New 'Made in Alberta' App Aims to Strengthen Local Economy, One Purchase at a Time

A digital revolution is quietly taking root in the checkout lines and kitchen pantries across the province.

 

It’s a direct response to a question many Albertans have been asking themselves with increasing urgency: How can I support the businesses right here in my own backyard?

 

The answer now fits in the palm of your hand.

 

The Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA) has launched the new Made in Alberta app, a game-changing tool designed to bridge the gap between consumers and the province's vibrant ecosystem of farmers, bakers, and artisans.

 

This isn't just about convenience; it's a strategic move to insulate our local economy against the harsh winds of global uncertainty.

 

For years, shoppers have voiced a common frustration: the difficulty in identifying truly local products on crowded store shelves.

 

The Made in Alberta app tackles this problem head-on.

 

With a simple photo scan or a quick search, the app instantly reveals a curated list of Alberta-made alternatives to everyday grocery items.

 

"We kept hearing from people: 'I really struggle finding something local,'" explained Bianca Parsons, the executive director for AFPA.

 

"We wanted to say this can be solved so easily."

 

The timing for such an innovation could not be more critical.

 

Recent reports paint a picture of an Alberta economy grappling with significant headwinds.

 

Businesses are navigating persistent supply chain disruptions, rising input costs, and the looming threat of international trade tariffs.

 

A survey from early 2025 revealed that two-thirds of Canadian businesses expect supply chains to worsen, a staggering 168% increase in concern from the previous year.

 

This is the harsh reality that makes initiatives like the Made in Alberta app so vital.

 

It represents a grassroots effort to build economic resilience from within, fostering a circular economy where money spent in Alberta stays in Alberta.

 

The economic impact is not trivial.

 

Studies show that for every dollar spent at a local small business, approximately 66 cents remains within the community.

 

That figure plummets to just 11 cents when spent at a multinational corporation.

 

The app already features more than 3,000 local products from over 900 Alberta-based companies, a testament to the depth and diversity of the province's food and beverage sector.

 

This sector is the second-largest manufacturing industry in Alberta, contributing over $28 billion to the provincial economy and supporting more than 83,000 jobs.

 

For small business owners, the platform is a lifeline.

 

Consider Antoine Lavoie, founder of Delavoye Chocolate Maker, a bean-to-bar chocolatier on Edmonton's bustling 124 Street.

 

"For us, it was really important to join because we're definitely not street facing, we're tucked away," Lavoie shared.

 

He believes the app will bring significantly more people to his store and website, boosting online sales in a way traditional marketing can't.

 

It’s a sentiment echoed by Nathan Satanove, the owner and operator of Pasta Pantry, a beloved institution that has served Sherwood Park and Edmonton for over 30 years.

 

"It's small businesses that don't have the marketing budget that the big box corporations do," Satanove stated.

 

He sees the app as a powerful equalizer, helping amazing creators and producers in places like Edmonton get discovered more quickly by consumers who are actively looking for them.

 

This powerful consumer sentiment is part of a broader cultural shift.

 

Surveys conducted in early 2025 revealed that an overwhelming 92 percent of Albertans believe shopping locally is important, with nearly 80 percent stating it feels more important now than it did just a year ago.

 

This isn't just talk; it's translating into action.

 

The growing desire to support local is visible in the thriving farmers' markets from Calgary to Grande Prairie, and in the conscious choices consumers are making every day.

 

The Old Strathcona Farmers' Market in Edmonton has seen such strong demand that it recently expanded its operations to include Sundays, providing more access to local groceries.

 

The market's new retail extension, The Side Door, further showcases the innovation happening at the community level to meet this demand.

 

Corinne Olson, the market's manager, sees the Made in Alberta app as a natural partner in this movement.

 

"When someone grabs an Alberta-made coffee or snack off our shelf, it supports a maker who lives and works right here," she said.

 

"This app makes those choices even easier."

 

The criteria for being featured on the app are clear and focused: the "last substantial transformation" of the product must occur within Alberta.

 

This ensures that the economic benefits, from jobs to taxes to local investment, are rooted firmly in the province.

 

The launch of the app aligns perfectly with the provincial government's 'Buy Local' campaign, an initiative urging Albertans to show their pride by choosing locally made food and beverages.

 

This groundswell of support is creating a tangible sense of optimism, even as economic challenges persist.

 

The connection between a local purchase and community well-being is becoming clearer than ever.

 

The app is more than just a directory; it's a storytelling platform.

 

It gives a face to the names behind the products, connecting shoppers with the passion and dedication of producers across Alberta.

 

Whether it's a family-run bakery in Calgary's vibrant Inglewood neighborhood or a craft brewery tucked away in the foothills, these are the businesses that give our communities character and strength.

 

This digital tool is about fostering a sense of shared purpose and collective responsibility for our economic future.

 

In an age of globalized supply chains and faceless corporations, the Made in Alberta app is a declaration of economic independence.

 

It empowers every Albertan to vote with their dollar, to invest in their neighbors, and to build a more resilient, self-sufficient, and prosperous province for the future.

 

It’s a simple act with a profound impact: scan, discover, and support.

 

 

Readers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

What is the 'Made in Alberta' app?

The Made in Alberta app is a free mobile application developed by the Alberta Food Processors Association. It helps consumers identify and purchase food and beverage products made locally in Alberta by allowing them to scan items or search for local alternatives.

 

Why is supporting 'Made in Alberta' products important for the local economy?

Supporting Made in Alberta products helps strengthen the local economy by keeping money within the province. When you buy local, you support Alberta-based jobs, contribute to the provincial tax base, and help small businesses thrive amidst challenges like supply chain issues and global economic uncertainty.

 

Where can I find products featured on the Made in Alberta app?

Products featured on the app can be found in grocery stores and retail locations across the province, as well as at local farmers' markets. The app is designed to be used while you shop, helping you make informed decisions to buy local wherever you are in Alberta.