Supporting Canadian Business: Why We Choose to Keep It Local

Supporting Canadian Business: Why We Choose to Keep It Local

Supporting Canadian Business: Why We Choose to Keep It Local

In a world where globalization often drives businesses to source materials and products from the cheapest possible suppliers, we at Domo Tea chose a different path. We are proudly Canadian—not just in name, but in action. Our commitment to supporting Canadian businesses runs deep, and it has shaped the way we operate, source our ingredients, and build our products.

When COVID-19 first hit, it was clear that the world was about to change in unprecedented ways. Like many business owners, I knew it was time to pivot. Supply chain disruptions, shipping delays, and economic uncertainty meant that relying on international suppliers was no longer sustainable. That’s when we made a bold decision: we would transition 90% of our suppliers to Canadian businesses. From our ingredients to our packaging—our boxes, bags, and everything in between—we committed to working with Canadian small businesses. It wasn’t an easy shift, but it was the right move.

Why Supporting Canadian Business Matters

1. Strengthening Our Economy

By choosing Canadian suppliers, we keep money circulating within our economy. Supporting local businesses means supporting local jobs, fair wages, and stronger communities. Every dollar spent on a Canadian-made product helps sustain another business, which in turn supports families and communities across the country.

2. A More Resilient Supply Chain

COVID-19 showed us the risks of relying too heavily on overseas suppliers. Delays, price hikes, and unpredictable availability created major challenges for many businesses. By sourcing locally, we built a more resilient and reliable supply chain, ensuring we could continue providing our customers with the best products without the uncertainties of international shipping.

3. High-Quality, Ethically Sourced Ingredients

We take pride in our products, from our microground tea to our superfood-infused latte mixes. By working with Canadian suppliers, we ensure our ingredients meet the highest quality standards. Plus, we know that the businesses we support uphold ethical labor practices, sustainable farming, and environmentally responsible production methods.

4. Sustainability and Reduced Carbon Footprint

Shipping ingredients and packaging from overseas comes with an environmental cost. By keeping our supply chain local, we significantly reduce our carbon footprint. This means fewer emissions from long-haul transport and a smaller environmental impact—something that matters deeply to us and our customers.

5. Innovating While Staying True to Our Values

Our commitment to Canadian suppliers has also driven innovation. Over the years, we’ve developed new products that reflect what our customers want—vegan, instant, and now sugar-free tea latte mixes. The shift to local suppliers helped us maintain flexibility and creativity while staying true to our mission of offering delicious, high-quality, and health-conscious beverages.

The Unexpected Bonus: Cost Savings

One of the biggest surprises in making this shift? It didn’t end up costing us more. In fact, in some cases, working with Canadian suppliers either kept costs the same or even saved us money! While many assume that sourcing locally comes with a premium price tag, we found that cutting out excessive shipping fees, import duties, and currency fluctuations helped balance our costs. And in the end, the benefits far outweigh any initial hurdles.

Choosing to Support Local Is a Choice for the Future

Sometimes in life and business, you have to pivot with the times. At Domo Tea, we embraced the challenge of shifting our supply chain, and today, we stand proud as a company that prioritizes Canadian businesses. Whether it's our tea, our packaging, or our partnerships, we are dedicated to keeping it local.

As consumers, every purchase we make is a vote for the kind of economy and world we want to support. By choosing Canadian-made products, we strengthen our communities, create jobs, and build a future where small businesses can thrive. So next time you shop, whether it’s for tea, groceries, or gifts, consider supporting local. It makes a bigger difference than you might think.  

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