont need to 'support' any company over the other because they only thing they care about at the end of the day is your money.
In Heinzsight we realized our loyalty was misplaced
I live near leamington. Was a Heinz fan but switched to French’s after what they did. Disgusting.
I’m American but want to see French’s and Leamington succeed.
Are you Mexican American ? because Mexican's are all that work for CHEAP up here in England's $tolen Land....$hove your ketchup !
As soon as Heinz left Canada, I started buying French's. Simple. Support your local manufacturers.
This situation got me to switch to French's. Haven't bought Heinz in years because of it.
I haven't bought Heinz ketchup since they pulled out of Leamington. I'm so glad that they did because French's ketchup is way better.
I bought it 1 time was either that or no name 😂 I'd rather French's just was sold out thay day
@@Smart-Towel-RG-400 doubt if you could really taste the difference.
@@billwheeler1213 you can easily tell the Difference
Please encourage your local restaurants to consider FRENCH’S instead of Hienz
@@mitchdevi6432 some do where i am or use other non heniz company's
A few years ago, my local grocery store [Virginia] had a deal for 1 free bottle of French's ketchup. Even as a life long strict Heinz consumer, free is free. FRENCH'S IS THE BEST KETCHUP EVER! I tried to find it all over my area, even contacted French's customer service to find it locally, no luck. Fast forward to Spring 2022 and I found it at a convenience store/gas station. To this day, I only buy French's ketchup from the gas station, always keeping at least 1, if not 2, extra bottles in my pantry. *FYI I use ketchup more than any other condiment including ranch, salsa, mustard, etc...
It's easy and delicious on fried eggs. French fries.
Gross...there's 10 better things to stick on everything.
@@obtuseangler768 Try to stay on topic.
Yup I was a heinz person my whole life I liked French's more then heinz right away then I heard all what went down and that locked in the change
@@Scepticalasfuk - Have some fried eggs and french fries, England calls it 'Egg and Chips'. It's delicious, especially with ketchup!
support farmers and local businesses always!
Canadian 🍁 here! From BC .....My family and everyone I know switched to French's ketchup when Heinz pulled out of 🇨🇦! Heinz lost A LOT of business and attempted an about face in Canada. Too little too late! And French's ketchup is waaaay better than Heinz!
What a counter punch… great job Frenchs.
Only french's ketchup in our fridge. Plus you can buy it at costco too
As someone who grew up on a tomato farm in Leamington, I want to thank everyone who fought to bring our factory alive again. I personally will only buy French's.
I will never buy French’s products.
@@terrencecoccoli524 dive underneath a bus for all we care lol
@@pebbleman721 As long as it’s a Heinz bus, simpy.
@@terrencecoccoli524 no one cares my guy
I $een the LARGEST MEXICAN FLAG ever down that way not long ago , BIGGER than any Canadian Flag I've ever $een , $o who is benefiting from FRENCH'$ ? We'll BUY whatever is cheapest , the $ame way they all HIRE !...who work'$ cheapest and has BIGGEST FLAG !
I love how Canadian we sound
😁eh
heinz wanted to change to using tomato paste instead of tomatoes to make ketchup in Canada. Our laws regarding ketchup requires the use of tomatoes to be considered Canadian.
Tomato paste isn't from tomatoes?
thats not true at all. that was never ever talked about. Heinz leamington were so good at what they did they made paste for other companies around the world and ship it to them
Ketchup is always made from tomato paste. In the Leamington factory there was/is a group of hundreds of tanks outdoors where the tomato paste is kept. That tomato paste is made out of local tomatoes during tomato season. I think you're confused with the regulation about tomato JUICE, which in Canada has to be made out of fresh tomatoes to be called such. Heinz Tomato Juice is made in that same factory, even today, under contract by the company that now owns that place.
I have not bought heinz products since they quit Canada.
Honestly, French's ketchup tastes better than Heinz. I love French's ketchup.
I love French's ketchup here in calgary alberta is big seller most calgary stampede show.i love French's product and support farmer back ontario.
When I first tried French's it tasted stronger, like it had more tomato paste. But I was all for boycotting heinz. I tried heinz again later and realized I no longer enjoyed their Ketchup as much. French's is slightly more expensive but worth it
Someone above here said it was half the price . . ?
Agree French's has a more slightly spicier taste yet can't agree that it's more expensive than Heinz...
Always a French's mustard user again because CANADA produces the mustard seed for their plant in Springfield. Growing up not a lot of choices for ketchup so Heinz was it ; BUT when Heinz pulled out of production in Leamington and stopped using CANADIAN GROWN tomatoes from there that was it> I stopped using any and all their products. I tried French's ketchup because it was a product grown and processed in Leamington and frankly preferred the taste. Did the same to Kellogg's when they closed the London Ont. plant in 2014. Don't miss either as I found better alternatives.
Well said eh👏
Wow, I did not know that. Im an immigrant living in Canada. From now in, only buying French's
I'm one of the people that Brian's simple act eventually convinced to switch to French.
I switched to French’s when Heinz pulled out of Canada. I had always bought French’s mustard so it wasn’t a stretch. I don’t even notice Heinz products when I am shopping any more because I am not looking for them. Support your local producers. If you were shopping for milk and there were two jugs on the shelf one from Canadian dairies and one brought up from the US which would you buy?
I support local but when it comes to dairy they dump massive amounts of milk and then charge double the American price..... thats just exploitation of a captured market
Today I had a choice of carrots from California or carrots from Quebec. I chose the ones from La Belle Province. Unfortunately, us Albertans aren’t known to be huge fans of Quebec (if more of us visited Quebec, things might change) but given a choice of Canadian over American produce, I’m picking Canadian every time.
I am pre diabetic & French is the only sugar free ketchup that I can get.
(google - _French’s No Sugar Added, Tomato Ketchup with Stevia_ )
So I am immensely thankful to French (plus it tastes delicious, more tomato than some strange syrupy taste).
Tomatoes are bitter, and without sugar, concentrated, are inedible as sauce or paste.
In the us Heinz Ketchup has sugar free less fat. No sugar
@@donaldkasper8346 It depends on the kind of tomato. I've always been a fan of yellow and orange tomatoes as they tend to be sweeter (yellow carrots are also sweeter compared to other types). I've grown all kinds of tomatoes, and there are so many kinds selectively bred for different uses, so it depends on the variety. I did try some locally made ketchup in small batches that had more of a tangy flavour and I really liked it.
Did not know that French's makes a sugar free option. The label on my bottle says 4 grams of sugar per table spoon (15 mL).
@@chrishollingworth548 I suspect what is really happening is "No Added Sugar". Tomatoes do contain natural sugars, and Heinz brand does specify "No Added Sugar". However, I haven't seen the same from French's, so I guess I will have to look for it. Now if they could only do something about the amount of added salt...😬😢
We made the switch to French's ! Delicious 🇨🇦🤗
When this happened in our area of Windsor Essex which includes Leamington, it was a big deal. Have purchased Frenches ever since. As as a ketchup lover, it tastes better.
Heinz is too sweet, it tastes like just sugar
I’m in BC. I made my switch to French’s back then and have never looked back. 😊
On the east coast maritimer here when this 1st happened I stopped buying Heinz switched to French's . myself and many peoples ik work at sea and I heard many of the ships refuse to carry heinz ketchup onboard.It's time Canadians started supporting Canadian products.
We only buy French's in my household and we were a Heinz loyal family for 50 years.
That was enlightening. We stopped buying Heinz, but I didn’t know the rest of the story. I don’t see why we can’t have a unionized Canadian condiment company.
Heinz was a Union shop.
@@billsamuel5612 anything to do with the closing?
It's the CBC. You still don't know the story...
@@rwtindall I'll take myths for $400 Alex.
We switched when this happened, havnt cared for Heinz since.
French's all the way.
It tastes better.
Only French's in my house too!
For more than 50 years I always buy Quebec made products first, then Canadian grown and made products, I am a staunch supporter of local and Canadian made products, I always look for products made in Canada with that Beautiful Maple Leaf on it. We must support of local and Canadian Farmers, we do not need other countries to feed us. I use to buy Heinz ketchup and then I discovered French ketchup in the grocery with the Maple Leaf, I tried it and the rest is history, no more Heinz for me and my family. My love for Canada and Canadian made Products grows stronger even after more than half a century. Well done Canada.
Well said.
Media coverage like this warms my heart!
As soon as I heard French’s started making ketchup I was happy to switch Canadian made all the way
This is a great example of “Buy local” and a grassroots movement for an awesome community. I live in Sonoma County (the “other” wine country in California). We locals don’t support restaurants that don’t carry our wine. We don’t buy wine from any other region because we want to support our vineyards, winemakers, and all the staff needed to make this product. Napa is recognized as a go-to destination because of a wine competition from the 70’s, but they never promoted the fact that all of the grapes that helped create these wines that won. Yes, all the winners used Sonoma grapes. I don’t knock the awesome winemakers, but I wish this was promoted better.
This is a good movement we need. Shut them out & support local. Healthier too.
I didn't even know that Heinz closed their plant, all I'd heard was that French's was getting into the ketchup business and they focused on local tomatoes, so that's why I switched
My husband would not eat ketchup. I buy French's, now he likes ketchup.
Love French's mustard and French's ketchup!
What a great little Documentary. Heart warming.
This is not a documentary, this is a 17 minutes ad paid with your taxes.
I lived within 45 minutes of Leamington when this all was happening, people were furious especially since it did not only impact Leamington and the farmers but also cities and towns around it.
Thank you for interviewing a Yinzer (person from Pittsburgh) for this piece. As a girl from Pittsburgh myself living in Canada, I completely sympathize with the issues that Heinz caused when they pulled out of Leamington. I saw too much of this happen in Pittsburgh with manufacturing facilities being abandoned in favor of cheaper manufacturing costs overseas. Warren Buffet can...well...I am Canadian enough now to not be able to say what he can do with himself. I will always be a Heinz person. But I will accept French's ketchup now when I am served it. 🍅
They can $hove it all up Kevin O'Leary'$ a$$....Mr Make it in China !
Yeah I got caught up in this story at the time. Looked like a PR disaster for Heinz. A lot has happened in the interim and the town rebounded. I hope it was worth it, Heinz.
I buy French’s sugar free and it’s great! I find Heinz almost sickly sweet now even compared to the French’s with sugar.
same here. I am pre diabetic & French is the only sugar free ketchup that I can get.
So I am immensely thankful to French (plus it tastes delicious, more tomato than some strange syrup taste).
Heinz also has Sugar Free. Canadjans are so freaking weird.
@@candace3493 product availability is very different
@@candace3493 tasted it once… all I tasted was sweetened vinegar.
@@candace3493 LOL
I grew up in Windsor and we switched the French's after Heinz bailed .
I switched for the farmers and I’ll never go back. The taste is also so much better! 🇨🇦
Heinz turning their back on Canadians caused me to switch to French's and I haven't looked back. the only time I use Heinz is if I am at a fast food or restaurant and French's isn't an option. Also, I live in Alberta, a good distance from the factory in Ontario.
It's not about where the company is based, I support Canadian workers where I can because I am one.
❤🇨🇦Eh🤙
Way to go Brian! French’s in my fridge!
😊
When we lived in southwestern Ontario, we were very aware of Heinz pulling out of Leamington.
We bought our first bottle of French's ketchup after they appeared on our grocery store shelves. We've never gone back! We laughed every time we went shopping when we saw 10-15 feet of Heinz full of unsold bottles and 3-4 feet of French's with a bottle or two left.
We have now moved elsewhere and supposedly the war is over, but as far as I am concerned Warren can keep his ketchup.
The war is not over. I see Heinz trying but French's is still a major contender, mainly because they don't use high fructose corn syrup. If you compare the labels French's is a much better product.
Lol I live in the NB and Heinz is like $12 in some stores ( Atlantic superstore) no body buys it. French’s side is always empty selling at about $4-6. I laugh the first time I saw it. Heinz taste blah compare to French’s. Didn’t even know all this stuff was going on before I switched. Just never liked the taste of Heinz. Buy Canadian whenever u can.
Firestone pulled out of Hamilton Ontario, never bought their product again
@@danrook5757 They pulled out of Woodstock Ontario as well
I only hope the corporate collective minds at French’s has bestowed a financial reward to Mr. Fernandez as he accomplished something the whole marketing and sales div at their company couldn’t even conceptualize and saved them millions in advertising.
Great Video. It was very inspirational.
When this happened we switched to French’s ketchup and never looked back
I'm a quebecers. and when Heinz closed is plant and let down the Ontarian Tomatoes grower, i was really ppissed of. So when French took over....i stopped buying Heinz and switch to French. Did not regret it a bit. Supporting my ontarian neoghbour is a good thing. Fench's is as good if not better than Heinz.
I switched to Frenches and never looked back.
Wow, what a great story, I had no idea the importance of that Maple Leaf logo.
When I switched to a Keto diet I started buying French's sugar-free ketchup. Loved it. Way to go, Leamington! (BTW, Keto is not easy but it works, I lost 90 lbs.)
Moving to local food systems starts with stories like his one. Supporting local food systems when you can means we are limiting negative environmental impacts and giving a neighbour a job. That said, if we don't make it here, it's okay to give that job to another. Support workers.
I found myself crying, this was a sweet story
Stomping Tom, Canadian icon.
I only buy French mustard and ketchup, just bought a two pack yesterday. Good for the summer.
Before Heinz killed their Canadian operations I didn't much care, but would buy Heinz. It was the most visible and taste neutral brand.
I started buying French's ketchup when it became available and found it better, so we've been buying it ever since.
Support made in canada products 👍
That is the first time I tried the French's ketchup. I said to myself wow this taste better, ever since then I only buy French's ketchup. It's like 2 hits in 1 stone, enjoying better ketchup and supporting Canadian Farmers and Workers.😊
As soon as I heard how Heinz dismissed Canada. I tried French's new Ketchup and loved it ever since.
@@Zigest Better than Heinz. They took over production when Heinz decided to just up and quit what they had been doing in Canada for years, decades even
I remember Hienz pulling out of Leamington and we decided that we would switch to French' s ketchup. Also buying less groceries at Loblaws when they were not stocking French's on their shelves. Now I see Hienz has a maple leaf on their bottles! The real winner here is Leamington as the plant is still running.
Love French’s ketchup and mustard…🇵🇭🇵🇭🇨🇦🇨🇦👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️
Philippine flag? Is it sold here? I only see Del Monte and Heinz tomato ketchup.
French is an American Company
@@TheRockkickass Yes it is. However, they gave back and well, look at the work they are providing and what product are they using and from what country? Frenches all the way.
@@cindymitchell6719 Money still flowsss south
I haven't used Heinz products since they closed Leamington. Right now there are 2 bottles of French's Ketchup in our fridge. I don't see that retail pattern changing. Sorry that Heinz closed and lost so much goodwill but life goes on. Thank you French's for seeing the opportunity!
Such a great story, thank all for putting it together in an amazing capsule ❤
Amazing document. More like this pls. Great job CBC !!
Great format and feel, nice work. Keep more coming.
French's mustard is the best.
This is the kind of cbc content I can get behind
We live about half an hour from Leamington. When Heinz did this, we switched to French's. No more Heinz here!
I loved this story! Well, I was about to place my Walmart delivery order in Oregon and Heinz ketchup was on it. After seeing this video, I decided to change it to French's, but Walmart doesn't stock it. I can only order it imported in bulk, in other words, for me about a 20 year supply.🤔 Oh well, I tried! Great video, very heart-warming.☺ And, Bravo, Mr. Fernandez!
Thank you for the kind words!
lmao! thanks for trying, anyway
Did you se the post that you can buy it through Amazon?
Wow, 🤯 I stumbled across this video today and had no idea that there was ever ketchup wars here in Canada (I live in British Columbia so waaay across the country from Leamington).
I bought Heinz ketchup all my life … until I saw an add for French’s ketchup “made with Canadian tomatoes” and when I realized Heinz was NOT, that’s all it took for me to try French’s. Damn, that’s some good ketchup, French’s! 🍅 ❤️
Fast forward to 2 days ago, and I just bought a yet another bottle of French’s ketchup (we go through a lot of ketchup with teenagers ).
French’s is the only ketchup I buy - I’m 💯 behind supporting Canadian farmers.
Great Tay...me too back in Ontario....lol the war is on!
We switched to French’s a few years back and have never looked back.
Thank you big Brother for helping out a Canadian community. I truly hope the door swing's both way's and we have helped you in some way. Thank you from Alberta Canada.
The fact is when they did this to Leamington, most Canadians thought it was ridiculous. Heinz just decided to move the manufacturing to the US to save a few pennies. For whatever reason we just got pissed up here and we made the switch to French's. This is no different then when GM closed production down here in Oshawa when I lived. Long time GM buyers decided to never buy another. Canadians are loyal until they realise the company they pledge allegiance to isn't loyal to them.
I really enjoyed this and am pleased with the outcome of the story. Buy Canadian!
Only in Canada we can start a Ketchup war and win against big corporations. Today I am very proud that we help Leamington and tomatoes producer to stay strong.
We won against Target. They left owing money to a competitor and ended up bringing a competitor back home. The Westons opened Primark in the US and closed down Joe Fresh USA. Hehe
As a Pennsylvanian, Heinz is the only option for ketchup. The only French’s you’ll find on the table is their mustard.
I worked on Pelee Island which required a ferry. You had to go through Leamington and I loved the Heinz tomatoes factory, the tour, they always gave us mini ketchup bottles which was awesome. I miss those days.
I quit Heinz during Covid after listening to Trump's craziness. French is my kind and I'm never going back. You can thank me a bit cause I use a lot. Good Doc CBC.
I did the same with Goya...
🇨🇦 100 % Frenchman now! 🇨🇦
My grandfather worked here as a millwright up.until retirement. I worked here when I was going through university. Windsor-Essex County is the unsung engine that drives Ontario
It is not readily known but in the 1900-1930s, there were various (v-a-r-i-o-u-s) types of ketchups being made. Walnut ketchup, soy ketchup, not and spicy pepper sauce ketchup, mild ketchup, bland ketchup, specialty black/white pepper ketchup, hot pepper/chili ketchup. Some of these earliest of pepper ketchups were crossovers from the pepper sauce wars that were also happening in the States. Just the same for pickle and condiment wars - with Indian chutney, worcestershire (woozy) sauce, and other specialty Chinese/Indian/Asian styles brought back from the British Empire. Chutney ketchups, etc.
Townsend's has a really good video about ketchup in the U.S. Colonial era.
This is a good story and yes I did make the switch but the story also shows the pitfalls of company towns. Entire communities get built around these companies and then when they pick up and leave, thousands of lives can be destroyed.
Kudos to Brian Fernandez....small town voice resonates and helps a community.
Thank you very much ❤
Where I live in Canada I have a Safeway's store, owned and operated by Sobey's of Canada since 2013, where I usually shop and a Superstore about three blocks further away. When Heinz pulled out and left Leamington high and dry I decided to switch over to French's brand in support of Canadian workers and growers. I went to my Safeway's to shop for groceries and they did not have Frenches on the shelf. Since I have going to that store for over 20 years I asked to speak to the manager. He came over and I asked why they did not have Frenches on their shelves. He asked me why I was asking that question so I told him what Heinz had done and how I thought we should have access to a 100% Canadian made product. Turns out that was the first he had heard of it but he said he would contact their head office and ask if they could start stocking Frenches ketchup. I told him that if they did not have Frenches when I came in next month for groceries I would start shopping at Superstore.
The next month when I went in they were stocking Frenches on their shelves and I bought some. While shopping I happened to see the manager and went over to thank him for going to bat for Canadians in general. He told me that when he had talked to head office he was informed that their shipment of Frenches was on the way. He was also told that a number of Safeway's managers had asked the same question so Safeway's/Sobey's had already made the decision to start stocking Frenches.
I have never purchased a Heinz product since and I never will. Their return to Canada means nothing to me since they could pull the plug at anytime and leave people in the lurch once again. They have proven that they don't care, it's all about the dollar.
Had no idea about this. From now on French's all the way.
Really cool story and well done CBC Docs. I myself also switched a few years ago, I believe because I heard it was "Canadian" (which I now know isn't true of course). Anyways, the bottom line here is that ANY Canadian hearing this story should really be switching to French's! Even if the brand isn't Canadian but is made in Canada it still supports our economy more overall.
I won't buy anything Heinz anymore. they promised not to pull out of Leamington.
I tried french ketchup...it was delish !i live in Québec, will be buying the canadian for sure!!