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Manischewitz Wine Caught in Tariffs Dispute as Canadian Jews Prepare for Passover

April 2, 2025: from the Algemeiner:

"For Jews in Canada, much like their US counterparts, Manischewitz kosher wine has become a staple of Passover and other religious celebrations.

"But now many are struggling to find the New York state-made drink for the wine-heavy spring holiday as Canadian government retailers and wholesale monopolies pull US-made products from shelves in protest of President Donald Trump’s tariffs and annexation threats.

"The missing wine illustrates how Trump’s tariff actions and his talk of annexation are causing pain for Canadian consumers and US beverage companies like Manischewitz owner E & J Gallo Winery, as well as potential opportunities for Canadian competitors.

"Canada’s provincial governments control liquor sales and wholesaling, and since early March have all banned US alcohol imports as well as most distribution and sales, including Manischewitz wine and Jack Daniel’s bourbon whiskey.

"Existing stocks have been taken off shelves across the country. Private stores, allowed to sell existing supplies, told Reuters their Manischewitz bottles were snapped up by shoppers soon after the provincial governments’ bans were announced.

"Aaron Bernstein of family-owned Bernstein’s Delicatessen, a Jewish food store and restaurant in Winnipeg in Western Canada, said he has had to tell patriotic Canadian shoppers that there are not domestically made versions of some kosher products.

"Canadian Jews seeking kosher wine to fulfill the ceremonial obligation might still find some Israeli wine in some government-operated liquor stores. Manitoba Liquor Marts offer three kosher wines, such as both red and white from the Galil Mountain Winery, a spokesperson said.

"To replace some US products, Bernstein said his deli has been ordering more products from Israel, but imports take longer to arrive because of the extended supply chain.

"For some Canadian Jews who keep kosher, the concern goes beyond missing holiday foods and extends to the risk of tariffs and higher prices on other staple products making groceries unaffordable."