President, Naturally Homegrown Foods Ltd., Hardbite

Kirk has been in the industry for over 20 years.  He joined the BCFB Board to help support the food and beverage industry grow and become more resilient.

What's Kirk's favorite thing about the industry?

"Like anyone who is passionate about our industry, I love that no two days are the same. Our work is incredibly varied with many roles and responsibilities.  The food and beverage industry is fast paced and quick moving."

Vice-Chair, Corporate Strategic Projects, Vitalus Nutrition Inc.

Pamela has been in the industry for 25 years.  She joined the BCFB Board to support the organization in achieving its goals, and to give back to the industry and the community by sharing her passion and expertise.

What’s Pamela’s favorite thing about the industry?

"The people, the passion for food and the drive to innovate and provide consumers with better and more nutritious options."

President, Big Mountain Foods 

Jasmine has been in the industry for 13 years.  She joined the BCFB Board because it has been a tremendous support system and resource centre for Big Mountain Foods.  Jasmine saw it as an opportunity to pay it forward and see others in the industry grow and thrive as her company has – in part through the continued support of the BCFB. 

What’s Jasmine’s favorite thing about this industry?    

“My favorite thing about this industry is the innovation and the passion behind each and every entrepreneur. Watching companies expand and scale up their operations is remarkable to see!”

Managing Director, KPMG Corporate Finance

Leo has been working with food and beverage companies in BC for over 15 years. He decided to join the BCFB Board though his expedience working with the many amazing entrepreneurs in the industry and being a part of their journey in bringing their products to market.

What is Leo’s favorite thing about this industry? 

“The passion and energy of the members and associates. From virtual to in-person events, to the innovative food and beverage products and brands, there is never a lack of energy and excitement. As someone who is personally invested in health and wellness there is no better place, or group of people, to be surrounded with.”

Founder & CEO of Kindred Cultures

Lyndsay joined the industry 5 years ago when she launched Kindred Cultures and she loves being part of the food processor community in BC. She joined the Board to give back to the industry and represent small processors.

What’s Lyndsay's favorite thing about this industry?    

“I greatly admire the persistence, creativity and innovation across the food processor community in BC who feed our province and the world from our own backyard.”

Vice-President, People & Culture, Fine Choice Foods

Steve has been in the industry for 20 years.He joined the Board out of a desire to serve as he strongly believes in investing his time and energy back to the industry. He also loves the opportunity to work and learn alongside people whom he respects greatly.

What does Steve love about the industry?

"Two things really stand out for me. Food is a social experience for most of humanity and that carries over into the work we do and makes it extremely rewarding to me. The other is the level of innovation and passion shown by people all around the industry."

Founder and CEO, Granted Consulting

Stephanie has been a part of the BC Food and Beverage industry for 10 years. Stephanie wanted to join the BCFB Board to make a difference in one of the fastest-growing industries in BC and in Canada. I’m a ‘foodie' myself and to be able to create an impact with local food companies and help them thrive with my knowledge and background in government grants is important. They are making a difference: one delicious bite at a time!

What’s Stephanie’s favourite thing about this industry?  

"The creative products that are being produced locally and how resourceful and dedicated the entrepreneur are to bringing quality food to Canadians and to the world."

Owner, Shervin Communications Inc.

Sherrin and her company have been involved in the food and beverage industry for 20 years. She joined the BCFB Board would like to be able to give back and be involved in affecting change in this ever-changing industry.

What's Sherrin's favourite thing about the industry? 

"There is an incredible amount of innovation in this industry and that is so exciting."

Owner & Director, Elias Honey Ltd

Azeem has been in the industry for just over 3 years. Being part of the BCFB Board combines two of Azeem's passions: Food and Innovation. Azeem hopes to bring his out-of-industry experiences in strategy consulting and entrepreneurship to the Board to help support the growth and representation of small processors in the industry.

What is Azeem’s favourite thing about this industry?

Passion, energy and innovation! Whether walking trade show floors or at informal gatherings, it’s incredible to see how passionate people are about the industry and innovation. I love seeing how supportive and collaborative everyone is, especially to new entrants into the industry.  

Director- Corporate Social Responsibility, Daiya Foods in Burnaby, B.C.

Nicky has been in the food and beverage industry for over 25 years, and she is excited by the potential of the food industry in BC.

Nicky hopes to lend her skills to achieve cross-functional collaboration that lead to action and achievements to support, mentor and grow the existing manufacturers along with the emerging entrepreneurs and innovators. BC is an incubator of creativity that needs to be nurtured and be advocated for. The BCFB Association can play this role.

What’s Nicky's favorite thing about the industry?    

"What I love the most about this industry is the entrepreneurial spirit. From concept to consumer, we have some of the most passionate and committed brands getting their start in BC and putting BC on the map for food innovation, manufacturing and accessibility."

President, Direct Plus Deli Group, Premium Brands Holdings

Len has been in the industry for 27 years.  He joined the BCFB Board to provide assistance in helping the board and industry, and to better understand the bigger challenges that face all of us in the food manufacturing and distribution businesses in BC.

What’s Len’s favorite thing about this industry? 

“The food industry is very dynamic…I enjoy that. And the people.”

Partner, Fasken Law

Ariel has been advising food and beverage companies for over ten years on all legal aspects of their business from start-up to exit, including product development and commercialization, raising capital and M&A transactions.

Ariel joined the BCFB Board as he is passionate about the BC food and beverage sector and would like to give back to the community.

What does Ariel love about the industry?  

“The entrepreneurial and innovative spirit. BC’s food and beverage industry punches above its weight when it comes to the development of innovative, leading products. It’s invigorating to work with food and beverage "

CEO, Apex Food Source

Lachlan, has worked in the food industry since 2011 but has become more highly involved since 2019.

He joined the board as he believes there are so many important aspects of food that need to be addressed for society and for manufacturers. This is the forum where some issues need to be addressed and discussed.

What is your favourite thing about the industry?

My most favourite thing about the food industry is how dynamic it is.