New mobile app makes buying Canadian groceries easier

It can be daunting identifying which items at the grocery store are Canadian, but a new app aims to make it easier. CTV’s Jack Richardson reports.

While many across the country try to support local companies, figuring out whether or not a product is Canadian can be a challenge.

That’s why Sasha Ivanov, a mobile app developer in Calgary, Alta., has launched Maple Scan, an app designed to help make buying Canadian easier for people, specifically at the grocery store.

“With everything that’s going on, this has really brought Canadians together,” he told CTV News Ottawa.

For users, it’s a simple process.

After downloading the app, users can take a picture of the product in question. With the use of artificial intelligence, Maple Scan will indicate whether the product is Canadian made, while also providing historical context about the company within seconds.

“It’s not just a yes or no question. It’s providing that context of what is the background of this company and their ties to Canada,” Ivanov said. “I think people just love the ability to just take a photo and get information about a product and company.”

The app’s use of artificial intelligence may be concerning for some, but experts suggest it’s an example of how it can be used positively.

“It’s one of those no-brainer apps. In other words, no downside, all upside,” said science and tech analyst Carmi Levy.

“Artificial intelligence can be used to combine all of these factors and come up with a viable rating system so that you can have confidence that, yes, this is indeed Canadian.”

Brockville, Ont. resident Judy Quick makes an effort to buy Canadian but admits it’s difficult.

“If you had looked in those groceries, it would not all be Canadian,” Quick said.

Resident Robert Vanhiel just wants to support his country however he can.

“I was born and raised here, so obviously I want to support our country,” he said.