Schwartz’s Deli in Montreal stopped serving its imported black cherry soda on Tuesday, replacing it with a beverage produced within the province. The change follows an increase in the cost of the U.S.-origin soda, a result of recent tariffs imposed by the United States on certain beverages.
The deli, a long‑standing fixture in the city’s food scene, announced that the imported soda would no longer be available on its menu. Instead, customers will now find a locally manufactured black cherry soda offered as the same alternative. Management cited the higher price of the U.S. product as the primary reason for the transition.
U.S. tariffs introduced earlier this year have raised the price of several imported drinks, creating a ripple effect for Canadian retailers. The added expense has prompted some businesses, including Schwartz’s, to look for domestic suppliers to keep prices stable for consumers.
Industry analysts note that the tariff measures target a range of beverage categories, aiming to protect certain domestic producers. While the policy is intended for the U.S. market, its impact is felt across the border as Canadian establishments absorb the increased costs of imported goods.
Local producers of black cherry soda have welcomed the new demand, seeing the shift as an opportunity to expand distribution in the Montreal area. The deli’s decision reflects a broader trend among Canadian retailers to source more products from within the country in response to the tariff environment.
Customers at Schwartz’s can now enjoy the same flavor profile they expect, but from a Canadian bottler. The deli expects the change to have minimal impact on service and menu continuity while aligning its beverage offerings with current economic conditions.