The Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) leads in circular innovation by turning food charity into a sustainable, resource-efficient model. Through a unique, forward-thinking approach, GVFB has created a line of nutritious food products developed in partnership with local manufacturers that not only meet the dietary needs of their clients but are also sold in the retail marketplace. Profits are reinvested into their programs to create a closed-loop system. GVFB rescues thousands of pounds of surplus food annually, redistributing it to over 130 community partners while reducing waste and supporting environmental goals. They also invest in energy-efficient systems, composting, and waste reduction to align with their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Slow Sunday Foods has transformed nearly 200,000 pounds of fresh BC food that would have otherwise gone to waste into everyday sauces like Cherriyaki Stir Fry – a Product of the Year finalist – and Pear Jerk.

They don’t rely on added sugars, sweeteners, or processed ingredients for flavour. Instead, they use BC’s harvest to redefine ready-made sauces with whole, fresh food. The first ingredient in every bottle comes from nearby farms, most within 40 kilometers of their kitchen. Each sauce celebrates, strengthens, and keeps people connected to BC’s circular food economy.

What began as a backyard initiative – cooking fallen fruit into an old family recipe for fruit ketchup – has grown into a movement to bring BC’s seasonal abundance into more homes, meals, and seasons. By making the harvest more accessible, Slow Sunday empowers people to actively appreciate and participate – from farm to squeeze – in BC’s circular food economy and build, through daily actions, a robust and abundant local food economy.

Inspired by BC’s rich agricultural resources, PeelTea transforms fruit peels, a common food processing byproduct, into refreshing, antioxidant-rich iced teas. This upcycling process diverts organic waste from landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and creates a new revenue stream for local farmers and processors, embodying a true circular economy. Their packaging choices further reflect their commitment to sustainability, utilizing fully recyclable aluminum cans and actively exploring compostable secondary packaging options. Their production methods are designed to be low waste and energy-efficient, with ongoing improvements guided by lifecycle assessments and strong supplier partnerships. Beyond their innovative products, Mizu Brands (the innovative force behind PeelTea), advocates for sustainable food systems through collaborations with local universities on food waste research, community education initiatives, and mentoring emerging food entrepreneurs in circular economy practices.

In just three years, Atome Bakery has emerged as one of the most promising food startups in British Columbia. Founded by French immigrants Alice and Lucas, they’ve shipped over 15,000 boxes and generated $825,000 in revenue in 2024 alone. What makes Atome Bakery unique is its product and model, and how they blend authenticity with convenience. With a direct-to-consumer subscription model that now accounts for 70% of sales, they’ve built a loyal community, especially in rural areas. Committed to local sourcing, community impact, and cultural diversity, Atome Bakery exemplifies bold innovation, rapid growth, and values-driven leadership. The company has created nine local jobs in the past year, sources organic Canadian flour, and reinvests in local partnerships. They were also recognized as Company of the Year 2024 by the Vancouver Francophone Chamber of Commerce for their impact on the francophone community in BC.

By serving both function and flavour and showing up with transparency and intention, Popoff is creating space for a new kind of wellness: fun, accessible and community-driven. Launched into retail last year, Popoff has grown from idea to over 100+ retail doors across BC and Alberta, landing placements in Whole Foods, Safeway, Thrifty’s and many other retail locations. Popoff has also been selected to participate in multiple accelerators including League of Innovators and the BCFB Accelerator, as well as being recognized as BC 30 under 30 and GLORY Media’s 30×30 (formerly known as Bay Street Bull). The brand’s fresh voice and visuals cut through in a crowded space and in under 18 months, Popoff has demonstrated clear momentum and strong market demand, early brand recognition and a long-term vision to make health and wellness feel less clinical and more enjoyable. Popoff is a high-potential newcomer making meaningful impact by challenging norms, building with heart and moving the industry forward in a way that’s inclusive, thoughtful & undeniably BOLD.

PrairieGoodness™ Snacks is innovative, values-led, and rapidly gaining momentum in Canada’s competitive natural foods landscape. Their flagship product, a line of lentil-based chips, is a wholesome, allergen-friendly snack that doesn’t compromise on flavour. Made entirely from legumes, these chips appeal to consumers seeking cleaner ingredient lists and better nutritional value. Since its launch, PrairieGoodness™ has achieved significant retail distribution across nearly 300 locations nationwide and is available through top online platforms including Amazon and Well.ca. What sets PrairieGoodness™ apart is the company’s commitment to sourcing local ingredients, supporting Canadian agriculture, and designing inclusive products. They’re a fast-rising brand on a deep-rooted mission to do business differently. Their continued investment in R&D, sustainability, and team development reflects long-term thinking and a clear vision for growth.

Portofino Bakery, a Vancouver Island-based company, is known for its premium, artisan-quality loaves, buns and treats. August marks the 2nd year of exporting into the United States. Starting off with small beginnings in 2023, Portofino’s unique artisan bread products have now grown to be available in 1,000 stores across the United States, including legendary retailers such as: Safeway / Albertsons Northern California (280 stores), Raleys California (160 stores), Fresh Thyme (80 stores across 13 states based in Illinois), and hundreds of other small and medium retailers throughout 30 states.

Blume creates superfood lattes and gut health drinks made with clean ingredients and powerful superfoods to support digestion and boost health. Blume is a shining example of BC food and beverage innovation reaching global markets. They started with regional testing in the U.S., then expanded nationally this past year, with distribution at Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market across the US. While focused mainly on exporting to the US, they also work with the UK. Rooted in wellness and sustainability, Blume has built a strong international presence, steadily growing its exports across North America and beyond. Their strategic growth, clear and compelling brand identity, and ability to resonate with diverse international consumers make them a standout export success story. They have steadily increased their export presence year over year. Blume continues to elevate BC’s reputation for high-quality, health-conscious products on the world stage and is sought after as an innovative and well desired brand.

Naturally Homegrown Foods™ is known for producing premium snacks, including their flagship brand, Hardbite® chips and the newer Poptastic™ popcorn. Exporting since 2011, they’ve grown international sales into a core part of the business, with over 2.6 million Hardbite® Chips bags sold globally in the past 12 months. What began with domestic listings of Hardbite® Chips in Costco has expanded into international distribution across Costco US, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, with new orders bound for Taiwan, China, the UK, France, and Spain later this year. They’ve also secured listings in other premium retailers like Seijo Ishii in Japan, S&R in the Philippines, and stores across Malaysia. Their momentum is driven by focused investments in global relationship building and exposure at key trade shows. They’ve made strategic upgrades, added automation, and improved logistics to handle international demand, while also maintaining a 98% SQF score, giving them the food safety credibility required by global buyers. The Hardbite® export growth has also fueled a booming private label business, now manufacturing snacks for major retailers and brands in the U.S. and Asia.

VEGAIN is redefining plant-based sports nutrition through true product innovation, leading with North America’s first and only clear vegan protein isolate in a ready-to-drink format. Their formulation is naturally anti-foaming, has zero grams of sugar and uses naturally derived colours to create a functional, refreshing, juice-like experience. It’s a complete protein with all essential amino acids, made from 100% plant-based ingredients, and protected by a provisional patent, underlining VEGAIN’s commitment to innovation and R&D. Their product “SURGE™ breaks the mold from the traditional vegan proteins that are often heavy, chalky, and milky, by offering a light, functional, and great-tasting protein that meets the needs of athletes, health-conscious consumers, and the growing flexitarian market.

Earthling Foods created Pud’n, Canada’s first clean-label instant pudding, marking an innovative step in modernizing one of the most nostalgic desserts. Their instant pudding reimagines this classic dessert using non-GMO tapioca starch, natural colours such as carrot powder, and real vanilla. No artificial flavours or preservatives are used. It’s a simple yet revolutionary idea: take something deeply familiar and make it radically better, cleaner, and more aligned with today’s values of transparency, health, and sustainability. Earthling Foods is proud to offer a solution that blends wholesome ingredients with nostalgic flavour, paving the way for a new standard in ready-to-make desserts in Canada. Earthling Foods is not just launching a product; they’re leading a movement to clean up institutional and consumer food systems without sacrificing taste or tradition.

Bruce Burgener, creator of Enercheez®, looked at cheese and said, “What if you didn’t need a fridge or a cracker to enjoy this?” and tastes amazing! That’s when Enercheez was born. Bruce turned cheese into a zero carb snack you can take on a mountain, toss in your bag, or eat in your car without judgment, utilizing patented technology to safely dehydrate cheese. Enjoy Enercheez as a snack or on soups and salads as a natural cheese crouton. 100% real cheese, magically (or more like scientifically) turned into a light, crunchy, no-mess snack. No additives, just pure, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch. It’s a keto-friendly, gluten-free and convenient source of energy, protein and calcium.

Under Jasmine Byrne’s leadership, Big Mountain has grown from a family-founded company into a nationally recognized plant-based brand, all while staying true to its core values of quality, integrity, and innovation. She has navigated the fast-changing CPG landscape with resilience, making bold decisions to invest in research, product development, and sustainable practices. Jasmine leads with a balance of vision, strategic thinking and empathy, empowering her team while building strong relationships across the entire supply chain, from farmers to retailers to consumers. As a female leader in the highly competitive food industry, Jasmine has not only built a successful business but has become a role model for women entrepreneurs. Her ability to grow Big Mountain while maintaining a culture of family, authenticity, and purpose-driven growth is a true reflection of her outstanding leadership.

Since March 2021, Janik Livera, Hospitality Manager at Maverick Estate Winery, has demonstrated innovation with personalized tastings and programs like Flight School and Dine With Us, deepening customer connections. His management and staff training have fostered a culture of excellence and inclusivity, supporting the winery’s growth to nearly $1 million annually in direct-to-consumer revenue. Janik also teaches at Okanagan College and co-develops programs to prepare students for careers in the beverage industry. His leadership as Chief Mentorship Officer and Board Member at Vinica Education Society emphasizes his commitment to DEI, designing mentorship and internship programs that support BIPOC candidates and expand opportunities within the industry.

Dr. Dionne Laslo-Baker, founder and CEO of DeeBee’s Organics, is a former PhD medical researcher who brings a rare combination of scientific discipline and deeply empathetic leadership to her fast-growing company. Based in Victoria, BC, her company produces organic, clean-label frozen treats and snacks sold across North America, helping put BC on the map as a center of health-forward food innovation. Under her leadership, DeeBee’s ranked in the top 200 of the Financial Times’ 2023 Americas’ 500 and made WPO’s 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Led Companies list in 2023 and 2024. Dionne fosters an inclusive, values-driven culture where employees lead and feel they belong. She is a mentor to women and minority entrepreneurs nationwide. DEI and sustainability, through organic ingredients, ethical sourcing, and waste reduction, are central to her leadership and community engagement.

With over 118 years of bringing people together through quality chocolate and heartfelt giving, Purdys Chocolatier is a cherished BC-based, Canadian family brand. Beyond sweets, they support causes like children’s hospitals, 2SLGBTQ+ organizations, and Indigenous communities through their Purple Partnerships. They also invest in education, health, and women’s empowerment in the cocoa regions they partner with, embodying purpose at every level. Known for seasonal packaging, limited-edition treats, and genuine engagement on social media, Purdys stands out for its authenticity, ethical sourcing, and strong community ties. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and impact makes them a brand with real substance and lasting presence.

At Blume, they’re proud to be building a community-first brand that meets people wherever they are in their wellness journey. They’re lucky to have a community that shows up, not just for their products, but for the values behind them; they share Blume with their friends, talk about them on socials, and bring Blume into their daily routines. In addition to retail launches in Whole Foods Market, Walmart, and Costco, Blume is growing their DTC product subscription community and recently celebrated 10,000 active subscriptions. They’ve seen their product SuperBelly, shared in PR unboxings, TikTok videos, Instagram stories, community events, smoothie bars, Facebook posts and group chats. “I see your brand everywhere!” has quickly become one of our most repeated quotes when they pop-up IRL. Their community mailers saw 1.5M organic impressions (and counting), proving that people love to talk about Blume, and more importantly, love to bring others into the fold!

Moonshine Mama’s is a company with undeniable consumer appeal, brand loyalty, and product excitement. Since its humble beginnings in 2013, Moonshine Mama’s, under the passionate leadership of founder Mel, has been a true testament to organic growth fueled by customer enthusiasm. Moonshine Mama’s has achieved remarkable Canada-wide expansion without the aid of formal marketing or sales departments. Its success is a direct result of high customer return and powerful word-of-mouth, demonstrating a genuine connection with consumers. Even after more than a decade, Moonshine Mama’s remains rooted in its origins, continuing to participate in local markets and prioritize direct customer service and connection.

GnuSante’s commitment to people and the planet is central to everything they do. This year, they supported Food Banks Canada’s After the Bell program by providing nearly 250,000 units of Gnubees Kids to ensure children have nutritious drinks when school programs aren’t available. As a small business, this was a bold undertaking, made possible through community partnerships like the Pacific Autism Family Network. Together, they’ve created meaningful work opportunities for neurodiverse individuals, building skills and confidence. They also sponsor several girls’ sports teams through Vancouver Kids Sports and support local fundraisers to strengthen neighborhood ties. As members of 1% for the Planet and partners with HUB Cycling, they promote environmental and community well-being. GnuSante believes business can be a force for good, showing even small companies can drive lasting positive change.

Christine Yee, founder of House of Yee Fine Foods, has transformed her family’s legacy with Canada’s first gluten-free dumplings. Over the past year, she grew the team from one to seven and expanded from 200 to over 300 retail locations nationwide with plans to soon launch direct-to-consumer sales, all while maintaining her commitment to quality and authenticity. Beyond business, Christine has created a unique give-back fundraising program supporting young women in sports. Through this initiative, she offers her dumplings to sports organizations at a discounted price, then donates 50% of every sale to their programs. Her model has helped fund travel and operations for eight youth basketball teams competing across North America. Her journey reflects resilience, generosity, and purpose-driven leadership, uplifting her community while building a thriving brand.

Daiya believes food is more than nourishment, it’s a connector for community and change. They launched Bring Your Child to Work Day and offer Facility Tours for local students, inspiring curiosity about plant-based food. They also run high school science classes to encourage youth interest in food science, sustainability, and careers. Supporting programs like Cedar STEM, they promote equity, reconciliation, and inclusive experiences for Indigenous youth. Daiya actively partners with initiatives like the Circular Food Innovation Lab, Food Stash Foundation, and supports university students facing food insecurity. They serve on BC Children’s FAIT Board, sponsor the RBC Race for the Kids, and prioritize giving back through volunteer programs focused on food justice and hunger relief. For Daiya, social impact is central, from classrooms to community, they aim to create lasting value for current and future generations.

At ALLFAT, through thoughtful product development and education, they’ve found a way to transform rendered beef fat, a once-overlooked byproduct, into nutrient-rich, shelf-stable cooking fats that are clean, nut-free, seed-free, and dairy-free. They partner with farmers who prioritize no antibiotics and grass-fed sourcing. Last year, they saved over 20,000 pounds of Canadian beef fat from waste, creating a new income stream for local farmers and processors. In addition, their Product Exchange Program will allow producers to receive finished goods in return for fat, adding value beyond the initial sale and reinforcing a circular model. Their circular approach uses every part of the animal, reducing waste and producing multiple SKUs from a single ingredient. All products are made locally in small batches, minimizing their carbon footprint. Sustainability guides everything they do, from sourcing to education and giving back!

Made in British Columbia, JOOSY is a 100% cold-pressed juice crafted from upcycled fruits and veggies, aiming to save over 50 million pounds of produce. As produce distributors, they have direct access to surplus fruits and vegetables that need quick processing, making their in-house juice a sustainable solution to food waste while delivering exceptional taste. By transforming surplus produce into delicious, nutrient-rich drinks packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, JOOSY supports sustainability and a greener future.

Harmonic Arts is a values-driven company committed to continuously improving their operations and prioritizing both sustainable and regenerative action. They’ve achieved multiple certifications, including Green Certification through BC Green Business (2021-present), Climate Smart Certification (2022-present), B Corp Certification (2023-present), demonstrating their commitment to responsible operations. They’ve implemented significant eco-friendly initiatives, such as water conservation, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and switching to carbon-neutral and recyclable materials. Their efforts have led to a 6% reduction in carbon footprint and diverted over 72,200 lbs of packaging waste. Through a partnership with 1% for the Planet, they’ve donated over $91,500 to environmental causes. Additionally, they educate customers on sustainable herbalism and waste reduction, fostering a community committed to planetary health.

Miki Talebi, founder and CEO of oomé, a smoked tofu company rooted in family values, is passionate about redefining what good, clean, and healthy food can be. Since entering the food and beverage industry, Miki has built meaningful community relationships, developing them into mutually beneficial partnerships. This is a skill she never knew she had and something that she has transparently expressed to her community to help others get past their hesitations, such as imposter syndrome. Miki has taken her newfound skill of relationship building to grow oomé at an impressive rate of 300% per year since its launch, even during tough economic times. Beyond her business success, Miki dedicates her time to volunteering at events, supporting BC Food & Beverage initiatives, and mentoring young entrepreneurs trying to enter the market.

Mellisa Mills has led Spread’Em Kitchen for 11 years, transforming it from a farmers market side hustle into a multi-million-dollar, internationally distributed natural food brand. This year, a U.S. trademark issue prompted a rebrand to Millsie Foods. Mellisa handled the challenge with transparency and creativity, turning it into a storytelling success through engaging packaging, videos, and social media campaigns. Mellisa continues to demonstrate keen leadership and growth and success in a tough industry, deftly navigating her company on its next scaling journey from small business to something bigger, now with 15+ employees now and operating in both Canada and the USA. Her leadership and dedication to quality have made her one of BC’s most impactful women entrepreneurs.

Tami Nasu, founder and CEO of withinUs Natural Health Inc., has grown her Vancouver-based, woman-founded wellness brand from her basement to one of Canada’s most respected companies, sold in over 2,000 retailers including Shoppers, Save-On-Foods, and formerly Costco. Recognized as one of Canada’s fastest-growing businesses for five years, she built withinUs organically through relationships, quality, and trust, with nearly 80% of wholesale accounts coming directly from her industry reputation. The company is the only woman-founded collagen brand in North America with Certified B Corporation® status, reflecting her commitment to sustainability and ethics. Tami prioritizes high-quality ingredients, refusing lower-grade options even at higher costs, with her proprietary marine collagen leading the market. An advocate for women in business, she mentors her team and surrounds herself with experienced, values-driven women. Through initiatives like the withinUs To Give program, she supports charities such as Make-A-Wish® Canada and champions community efforts across BC. Recognized as a Best Place to Work, Tami exemplifies purpose-driven leadership, empowering others and leading with heart.

SURGE™ by VEGAIN is North America’s first clear vegan protein drink in a convenient ready-to-drink format, offering 25g of plant-based protein in a juice-like, refreshing beverage. It has no sugar, artificial additives, or chalky texture, and is naturally coloured with ingredients like beta-carotene while being anti-foaming. Designed for hydration and performance, it’s gentle on digestion and comes in light, tropical flavours. Perfect for various occasions, SURGE™ aims to redefine functional beverages in a new, mainstream category.

Tocha sauces offer the bold complexity and depth of hot sauce, without the intensity of heat nor the sharp acidity of vinegar. Made with all natural ingredients, their sauces offer a gentle warmth that no other condiment provides. The Tocha Original is made with whole Roma tomatoes and a unique spice blend, creating a perfectly balanced flavour profile. First, the sweetness of caramelized onions comes forward, followed by the mouthwatering acidity of ripe tomatoes, accented by spices and a touch of heat from fresh Fresno chili peppers. An umami-rich finish lingers, until you’re ready to take your next bite!

Smart Sip is a coconut oil-based powdered creamer with just 25 calories and 3g of fiber per serving. It’s sugar-free, gluten-free, low in sodium, and designed to help you reach health goals without sacrificing taste. Smart Sip offers a tasty alternative that can be added to coffee, yogurt, oatmeal, matcha, pancakes, and more. It has a long shelf life, so no waste, and can be used anytime, anywhere.

Offering a twist on teriyaki sauce, Slow Sunday’s Cherriyaki sauce and marinade is a bright, bold stir-fry sauce made from rescued BC cherries and peaches, tamari, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. It is food-first, using whole, ripe fruit rather than stabilizers or concentrates, and is versatile for marinades, stir-fries, or dips. Naturally sweet, tangy, and savoury, it is gluten-free, low sodium, plant-based, keto, and diabetic friendly. Made with simple, real ingredients, it offers a clean-label, flavour-forward alternative to traditional sauces.

The Habanero Hunnie ready-to-eat smoked tofu by oomé is infused with natural sweetness from a vegan honey made with local apples and a lingering spicy heat from habanero powder. It is crafted with simple, clean, Non-GMO ingredients using Canadian soybeans and sustainable woodchips from a family orchard.

NutJar’s Pistachio Butter is 100% vegan, made entirely from pure pistachios with a touch of salt, and contains no added preservatives. It offers a rich, luxurious taste of this supernut once reserved for royalty. Use it as a topping for vanilla ice cream, sliced bananas, or to thicken cake frosting and pasta sauces.

Moonshine Mama’s Superfood Hydration drinks offer a new, convenient, and truly delicious way to enjoy their prized nutritious ingredients. Each can is an innovative blend, combining a serving of Moonshine Mama’s potent turmeric elixirs with isotonic water. It not only optimizes hydration but also delivers the health benefits of turmeric, ginger, lemons, and more in a refreshing, vibrant taste. Unlike traditional sports drinks, it is a clean-label beverage with no refined sugar, artificial flavours, or highly processed ingredients.

Hippie Snacks Crunchers are healthy, sustainable crackers made with certified regenerative organic oats, gluten-free, plant-based, and non-GMO. They are formulated with clean ingredients, low in sodium, sugar, and saturated fat, and contain no MSG, sulfites, or artificial colors. Baked (not fried) to crunchy perfection, they deliver great flavour without compromise. Designed for better-for-you snacking, they meet growing consumer demand for nutritious, eco-friendly options. Available in 3 classic flavours: Dill Pickle, BBQ, Salt & Vinegar.

Big Mountain Food’s plant-based roast was developed using soy-free tofu, Canadian cranberries, celery, and harvest herbs, with a mushroom gravy and cranberry-herb stuffing that tastes like the Sunday dinners we all grew up with. Designed for everyone to enjoy, it helps make holiday and weekend dinners inclusive and memorable. It proves that plant-based can be comforting, nostalgic, and easily part of the everyday meal.

Atome Bakery’s Traditional Sourdough Loaf is made with just three simple ingredients: organic Canadian flour, water, and salt, and is frozen at peak proofing. It finishes baking in your oven, creating a well-developed crust and an airy open crumb similar to bakery-quality bread with minimal effort. The long fermentation process enhances flavour, digestibility, and reduces gluten naturally, without additives. The loaf delivers a rich, tangy flavour and a satisfying texture that reflects the best of old-world baking.