How a Reddit Post Saved an Ontario Condiment Business
A Reddit post in a “Buy Canadian” thread has given a much-needed boost to Aki’s Fine Foods, an Ontario condiment business. The business, owned by Shenul Williams, saw sales increase by nearly 4,000% after her daughter, Aliza Welch, shared a post about the company’s struggles.
A Business in Crisis
Williams has run Aki’s Fine Foods for over 30 years, producing Indo-African condiments like pickles, chutneys, and marinades. Despite past challenges, COVID-19 nearly forced her to close as many restaurants and grocers that carried her products shut down.
Since early 2025, sales had been particularly low. Faced with uncertainty, Williams feared the worst until Welch took to Reddit to highlight her mother’s business. She encouraged Canadians to support a local company, emphasizing its commitment to homegrown products.
Reddit Drives a Massive Sales Boost
The response was overwhelming. Orders skyrocketed, and Williams began receiving supportive messages from buyers. Consumers expressed pride in supporting Canadian-made products, reflecting a growing demand for domestic goods.
A Trend Toward Canadian Products
Williams’s experience aligns with a broader shift in consumer behavior. The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers noted a significant rise in demand for locally made products since U.S. tariffs on imports began.
Gary Sands, senior vice president of public policy and advocacy for the federation, described the shift as “permanent.” Other businesses, including Belleville-based Sprague Foods, have also seen increased sales. According to a yet-to-be-published Canadian Federation of Independent Business poll, 25% of businesses are now emphasizing their Canadian-made products. Half of those businesses report a rise in demand.
Challenges in Buying Canadian
Despite the push to buy local, challenges remain. Some businesses still rely on imported goods, making a complete shift difficult. Michelle Auger, a senior policy analyst with CFIB, stressed the importance of supporting all local businesses, even those still transitioning away from foreign suppliers.
The success of Aki’s Fine Foods shows the power of community-driven support. A single social media post helped keep a small business alive, reinforcing the impact of consumer choice in the Canadian market.
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