Chapman’s

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.

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

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

• Ice cream manufacturing
• Frozen dessert products
• Allergen-free ice cream
• Food service distribution
• Dairy frozen treats

Headquarters

HQ city

Markdale

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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

Core 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

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.

• The Hanley InstituteminorOthers · 1 March 2026Five-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 CanoeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 June 2025National 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 FestivalcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 May 2025Chapman'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 KeeshigflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 July 2024Collaboration 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 MediaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 July 2024Indigenous 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

Direct 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

• Xx.com/Chapmans_Canada
• YouTubeyoutube.com/chapmanscanada
• Facebookfacebook.com/ChapmansIceCream
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chapmansicecream
• Instagraminstagram.com/chapmansicecream
• Pinterestpinterest.ca/chapmansicecream
• TikToktiktok.com/@chapmansicecreamofficial

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Chapman’s