From the Okanagan to the national stage: Five food companies head to Grocery Innovations Canada

This week, five Central Okanagan food businesses are showcasing the region's culinary innovation at Grocery Innovations Canada (GIC), one of Canada's leading grocery and specialty food trade shows located in Toronto, with support from the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC). 

Participating in the COEDC's Okanagan pavilion are Cabin 5, UMAMI Crave the Fifth, Little Creek Dressing, Mindful FÜD and Planty of Nosh. The companies will have the opportunity to connect with retailers from across Canada as they explore new market opportunities beyond British Columbia. 

The initiative highlights the strength of the Central Okanagan's growing food manufacturing sector and builds on Kelowna's designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, which recognizes the region's rich local food culture. 

“The Central Okanagan is home to innovative food producers with tremendous potential to compete and grow in markets across Canada,” said Nji Mbitaownu, Economic Development Officer with the COEDC. “Connecting these businesses directly with national and international buyers is about turning that potential into opportunity, opening doors to new partnerships, expanding market reach and supporting the long-term growth of our region’s food manufacturing sector.” 

The trade mission comes at a time when businesses and governments across Canada are increasingly focused on strengthening domestic supply chains and reducing barriers to interprovincial trade. By helping local companies connect with buyers and retailers, the project encourages the growth of Canadian-made products.  

The trade mission complements Accelerate Okanagan's Market Diversification Fund, a grant program delivered with support from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC), that helps businesses pursue new markets. By aligning the two initiatives, participating businesses had the opportunity to apply for funding to support to their attendance at the trade mission and other market expansion activities. 

“For the second year in a row, we’re helping Okanagan food producers get in front of industry leaders at GIC. We know being in the right room can open doors to new customers, partnerships, and markets, but the cost of getting there can be a real barrier. Through our Market Diversification Fund with ETSI-BC, we’re able to help companies make that investment and bring Okanagan-made products to a global stage," said Brea Lake, CEO of Accelerate Okanagan. "The fund matches investments up to $10,000, helping business owners reach new markets.”  

In addition to funding, Export Navigator also partnered with the COEDC to deliver two pre-event workshops, helping participating businesses prepare for the show with practical strategies for trade show success and buyer engagement.  

Visitors to the Okanagan pavilion will have the opportunity to discover products crafted in the Central Okanagan while learning more about the entrepreneurs contributing to the region's reputation as a leader in food innovation and manufacturing. Learn more about the Central Okanagan’s local manufacturers in the COEDC manufacturing database. 

Quotes from the participating businesses

“Attending GIC has aligned perfectly will our goal of introducing UMAMI Crave the Fifth gluten free and plant based ‘Dressing and Everything’ sauces, soup mixes and power bowl side dishes to Eastern Canada.  The opportunities for our business outside of BC are abundant; without the support of the COEDC it would have been very difficult to explore them.” 
- Stephanie Gaudette, UMAMI Crave the Fifth 

“Coming to this show has helped me make connections within the Ontario community and gain exposure in a market that I have been starting to better understand.” 
- Stephanie Horman, Cabin 5 

“Getting in front of buyers across the country isn’t easy as a small business, so I’m grateful for the support to be here. It means a lot to share what we’re building at Mindful FÜD, meet people who could help us grow and do it alongside other Okanagan businesses.” 
- Venessa Stonehouse, Mindful FÜD 

“We’re grateful for the opportunity and support to promote our fabulous BC products with an amazing group of people. Building relationships is key to all our success.” 
-Deb Helbig, Little Creek Dressing 

“Grateful for the opportunity to represent the beautiful Okanagan region along colleagues in the industry. Having direct conversations with retailers, distributors and services offered to food manufacturers is extremely benefiting as a small business. It helps understand how we fit in the Eastern market.” 
- Marie-Claude Lanctot Mills, Planty of Nosh 

About the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission 

The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission is a function of the Regional District of the Central Okanagan and works collaboratively with local governments, businesses, and community partners to support economic growth, investment attraction, and business expansion throughout the Central Okanagan.