Why Supporting Canadian Coffee Roasters Matters Now More Then Ever
At Smoking Gun Coffee we are a proudly Canadian-owned coffee company operating on unceded territory of the S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō) people and the Pelólxw Tribe.
We’ve always believed that great coffee does more than just wake us up in the morning—it brings people together, fuels conversations, and supports the communities we call home. Right now, with the price of green coffee (the unroasted beans) at an all-time high and trade tariffs shaking up our most important trade relationships, there’s never been a better time to show some love to local coffee roasters here in British Columbia and across Canada.
But don’t worry, this isn’t one of those guilt-trip posts. We’re just here to share why choosing local coffee isn’t just a feel-good move—it’s a smart one, too. And, we mean to say, support ANY BC-based or Canadian roaster, not just us! We are all in this together!
1. Keep Your Dollars Close to Home
When you buy from Canadian and BC roasters, you’re doing more than getting a fresh bag of beans—you’re directly supporting your neighbours, friends, and local businesses. Every cup you brew helps keep small businesses thriving, from the farmers we source our beans from to the baristas who craft your favourite lattes.
Local businesses are the heartbeat of our communities, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy. By keeping your dollars in Canada, you're helping to build a more resilient and vibrant local marketplace. Supporting a Canadian-owned coffee company means you’re investing in businesses that care about the same communities you do.
2. Freshness You Can Taste
One of the best perks of buying local? Freshness. When your coffee doesn’t have to travel thousands of miles, it means you’re getting beans that are roasted to perfection and delivered at their peak flavour. At Smoking Gun Coffee, we pride ourselves on roasting in small batches to ensure every bag is as fresh as possible. You’ll taste the difference in every cup.
3. Navigating Trade Tariffs Together
With trade tariffs impacting the cost of imported goods, buying local can help you sidestep some of those unexpected price hikes. While coffee is a global product and beans often come from countries like Ethiopia, Colombia, and Brazil, working with local roasters means you’re supporting businesses that navigate these challenges thoughtfully and transparently. We work hard to build direct relationships with farmers and cooperatives, ensuring fair prices and sustainable practices—all while keeping your cup of coffee affordable and delicious. But, sometimes price increase need to happen to keep businesses sustainable. Try to be understanding when local businesses make these decisions. If it becomes unaffordable, you can still support them with Google reviews and following and interacting with them on social media. And recommending them to friends. Every little bit helps!
4. Sustainability Starts at Home
Local roasters tend to be more connected to sustainable practices, whether it’s sourcing beans ethically, using eco-friendly packaging, or minimizing carbon footprints through shorter supply chains. When you support Canadian and BC roasters, you’re often supporting businesses that care deeply about the planet and their communities. Choosing a Canadian-owned coffee company also means backing businesses committed to ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship. For example, we go to great lengths to ensure our packaging is 100% recyclable wherever possible and we have been certified by BC Green Business for our Chilliwack coffee shop and roastery operations.
5. Building Stronger Communities, One Cup at a Time
Coffee shops and coffee roasters in Canada are more than just places to grab your morning caffeine fix—they’re community hubs. They’re where you meet friends, discover local artists, and share ideas. By supporting local roasters, you’re helping keep these spaces alive and thriving, contributing to the unique culture that makes your town or city special. At Smoking Gun Coffee, we are active supporters of The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival, Chilliwack Pride, and Mémiyelhtel.
Sip Local!
At the end of the day, every cup of coffee you enjoy is part of a bigger story. By buying your coffee or coffee beans from Canadian-owned coffee companies, you’re helping write a story of resilience, sustainability, and community connection. Plus, let’s be honest—there’s something extra satisfying about knowing your morning brew is doing good close to home.
So next time you’re stocking up on your favourite beans, think local if you can! Choose a Canadian-owned coffee company like Smoking Gun Coffee or one of the many, other incredible coffee roasters across the country and know that your purchase is helping to keep communities strong. Your taste buds—and your community—will thank you.