David and Penny Chapman’s vision to produce ice cream products “For the Kid in All of Us” has led them to become Canada’s largest independent ice cream manufacturer. 2023 marks Chapman’s 50th year!
Small town origins
In 1973, David and Penny Chapman moved above an old creamery in Markdale, Ontario, to start their new business.
They began with only six employees, four old trucks, and 15 flavours, including fan-favourites such as Butterscotch Ripple and Dutch Chocolate.
These classic flavours are still available today! Using fresh Canadian dairy, they ventured into their first premium line in the mid 80s.
Rising above with bestsellers
Although the road to success over the years hasn’t always been as smooth as our frozen treats, Chapman’s has propelled through every twist and turn, landing them at the top of the best-of lists. To name a few, Chapman’s has the number one Frozen Yogurt and the most popular ice cream sandwich in Canada.
We all scream for ice cream!
David and Penny held fast to their philosophy to always make the consumer a priority. Chapman’s also takes pride in being the leader in peanut/nut free desserts, with an entire production plant dedicated to allergy-friendly products.
At Chapman’s, we believe that everyone should be able to scream for ice cream – that’s why we’ve created over 180 varieties of high-quality frozen treats to suit many different taste buds and various dietary restrictions and food allergies. From rich, real-dairy ice creams to lower calorie, gluten free, lactose free, peanut free, nut free and No Sugar Added, Chapman’s has something for every member of your family.
Luxurious innovation
This year, we’re breaking new boundaries by introducing our first luxury ice cream line, which is also peanut free, nut free and egg free.
Our Super Premium Plus line is full of premium inclusions and aims to compete for “The Best Ice Cream in Canada” title.
Timeline of Chapman’s Ice Cream:
1973 – Chapman’s started its operation in Markdale, Ontario, with 6 employees and 4 old trucks. At the time the company produced 15 flavours in two different packaging formats.
1980 – Chapman’s started making Premium ice cream.
1985 – The launch of the first line of Sorbet for people who could not have dairy but wanted to have a dessert with everyone else. At the time the product was called Sorbetto.
1986 – The launch of Chapman’s ice cream stick bars and water ice Lolly’s.
1989 – Chapman’s launches its Frozen Yogurt line, which with time became the #1 Frozen Yogurt in Canada. At the time, Chapman’s was the only ice cream manufacturer in Canada making Frozen Yogurt.
1994 – Launch of the first Chapman’s ice cream sandwich. For many years Chapman’s Vanilla sandwich was the number one single serve novelty nationwide. These days it is the most sold ice cream sandwich in Canada.
1995 – Chapman’s makes a change towards round 2L containers for Premium and Frozen Yogurt.
1996 – Chapman’s becomes the largest independent ice cream maker in Canada.
1999 – Chapman’s makes the first nut free and peanut free ice cream in Canada.
2000 – Chapman’s built a high-tech wastewater treatment plant to purify the 800,000 litres of water used daily with a reverse osmosis system added later. Chapman’s now purifies and reuses water in rooftop condensers.
2001 – Chapman’s opened a distribution centre in New Brunswick to better serve customers in Atlantic Canada.
2006 – Chapman’s expands to every province in Canada, coast to coast.
2008 – Ashley Chapman joins the family business.
2009 – Chapman’s suffers a devastating fire that fully destroyed the factory.
2010 – Chapman’s builds two new production facilities, one of which, named Phoenix, is completely nut and peanut free. With more than 160,000 square feet of production space, Phoenix is almost twice the size of the old factory.
2014 – Chapman’s partners with the Rick Mercer Report to launch RMR Blueberry Pie Ice cream to support Plan Canada’s Spread the Net campaign.
2014 – Chapman’s became an active participant in Ontario’s Industrial Conservation Initiative (ICI), also called the Class A Global Adjustment. This initiative encourages industrial users to curtail their energy consumption during times of peak demand.
2015 – The Chapman family donated $1 Million dollars towards the construction of the new local hospice in Owen Sound. The palliative care facility in Owen Sound was opened in 2017 and has been serving the local area since.
2016 – Chapman’s brings home 3 international awards from the International Ice Cream Consortium – including Best Ice Cream (for our Premium Caramel Saucy Spots), Most Innovative Ice Cream, and Ice Cream Maker of the Year.
2023 – Chapman’s celebrates its 50th anniversary and is launching its first foray into making Super Premium Plus ice cream.
