Chapman’s
Chapman's is Canada's largest independent ice cream manufacturer, producing 280+ frozen treats with 100% Canadian dairy for retail grocery and food service customers across every province and territory, with extensive allergen-free offerings.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1973
- HeadquartersMarkdale, Canada
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Chapman’s does
Chapman's is the largest independent ice cream manufacturer in Canada, producing over 280 frozen treats under the legal entity David Chapman's Ice Cream Limited. Founded in 1973 by David and Penny Chapman, the family-owned and family-operated company is headquartered in Markdale, Ontario, with a workforce of 501–1,000 employees spanning second- and third-generation leadership (Penny Chapman as President, son Ashley Chapman as COO). Production relies on 100% Canadian milk and cream, with a BRC-certified facility that includes a dedicated nut-free manufacturing line, 75% of new production space allocated to gluten-free products, and proprietary 99% lactose-free enzyme treatment technology—capabilities that underpin a product portfolio spanning premium ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, novelties, and water-ice products under brands such as Super Premium Plus (the first allergy-friendly luxury ice cream in the world), Yukon, Markdale Creamery, Canadian Collection, and Holiday Moments.
The business operates through two core revenue channels: retail distribution of branded packaged ice cream and novelties to grocery chains and independent retailers across every Canadian province and territory, and B2B food service supply to scoop shops, convenience stores, restaurants, and food distributors. Pricing is set by retail customers and is not publicly disclosed. Geographic scope is exclusively Canadian; products are not sold in the United States. The go-to-market motion relies on retail and food service channel partnerships, complemented by company-owned ice cream shop locations, an e-commerce merchandise storefront (chapmans.store), a loyalty program (Chapman's Club), and a content-marketing footprint spanning Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, and TikTok. Allergen-specific SKUs (peanut/nut-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, egg-free, no sugar added) and Kosher certification across the entire range serve as both a regulatory safeguard and a primary differentiator versus multinational competitors.
Chapman’s firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Chapman’s
- Legal name
- David Chapman’s Ice Cream Limited
- Website
- https://chapmans.ca
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1973
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Chapman's is Canada's largest independent ice cream manufacturer, producing 280+ frozen treats with 100% Canadian dairy for retail grocery and food service customers across every province and territory, with extensive allergen-free offerings.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Chapman’s industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing (311520), Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing (31152)
- SIC
- Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts (2024), Dairy Products (2020)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Ice Cream, Frozen Desserts & Novelties Manufacturing (AFAKAKAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Ice Cream & Refrigerated Desserts (CRADACAE), Lactose-Free Dairy Frozen Desserts Manufacturing (AFAHAEAL), Reduced-Fat/Low-Fat/No-Sugar-Added Frozen Dairy Desserts Manufacturing (AFAHAEAJ)
Keywords
Where Chapman’s is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Markdale
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Chapman’s business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Retail Ice Cream Sales: Sale of ice cream and frozen treats through retail grocery stores across Canada. Products include premium ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, novelties, and water ice Lolly's sold in various sizes.
- Food Service Distribution: B2B supply of ice cream and frozen treats to food service operators including scoop shops, convenience stores, restaurants, and food distributors across Canada. BRC-certified since 2011.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Chapman’s product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Chapman's manufactures and distributes over 280 ice cream and frozen treat products under its own brands, including Super Premium Plus luxury ice cream, Yukon novelties, Canadian Collection bars, Markdale Creamery originals, frozen yogurt, sorbet, Li'l Lolly water ice popsicles, no-sugar-added options, and seasonal Holiday Moments. Products are made with 100% Canadian milk and cream and include extensive dietary-specific lines (gluten-free, lactose-free, peanut/nut-free, egg-free, no sugar added). Distribution spans retail grocery, B2B food service, scoop shops, and a branded merchandise e-commerce store, exclusively across Canada.
Product overview
Chapman's is Canada's largest independent ice cream manufacturer, producing a diverse portfolio of frozen treats with over 200 products. The product lineup includes the award-winning Super Premium Plus luxury ice cream line, Yukon premium novelties (cones, bars, sandwiches), Canadian Collection novelty bars, Frozen Yogurt, Li'l Lolly water ice popsicles, No Sugar Added and Lactose Free options, Markdale Creamery original ice cream, Premium ice cream in various sizes, fruit-based Sorbets, Supers single-serve novelties, and seasonal Holiday Moments. All products are made with 100% Canadian milk and cream, with extensive dietary options including gluten-free, lactose-free, peanut/nut-free, egg-free, and no sugar added varieties. The company operates dedicated nut-free facilities and BRC-certified manufacturing.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Super Premium Plus: Luxury ice cream line made with the highest quality ingredients; peanut, nut, and egg free, making it the first allergy-friendly luxury ice cream in the world.
- Yukon
- Markdale Creamery
- Li'l Lolly (Water Ice)
- Canadian Collection
- No Sugar Added
- Frozen Yogurt
- Sorbet
- Holiday Moments
Products and services
- Super Premium Plus Ice Cream Award-winning luxury ice cream line crafted from the highest quality ingredients with unmatched creaminess; the first allergy-friendly luxury ice cream in the world, free from peanut, nut, and egg. Marketed to consumers seeking premium indulgence with allergen-safe formulation.
- Yukon Ice Cream Novelties Premium ice cream novelties including cones, bars, and sandwiches made with 100% Canadian dairy in flavors such as rich chocolates, vanillas, caramels, nuts, toffee, and rice crisps. Aimed at mainstream family consumers.
- Canadian Collection Novelty Bars Refrigerated ice cream bars in 55mL petite serving sizes celebrating Canadian flavors and heritage; targeted at calorie-conscious consumers.
- Frozen Yogurt Smooth frozen yogurt products in flavors such as Three of a Kind Vanilla, Cookies & Cream, Saucy Strawberry, and Cappuccino for health- and taste-conscious consumers.
- Li'l Lolly Water Ice Popsicles Refreshing water ice popsicle treats in flavors including Fruity, Banana, Triple Treat, Soda Pop, and Rocket varieties; targeted at kids and families.
- No Sugar Added Ice Cream Ice cream and novelties designed for sugar-restricted diets and lactose-free; available in 1L containers and novelties such as Vanilla with Chocolatey Coating & Almonds, Salty Caramel & Peanuts, and Coffee & Chocolate.
- Markdale Creamery Ice Cream Original ice cream line in 2L and 4L tubs featuring classic flavors such as Vanilla, Dutch Chocolate, Butterscotch Ripple, and Tiger Tail; all products are gluten free and peanut/nut free.
- Premium Ice Cream (Tubs) Premium quality ice cream in 2L and 11.4L scooping tubs with flavors such as French Vanilla, Butter Pecan, Pistachio & Almond, and Mocha Almond Fudge; supports retail and food service scoop shop use.
- Sorbet Fruit-based frozen desserts in flavors such as Triple Berry, Piña Colada, Mango, Rainbow, and Orange; all gluten free and most lactose free.
- Supers Single-Serve Novelties Single-serve novelty products including Frosty bars and Fudge bars in flavors such as Neapolitan, Chocolate, and Vanilla for on-the-go consumers.
- Holiday Moments Seasonal Ice Cream Seasonal holiday-themed ice cream products with festive flavors and packaging for winter holiday celebrations.
- Sweetgrass Ice Cream Premium ice cream co-developed with Indigenous Chef Zach Keeshig featuring locally sourced sweetgrass and Canadian maple syrup; debuted at the Runway of Rezilience Indigenous fashion event and won Most Innovative Ice Cream at IICC 2025.
- Butter Tart Ice Cream Butter Tart-flavored ice cream debuted at Ontario's Best Butter Tart Festival as part of Chapman's presenting sponsorship; positioned as a Canada-themed seasonal flavor.
Quantifiable outcome
- Recognized as Canada's Most Valued Brand for 2026 by surveying 3,441 Canadians on perspectives of 130 well-known Canadian businesses
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Chapman’s
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Chapman’s technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Chapman’s partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.
- The Hanley InstituteminorFive-year commitment totaling $125K to support The Hanley Institute, a local charitable organization, to help ensure continued operations in the face of insufficient funds.
- Nova Craft CanoeminorNational Canada Day giveaway contest partnership offering a year's supply of ice cream in a Canadian flag themed canoe. Two Canadian brands collaborating to kick off the summer season.
- Ontario's Best Butter Tart FestivalcoreChapman's as presenting sponsor of Ontario's Best Butter Tart Festival in Midland, Ontario. Festival features approximately 230 vendors expecting over 60,000 visitors. Chapman's introduced new Butter Tart ice cream flavor at the festival.
- Indigenous Chef Zach KeeshigflagshipCollaboration with Indigenous Chef Zach Keeshig to create Sweetgrass ice cream, made with locally sourced fresh sweetgrass and sweetened with Canadian maple syrup. Originally crafted for the Runway of Rezilience Indigenous fashion event, the product won Most Innovative Ice Cream at IICC 2025.
- Seeing Red MediaminorIndigenous owned media company collaborating on the Runway of Rezilience event at Casa Loma where Sweetgrass ice cream was first introduced.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Chapman’s competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Wells Enterprises (Blue Bunny): Wells Enterprises is one of the largest family-owned and independently operated ice cream manufacturers in North America, producing brands such as Blue Bunny. Closely comparable to Chapman's as a sizeable, independent, branded ice cream manufacturer competing across retail and foodservice.
- Tillamook County Creamery Association: Tillamook is a farmer-owned dairy cooperative that has built a premium ice cream business alongside its cheese and dairy products. Comparable to Chapman's as a farmer/dairy-supplier-backed, premium-positioned ice cream manufacturer leveraging vertical supply and brand trust.
- Kawartha Dairy: Kawartha Dairy is a Canadian, family-owned dairy processor offering premium ice cream alongside fluid milk products. It is one of Chapman's closest Canadian direct competitors in the regional independent ice cream segment, sharing the Canada-focused, family-run, dairy-rooted positioning.
- Ben & Jerry's Homemade: Ben & Jerry's (Unilever-owned) is a globally recognized premium and novelty ice cream brand with strong values-driven branding. Directly comparable to Chapman's Super Premium Plus line and Yukon novelties on premium positioning, brand storytelling, and foodservice/scoop-shop presence.
Broad incumbents
- Häagen-Dazs: Häagen-Dazs (Nestlé) is the global premium ice cream benchmark with broad distribution and significant foodservice presence. It competes head-on with Chapman's Super Premium Plus tier and other premium SKUs across retail and scoop shops.
- Nestlé Canada: Nestlé Canada is a multinational CPG incumbent with leading ice cream, dairy, and confectionery brands sold through Canadian grocery and foodservice. It is the most relevant broad incumbent competing with Chapman's across retail pricing, innovation pace, and trade leverage.
- Unilever Canada: Unilever Canada owns leading ice cream and frozen dessert brands (including Breyers and Ben & Jerry's) distributed nationally. It is a key multinational competitor on shelf space, premium innovation, and foodservice partnerships where Chapman's also operates.
- Breyers: Breyers (Unilever) is a mass-market ice cream brand with deep Canadian grocery penetration. It is comparable to Chapman's Markdale Creamery and Premium tubs in the everyday-priced retail segment.
- Baskin-Robbins: Baskin-Robbins is the world's largest specialty ice cream and cake franchise chain. Comparable to Chapman's foodservice and scoop-shop channel exposure as well as its novelty and cake product lines.
Emerging players
- Halo Top: Halo Top built a leading better-for-you, low-calorie ice cream brand and is now part of Wells Enterprises. It overlaps with Chapman's No Sugar Added line and signals the direction of premium-better-for-you competition.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses3 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Chapman’s social profiles
Digital presenceChapman’s compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Chapman’s financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Chapman’s leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Chapman’s funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Chapman’s M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Chapman’s
What does Chapman’s do?
Chapman's manufactures and distributes over 280 ice cream and frozen treat products under its own brands, including Super Premium Plus luxury ice cream, Yukon novelties, Canadian Collection bars, Markdale Creamery originals, frozen yogurt, sorbet, Li'l Lolly water ice popsicles, no-sugar-added options, and seasonal Holiday Moments. Products are made with 100% Canadian milk and cream and include extensive dietary-specific lines (gluten-free, lactose-free, peanut/nut-free, egg-free, no sugar added). Distribution spans retail grocery, B2B food service, scoop shops, and a branded merchandise e-commerce store, exclusively across Canada.
Is Chapman’s a public or private company?
Chapman’s is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Chapman’s founded?
Chapman’s was founded in 1973. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Chapman’s based?
Chapman’s is headquartered in Markdale, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Chapman’s make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Retail Ice Cream Sales are the primary driver. The others are food Service Distribution.
Who are Chapman’s's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Wells Enterprises (Blue Bunny), Tillamook County Creamery Association, Kawartha Dairy and Ben & Jerry's Homemade. Broad incumbents are Häagen-Dazs, Nestlé Canada, Unilever Canada, Breyers and Baskin-Robbins. Halo Top is listed as an emerging player.
Does Chapman’s have an API?
No public API is recorded for Chapman’s.
What industry is Chapman’s in?
Chapman’s's product category is Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAKAKAE, Ice Cream, Frozen Desserts & Novelties Manufacturing, with a secondary code of CRADACAE, Ice Cream & Refrigerated Desserts. Its NAICS code is 311520 and its SIC code is 2024.