Hiruy Girmay founded 13 SUNS Ethiopian Vegan Cuisine, an Ethiopian eatery that serves traditional and fusion vegan dishes inspired by East African recipes. Its 100% plant-based kitchen follows sustainable practices for a greener planet and healthy lifestyle. The restaurant aims to make Ethiopian cuisine more accessible to Ontario customers while educating them on the rich history behind Ethiopian cuisine and culture.Their inaugural product is BerbèQ Sauce, which embodies the flavours of berberé spice blends but is versatile enough to be used on almost anything, from pasta to salads, burgers, soups, stews, and much more. It's the first in the market, proudly representing a large East African population within the Greater Toronto Area. Learn more about 13 SUNS Ethiopian Vegan Cuisine at https://www.13sunscafe.com/ https://www.instagram.com/13sunsvegan/

Get lost in the Sauce! His mother's love of cooking influenced Robert Robinson, who founded Robinson Sauces, a Jamaican-inspired, Canadian-made fruit-based gourmet BBQ sauce and dry rubs. The unique blend of sweetness mixed with spice elevates any meal. From home cooks to private chefs, there is a flavour for everyone to use to enjoy their favourite meal. Learn more about Robinson Sauces at https://robinsonsauces.square.site/ https://www.instagram.com/robinsonsauces/

Anthony Pereira is the proud founder of A+ Smoodees Inc., a vegan and gluten-free smoothie company that takes the best of what nature has to offer and deliciously presents it - with a measure of awareness! The A+ represents awareness and education, something they've embedded in every product and service. Their Pumpkin Seed Powder has 35% naturally occurring iron, 20g Protein, 90% Magnesium, and 50% of your recommended daily intake of Zinc. The product is incredibly versatile and can be added to milk, Smoothies, cereal, oatmeal, baking, & cooking recipes. Learn more about A+ Smoodees Inc. at https://aplussmoodees.com/ https://www.instagram.com/aplussmoodees/

With fond memories of eating cake during the holidays with family, Atieno Miguna founded Daphnes Caribbean Treats. Rum cakes are such a time-consuming recipe to properly execute, so Atieno sought to create a Jamaican rum cake mix, allowing customers to make and enjoy their own cake at home in a fraction of the time. https://www.instagram.com/daphnescaribbeantreats/

Rebecca Umana founded Ottawa-based Avia Bakery, named after her daughter and means 'God is my Father.' This first-generation family-owned business specializes in baking Nigerian sweet bread, similar to but not as sweet as brioche. The soft yet dense texture is perfect for French toast, grilled cheese sandwiches, or enjoyed alone. Learn more about Avia Bakery or order online at https://aviabakery.square.site/ https://www.instagram.com/avia.bakery/

Amanda Luthra founded ChillyPaste Co, a two-step meal kit service using fresh ingredients and globally authentic flavours. The company is an e-commerce platform where customers can order products and deliver them in sustainable packaging. Its charitable 'Paste it Forward' program allows it to donate revenue and give back to the community. Learn more about ChillyPaste Co at https://chillypaste.ca/

"Love you like a fresh vegetable..." The Rastafarian Ital lifestyle inspired Classic Juice Co. co-founder Tamara Shelly to open her company's flagship juice bar in Toronto's East End in 2018. It is during her personal health journey that she leaned into juice as an easy way to introduce nutrition and balance in her diet. Classic Juice' sCo. 's 100% juice elixirs are cold-pressed with no added water, sugars, concentrates, dyes, additives, or preservatives. Their juice is completely "raw" or unpasteurized, filled with life force, structured water content, probiotic microbes, and enzymes, helping you nurture, nourish, and prolong your life. Learn more about Classic Juice Co. at https://classicjuice.co/ https://www.instagram.com/classicjuic...

A Cookie Called Quest is a hip-hop-inspired gourmet vegan cookie brand founded by graphic designer turned baker Kamar Martin. Shifting the narrative that vegan cookies can't taste soft, chewy & flavourful, Kamar created the brand to satisfy his sweet tooth while following a plant-based diet. Available at McEwan Fine Foods and online at A Cookie Called Quest at https://www.acookiecalledquest.com/

"We take the guesswork out of snacking so you can snack happier." Inspired by her health concerns, Courtney Roberts founded EZ Little Snack Co., a natural snack company that uses whole food ingredients that are appropriate for the whole family. Using premium ingredients like almonds, dates, coconut, and cassava, Courtney created nutritious snacks that taste as satisfying as they are satiating. Their snacks are always seven ingredients or less and free from GMOs, added sugar, and gluten. Their big kid energy bites contain a blend of protein and healthy fats to keep you fuller and satisfied longer; they are great for families on the go. https://www.instagram.com/courtneyorg...

This luxury gifting agency helps high-ticket service-based businesses nurture key relationships and reclaim their time through automated relationship-based gifting strategies. Fran Murray Co.'s gourmet confections include gourmet cookies (in five flavours), luxury trifles in a jar(six flavour offerings at a time), maple pecans (in two flavours), baking kits and much more. Learn more about Chez Fran Enterprises Inc/Fran Murray CO. at https://www.franmurray.co/ https://www.instagram.com/franmurray.co/

Straight Outta the West Indies!

Crystal Pinnock founded Fe Real Mon, a Caribbean vegan bakery and catering service. Their Vegan Jamaican Bun is a plant-based nod to their heritage and a staple in any Jamaican household around the holidays. https://www.instagram.com/ferealmon/

Afrofusion Grills. . . where culinary creativity meets cultural richness. With a passion for cooking, Tolu Okojie founded Greelz & Services with his standout creations. His star of the show, a Jerk Suya Fusion spice, marries the bold essence of Jamaican jerk with the aromatic allure of West African Suya spice. Inspired by his love of grilling, he opened a full-service restaurant in 2024. Learn more about Greelz & Services at https://www.greelz.ca/

The drink that quiets the noises! After discovering that Rhodiola rosea in his tea could better manage his anxiety, Roy Cupid founded Hexx, a botanically infused beverage with natural fruit flavours. Hexx flavours are watermelon, pineapple, strawberry, and orange, and key ingredients include ginseng and Rhodiola rosea. This beverage makes the ritual of drinking tea more convenient, as it comes in a pre-infused bottled package ready to drink from the fridge.

https://www.instagram.com/hexxinfused/

NO BUBBLES, NO FLAVORS, JUST WATER… Hi-2-O Inc., founded by Todd Aubrey Marshall, is a canned water company looking to redefine how society consumes drinking water. By placing drinking water in aluminum beverage cans, Hi-2-O Inc. can drastically reduce the plastic in our landfills, streets, sewers, and beaches where we play. Learn more about Hi-2-O Inc. at https://www.hi-2-o.com/

Honey Soul Food (5977 Dixie Rd, Mississauga) & Cornbread Cafe (now closed) are wholesome comfort food eateries with a delightful Southern twist co-founded by Chanee Dowdie & Jason Martelly McLean. Their rich, savoury, buttery, golden cornbread, fresh out of the oven, is the star product with a perfectly crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior. Available freshly baked or as ready-to-bake batter in pouches. Dine in, order out and learn more about Honey Soul Food at https://www.honeysoulfood.com/

Karen Pringle founded Hummingbird Patty Shop & Café, a plant-based Caribbean-style Patty Shop in the Greater Toronto Area. Committed to providing the community with healthier, more ethical options, they offer a range of plant-based products, including our signature Jamaican patties, made with high-quality, natural ingredients. These patties are universally delicious and suitable for customers who wish to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diet while still enjoying Jamaican cuisine's bold and spicy flavours. Learn more about Hummingbird Patty Shop & Café Africans https://www.hummingbirdeats.com/

Janoi Edwards founded Nôi's Kitchen, a green seasoning is a ready-to-use marinade for meat and veggie dishes that pack a nostalgic aromatic punch of spices from the Caribbean. This green seasoning is low in sodium and is an ode to the art of family dinners becoming more convenient for busy working professionals, families, and novice cooks. Their green seasoning is vegan, gluten-free and made with love.

Gabriel Yemane founded Lazza, a lifestyle cooking brand for food adventurers inspired by African Ethiopian recipes. They create premium spice blends and sauces for easy meal prep, bring simple joy to their home cooking, and enjoy restaurant-style flavours in the comfort of their homes. The spicy condiment pepper sauce has two flavour profiles, each offering a distinctive spice level and flavour profile. The Awaze Sauce Berbere is spice-based, including Ethiopian brown pepper, wild basil, Ethiopian cardamom, cloves, rue, ajwain or nutmeg, nigella, and fenugreek. The Mitmita Sauce is a tomato-based sauce with African bird's eye chilli peppers, Ethiopian cardamom, cloves, and salt.

Livingston Dunkley founded Liv's Ice Cream, a pop-up ice cream pint shop specializing in Caribbean-focused custard ice cream & Sorbsicles flavours. With a business name inspired by his first name, Livingston's island flavours include Black Cake, Sorrel, Jackfruit Ice Cream, Rum & Raisin, Custard with Infus'd Fruit, Jamaican Stout, Birdy's Daughter Jamaica Blue Mountain™ and more. Learn more about Liv's Ice Cream https://www.livsicecream.ca/

Imagine peanut brittle, but better! Childhood best friends Afua Alagbe and Nana Yaa, are co-founders of Lola & Avery Foods Inc., a West African snack company named after their firstborn children. Inspired by Nkate Cakes, the street snacks they ate after school in Ghana, they launched their version in Canada. Made from a mixture of peanuts and caramelized sugar, Nkate Cake is filled with childhood memories for West Africans and incredible snack for peanut lovers.

Have you ever experienced a vacation in your mouth? Christine Monfriese is the proud owner of Monfriese Rum Cakes, a gourmet bakery specializing in decadent Jamaican rum cakes and rum cakes in jars. Originating from an old family recipe, Christine set out to introduce the taste of the tropics to those outside her community. Best paired with fresh fruit, hot beverages or vanilla ice cream, Monfriese Rum Cakes are your desired level-up dessert. Learn more about Monfriese Rum Cakes or order online at www.monfrieserumcakes.com

Nima London founded Nimsgoldenbagya in Ottawa. Bagyas are traditional Djibouti turnovers made from high-demand organic quality beans and pure greens, much like their culinary cousin, falafel. They are delicious and nutritious and complement any dinner or snacktime. They are vegan, delivered by the dozen with sustainable packaging and served with a mild dipping sauce. Learn more about Nimsgoldenbagya at www.Nimsgoldenbagya.ca

Oshun's Apothecary Ltd. is a herbal alternative health company founded by Miranda Pope that specializes in beneficial teas, whole-food capsules, culinary syrups and infused oils. Their mission is to provide potent botanical products using ancient wisdom to cultivate calm. Hibiscus, also known as Sorrel, is a prominent ingredient across their product line. Used in an immune tonic as a soda or mocktail/cocktail syrup, it provides a stunning ruby red colour with a crisp, sweet, and tart flavour. Learn more about Oshun's Apothecary Ltd. at https://www.oshunsapothecary.ca/

Sarah Sekalala is the founder of Siika Foods, a company that blends the heart and soul of traditional African cuisine with the convenience of modern living. Their authentic African sauces, crafted from time-honoured recipes, bring the taste of home to Canadian kitchens. From rich stews to vibrant curries, Siika sauces are a fusion of tradition and convenience, capturing the essence of Africa in every jar. Learn more about Siika Foods at https://siikafoods.com/

Chin chin is a delightful snack you'll love so much that it may be difficult to share! Based in Kanata, Ontario, Sunshine Chin Chin was founded by Timothy Aribido and inspired by the natural elements in his country of origin, Nigeria. With sunshine being a big part of his heritage, Timothy brought his mother's chin recipe to life, celebrating the love for this cultural snack with an appropriate namesake. Learn more about Sunshine Chin Chin and purchase online at https://www.sunshinechinchin.ca/

Adesholaju Omoniyi-Alabi founded Beta Foods in Ottawa, inspired by her love of cooking Nigerian food. Seeing no representation of her West African food in the mainstream grocery store, she wanted to bring jollof rice to the masses. The celebrated time-consuming dish, which usually takes 2-3 hours to cook from scratch, is reduced to 30 minutes using a BetaFood sauce base. Learn more about BetaFood at www.betafood.ca

Professionally trained accountant turned holistic nutritionist and herbalist, Dola Jibodu founded Natritional Wellness Co., a premium, small-batch food producer. They use ancestral cooking techniques and recipes to create gut-healing bone broths and wholesome animal fats. The result is the best alternative to home-cooked, locally sourced, organic foods that are flavourful, nourishing, and delicious. Shipping is available across Canada via www.natritionalwellness.ca.

Clinton Redhead is the co-founder of The Sea Moss Guy Inc., a 100% wildcrafted, naturally harvested, and sun-dried product from the Caribbean Sea. Sea moss is a nutrient-dense algae that holds 90% of the minerals and vitamins our bodies need for proper function. With products sold in both dried and their famous tasteless pre-made sea moss gel, each provides customers with accessible and affordable options to live a healthy lifestyle. Learn more about The Sea Moss Guy Inc. at www.mossupyourlife.ca.

Moss Thrive is a family-run business with co-founder and matriarch Dianne Thompson at the helm. Interested in improving people's health using natural products and ingredients, the family, based in Ottawa, began creating sea moss products. https://www.instagram.com/mossthrive/

HealX Foods founder and CEO Biola Oluwajuyigbe believes that "Fast Food doesn't have to be unhealthy." Using vegetables as their base ingredient, Healx Foods makes satisfying and healthy food products comparable in taste, flavour, and texture to the original version. Their Cauliflower French Fries and Cauliflower Tortilla Chips are natural, vegan, gluten-free, and free of additives or artificial gum. Learn more about HealX Foods at www.healxfoods.com.

Chantelle Selkridge is the socially conscious mompreneur of Rooted Bush Tea, a Caribbean wellness company that makes small-batch, pesticide-free, loose-leaf herbal teas. Honouring the traditional and therapeutic properties of tea through ancestral healing, Rooted Bush Tea features herbs such as blue vervain, sarsaparilla, lemongrass, soursop and moringa in their ingredient list. Learn more about Rooted Bush Tea at www.rootedbushtea.ca

The Greenhouse Eatery is a small organic family-run farm founded by Audrey McDonald. It prides itself on producing high-quality produce and products while educating the public about local food initiatives, environmental stewardship, and reducing carbon footprint. Their hero crop is black garlic, which is grown and caramelized in their facility. They produce a delicious black garlic gourmet dressing, black garlic powder, and caramelized black garlic all on their own. Learn more about The Greenhouse Eatery at https://the-greenhouse-eatery.square

Michael Burgess is the founder and CEO of Nerpy's Inc., an all-natural, gluten-free, vegan hot sauce and seasoning company. Known for its heat and flavour, Nerpy uses Scotch Bonnet Peppers as a critical ingredient. Their hot sauces can be used on various foods, such as pasta, curries, eggs, and even beverages like Caesars. Their seasonings can double as marinates for chicken, lamb, tofu, chickpeas, seafood, and many more. Nerpy's products are available in many retailers across the GTA, including Metro and Sobeys, and online at www.nerpys.ca. Nice It Up!

A talented musician, Deneeck Hibbert added food entrepreneur to his list of interests when he founded Plant Bias. This innovative vegan catering company provides a high-quality, nourishing, plant-based experience through meal prep, tasting parties, and specialty products such as soups and salad dressing. Follow his journey on TikTok @Guac2menice

Chef Christopher Loney founded Honey Guru Inc., an e-commerce food business specializing in handcrafted sauces, pure Honey, and flavoured /herb-infused Honey. Their all-natural handcrafted gourmet Honey Bar-B Jerk Sauce blends Jamaican flavours with the sweetness of local Ontario honey, capturing a taste that is anything but traditional.

Made in small batches, the Ketcha Fyah Pepper Sauce captures the vibrant tropical flavour of Jamaica with Pineapple and spices to create a refreshingly unique island hot sauce. The !Triple Treat Honey is infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and star anise, a flavour combination perfect for sauces, glazes, pastries, and more. The Honey Immune Booster is a spoonful of sugar needed to help the medicine go down. Combining garlic, ginger, rosemary, and mint with a touch of mint has positive immunity benefits that can ease digestion, especially when paired with hot liquids. The Fusion Fire Honey is infused with the sweet aroma of Scotch Bonnet Peppers and tantalizing Chile flakes. Purchase products at www.honey-Guru.com.

With over 20 years in the industry, chef Kareema Beckles has launched Caribbean Gourmet Spring Rolls, a delicious fusion take on a classic appetizer. Chef Kareema's Gourmet Caribbean Spring Rolls are the perfect vehicle for island nostalgia, featuring ackee, boiled saltfish, and seasonings wrapped and frozen. Enjoy these tasty snacks, deep-fried or baked. Learn more by following @iamchefkareema

Hajia Mama Foods is a small-batch, female-owned food company that sources its main ingredients from Ghana. As a busy working mom juggling a career and family, founder Farouza Gumery wanted to create pantry staples that would make cooking in the kitchen easy and efficient. Inspired by her Ghanaian roots, her line includes gluten-free sauces and porridge mixes. The hero product, Hausa Koko, is an aromatic, lightly spiced porridge mix made from fermented millet grains, which are naturally gluten-free and nutrient-dense. Shop Hajia Mama Foods products and try out recipes at www.hajiamamafoods.com.

Milton Foods—Galt Bakery is a health-focused snacking company proud to give gluten-free a good name! Inspired by her own health struggles with gluten and dairy, entrepreneur Felicia Lekan-Salami acquired Galt Bakery in 2020. When Felicia felt the improvements in her health, she knew she had to share this with her community.

Operating in the heart of Galt, Ontario, these handmade snacks feature 7 SKUs, including baked cookies, crackers, bars, and pies. They use only high-quality organic and non-GMO ingredients that we can pronounce. Galt Bakery products are sold at Sobeys, independent retailers across Ontario and Costco. https://www.galtbakery.com/

Chef Jai Bittles, founder of Spike Your Food Inc., makes Caribbean-fusion comfort food, specializing in cocktail patties with more filling than dough.

By putting a unique spin on classic food favourites and combining them with different cultures, the chef creates flavours as diverse as the people of Toronto!

He prides himself on producing handmade patties that are flavour and texture-forward. Minimal to no ground meat or breadcrumb fillers are used in production; only halal beef and chicken are used, echoing a new standard for Jamaican patties. Learn more about Spike Your Food at https://spikeyourfood.com/

Kadeisha Richards is a talented chocolatier who creates chocolate and pastry creations for dessert enthusiasts. Koko Chu's brand aims to challenge the public's view of chocolate as a commercialized, cheap, sweet treat. Using ingredients such as tree nuts, teas, and fruits, Kadeisha fuses unique flavour combinations with chocolate made from diverse origins. Find out more about Koko Chu at https://koko-chu.square.site/

Kalmplex is a dynamic multimedia visual artist and CEO of Kalmplex Snax, a vegan, gluten-free dried fruit experience with no added sugar or preservatives. Focused on creating healthy snacks, Kalmplex uses dehydrated fruit such as pineapple, mango, kiwi, etc. and tops them with a spicy miso chilli glaze. https://www.instagram.com/kalmplexsnax/

Karen Dawkins founded Any Reason to Bake, a female-owned dessert company based in Milton, Ontario, featuring custom-made-to-order cakes & sweets for every occasion. Inspired by their mother's recipe, Karen specializes in Jamaican black rum cake and is the creator of their beloved Black cake donuts. https://www.instagram.com/anyreasontobake/

Chef Marc Kusitor, founder of Choptime Catering, has over ten years of experience in the food industry. Pikliz is his first product. He was inspired to make it after seeing a need for Haitian products in grocery stores. Pikliz is a spicy Haitian cabbage condiment similar to kimchi or sauerkraut. The cabbage is finely chopped and mixed with onions, carrots and hot peppers; the mixture is then pickled with vinegar, citrus juices and other dried spices to bring out a tangy, acidic and umami flavour that compliments almost any meal. The crunchy components are perfect for burgers, sandwiches, soups, and rice dishes. The pickled liquid can make Aioli, Marinades, or cocktails like Caesars, Bloody Marys, and Spicy Margaritas.https://www.instagram.com/choptimecatering/

Michael Mosuwaifo is the proud founder of Naija 2 Kanata, operating as House of Tigernut. This black-owned Toronto-based food company is excited about promoting global sustainability using tigernuts, striving for zero waste, fair trade and ethical sourcing.

Tigernuts are vegan, lactose, gluten, and nut-free. They are classified as tubers (not nuts) and are rich in fibre, vitamin E, calcium, and other essential vitamins and nutrients. This beverage, processed into a creamy milk alternative, is suitable for tea, coffee, and cereal or enjoyed over ice. The pulp from the milk is excellent flour for baking bread and other pastries. For more information, please visit www.houseoftigernut.com

Mmbatho Mtimkulu founded Selina's Tea, an authentic South African tea brand based in Ottawa, Ontario, named after her grandmother. Hailed as 'a hug in a mug from grandma,' her teas also share in grandma's ethos: full of warmth and character flavour. They aim to showcase fair-trade and Indigenous foods and experiences from Africa; they currently offer Rooibos tea, a unique South African blend. https://www.instagram.com/bathoandco/

Muna Mohammed founded Eight50 Coffee, an Ontario-based, purpose-driven coffee company with deep roots in Ethiopia. Named in honour of the year coffee was discovered (850 AD) and to pay homage to coffee's birthplace and its founder (Ethiopia), Eight50 Coffee was born. To enhance the home coffee brewing experience, they provide an array of online coffee learning tools, premium-quality coffee equipment, and curated artisan textiles that are high-quality, functional, and meaningful—made in countries where they source coffee. Their products are available online and in Sobeyes across the province. Learn more at https://eight50coffee.com

Chef Rachel Adjei founded The Abibiman Project to celebrate the diverse and unique flavours of the African continent. She offers uniquely crafted pantry products, allowing customers to transform their homes into authentic African kitchens. Her spice blends spotlight the palates of specific regions, such as Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa, and honour the stories and flavours of those who created them. Learn more about Chef Rachel https://www.theabibimanproject.com

Resa Solomon-St. Lewis is a Chemical Engineer, an award-winning Chef and the Founder of Baccanalle, a Caribbean Lifestyle foods company. Based in Ottawa, Chef Resa offers artisan options that suit various lifestyles, such as Halal, vegan, gluten-free and more.

She uses her unique professional training to explore and create products that are deeply connected to her West-Indian culture, such as her Cranberry-Sorrel (Hibiscus) Compote, Roasted Tomato Choka Sauce, and Rum and Raisins Butter Tart. Learn more about Baccanalle at www.baccanalle.com

Tombra Muje, founder of Tonyé Munchies, is one smart cookie! Inspired by baking shows, she embarked on a mission to make chin chin, a well-loved West African crunchy cookie, healthier than its traditionally fried counterpart.

By baking these hand-cut party snacks, she offers a unique texture experience with the same great taste as the original method. Currently available in Vanilla, Coconut, Coconut Chili, Chocolate and now Chocolate Chip, these and other delicious baked goods are custom-made to order in Toronto, ON. Learn more about Tonyé Munchies at tonye.munchies@gmail.com

Chap Chap Snacks founder Tetia Bayoro began her business to help her community tap into nostalgia one small bite at a time. Inspired by childhood snacks found in the Ivory Coast, Chap Chap Snacks is designed to celebrate the fusion of food, fond memories, and a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Their 14 SKUs include chocolates, pastries, dried fruit, nut butter, and chips. They believe cultural fusion creates a beautiful tapestry that reflects the beauty in our differences. Start your journey at www.chapchapsncaks.com

GFBYGF is an online snack boutique which provides tasty, quality, and beautiful treats founded by Gaelle Fodjo and inspired by her faith in God. Rooted in sharing with the community, Gaelle specializes in making CHIN CHIN, a popular west African snack made of lightly sweetened dough fried and cut into different shapes. While typically associated with Nigeria, the Cameroon native learned how to make these snacks from her mother, who would prepare them for religious and celebratory events throughout the year. GFBYGF chin chins are perfect as a topper on ice cream or yogurt, in a salad as a sweet crouton on its own, or as a satisfying crunchy snack.

Janelle Jordan is the Founder and Chief Protein Officer of Fusion Fit Foods. While working as a personal trainer and nutrition coach over the years, she heard clients tell her about their struggles with cravings for high-sugar and sodium snacks, which interfered with their health goals. This inspired her to create a snacking solution that was delicious and nutritious to satisfy both their inner foodie and align with a healthier eating lifestyle. After diving deeper into holistic and nutrition studies, Janelle created protein-rich, plant-based, macro-friendly snacks for the “fit foodie” — an epicurean who values and aspires towards living a holistically healthy lifestyle, particularly nourishing the body with natural, whole foods high on flavour, yet low in SOS ingredients (sugar, oils, salt). In addition to its health factors, Janelle is also committed to using eco-friendly, sustainable packaging for her products.

Evis Chirowamhangu grew up as the sixth of nine children in a township called Nyanga, north east of the capital city of Zimbabwe. Her mom was a teacher, and in Zimbabwe, teachers get paid only once a month. It was always a special time in her household. Once in a while, her mom would buy a meat pie as a treat. She would cut it into nine pieces to make sure each child got a taste. And that taste stayed with her all these years. When she moved to Canada, she couldn't find anything like Zimbabwean meat pies on the market. Remembering how it tasted; so delicious, so flaky, just gooey, savoury goodness. So she set out to make one. Evis experimented and cooked up a storm – she even got spices directly from Zimbabwe – until she achieved that unforgettable flavour. And knew she had to share it with more people. That’s how Mnandi was born. It’s a little piece of Zimbabwe, made with love.

Hoping to join the ranks of other gluten-free grains such as quinoa, amaranth and millet, Fatimatou Barry is bringing Fonio to Canada Originally from Guinea, Fatimatou moved to North America and longed for the taste of fonio in her diet. She began importing the healthy rice substitute for herself and, in 2019, launched Tchelal Foods with her sister. From there, the pair began to process the grain in alternative celiac-friendly formats, including fonio flour. Its nutty flavour lends itself well to baked goods making it a great all-purpose flour substitute for making pancakes, muffins, bread, and much more. This African seed which has been dubbed the 'world’s fastest-growing grain' is the perfect side dish, in soups, stews, stir-fries, and salads.

Never run out of flavour again! Tameika Laing is the hot sauce connoisseur and culinary genius behind Meika’s. Her Jamaican and Trinidadian heritage makes her no stranger to the distinctive flavours, spices and salts synonymous with West Indian food. As a Humber Collage culinary alum, her products are the result of the masterful blending of herbs and spices that excite the palate, organically enhancing the taste of food. Influenced by world travel and culinary secrets learned from various cultures, Meika’s is infused with what makes food sumptuous all over the world. She strongly advocates for healthy living and natural and wholesome food, not the man-made processed fare that masquerades as nourishment today. A strong family foundation, as well as an appreciation of the integral part that great food plays in building community, makes love the key ingredient in every Meika’s product.

Founded by Nerissa Karacic, World Moss is Canada's first and leading exclusive sea moss company based in Toronto. Sea Moss is a nutrient-dense red algae seaweed that contains over 90% of the minerals from which the human body is made. It is incredibly versatile and, in gel form, can be used topically or in food and drink. Karacic started creating products in 2019 when she kicked off her own health journey. After hearing one of her favourite holistic healers mention the benefits of sea moss, she decided to try it; her experience was so positive that it inspired her to start a business. Captured in its organic, wild form sourced straight from the Caribbean Sea (Jamaica, St. Lucia), Indian Sea (Tanzania, Africa), and Bay of Fundi (New Brunswick, Canada), World Moss provides sea moss gels, sun-dried sea moss, sea moss infused drinks and spices. They connect with locals who source the sea moss, diving, sun drying, and packaging. Once received in a local facility in Toronto, Karacic's team clean the sea moss further and processes it into various products.

As a busy wife and a mother of two, YAWDI’s owner Veneise George always searched for quick, easy, and healthy meal options for her family. YAWDI’s is a collection of versatile, internationally inspired condiments consisting of all-natural premium ingredients without compromising on taste. Available at many retailers, including Sobeys and Loblaws, the line includes mustards, pepper jelly and specialty condiments. Her marinade series was inspired by her passion for travelling and the belief that food never tastes the same once it leaves its country of origin. With this in mind, Yawdi's brand was established and launched with the goal of bringing global tastes to your kitchen!

Inspired by Trinidad's Culinary Culture, Erica's products are tantalizing with Caribbean flavours. Products are handmade using fresh, all natural ingredients with no artificial colours or flavours. Developed using artisan skills and passion of making East and West Indian Condiments in Trinidad and Tobago. Erica's Hot Sauce and Kuchelas were established in 2001 and sold by groceries in Trinidad. In July 2018 Erica's Authentic Caribbean Foods re-established in Toronto, Canada with three signature products; Hot Pepper Sauce, Mango Kuchela and Tamarind Kuchela sold in stores throughout the GTA.

DJL Kreative Kitchen, is a Canadian-based brand with a Caribbean flavour that creates high-quality products while aiming to change the way people see food.

Vanilla & Spice is a Black-female-owned business which works directly with small farmers in Madagascar to offer Canadians the most sought-after vanilla beans in the world. Co-founders Nomena and Aina are childhood friends born in Madagascar who made Toronto their home 15 years ago. In 2019, Nomena travelled back to Madagascar and met small vanilla growers seeking to enlarge their horizons. Big importing corporations from North America work mostly with large producers who dominate the export market. The biggest challenges faced by small growers are geographical distance, the language barrier and cultural differences. Seeing an opportunity to support small vanilla growers and bridge the gap, the two women decided to launch Vanilla & Spice. Their products are available for retail at www.vanillaandspice.ca or wholesale via 100km Foods.

Robyn is a passionate baker and the founder of R.J.'s Sweets 'n Stories. After a life-changing car accident left her struggling with depression and anxiety, Robyn found solace in the kitchen and turned her love of baking into a business. In 2020, she left her career as a college professor to follow her dreams and start R.J.'s Sweets 'n Stories, fusing her Jamaican culture and French, German, and Italian influences in baking.

With vegan and gluten-free options for cakes, and cupcakes, Robyn's treats are more than just delicious – they come with a quote or story to inspire and encourage others on their journey toward positivity. She knows firsthand the power of small reminders to believe in oneself and chase one's dreams and wants to share that with her customers. At R.J.'s Sweets 'n Stories, stories and treats are no longer guilty pleasures but the start of a journey toward motivation and self-improvement.

R.J.'s Sweets 'n Stories products are available online at www.rjssweetsnstories.com.

Shante has always had a passion for baking (thanks mom!) and wanted to turn her passion project into a business, so she spent all of 2020 recipe testing, developing and sourcing the best quality plant-based ingredients. She had countless all-nighters trying to figure out how she could create 'better for you' cookies that still tasted amazing.

Today, she is proud to say that she has created a variety of delicious vegan cookie flavours that not only have a great texture, are flavourful but most importantly incorporate quality ingredients that you can feel good about eating. She absolutely loves creating these vegan treats and having others experience them too.

Their mission is to help people make smarter nutrition choices as they go about their busy lives. Nutra Delight shakes can be incorporated into most adult diets, even those that are restrictive. They are dairy free, vegan, gluten free, keto-friendly, lactose free and contain no added sugar. Best of all they contain ingredients you will feel proud about putting into your body - top quality organic ingredients plus 26 essential vitamins and minerals.

Chef Karen Pringle founded Hummingbird Patties in 2019; a plant-based online shop serving vegan Jamaican patties to the GTA. These made-to-order patties feature a scratch-made pastry filled with various plant-based flavours: black bean and squash, spinach & cauliflower, curry chickpeas and potatoes and their best seller spicy lentil. Her patties can be ordered frozen from their website or purchased ready-to-eat at various events throughout the city.

Looking to create a more inclusive social experience for non-drinkers, entrepreneur Juliana Nwanali founded Dadumie Mocktail in 2021. Named for her daughters, Nwanali's focus is to create a variety of experiences by crafting signature mocktails, each with its own unique flavour. The line is entirely non-alcoholic and ready to drink from the bottle; poured over ice or frozen and crushed in a blender.

One More Cocoa started as an idea that blossomed into the sweet factory built by chocolatier Kenesha Lewis. Inspired by the Jamaican Proverb One, one coco full basket, a reminder that success cannot be achieved overnight, Lewis persevered with her dream and opened her first retail shop in Whitby in 2021. Her creations satisfy chocolate traditionalists with 60% Venezuelan Dark Chocolate, milk and white bars as well as tickle your inner child with unlikely flavours such as cereal, eggnog and birthday cake. Offering creative and delicious products while incorporating her Jamaican heritage, Lewis collaborates with fellow entrepreneurs to produce unique experiences for her customers.

Infusing flavours from her home country of Jamaica, Suddie’s Kitchen founder Sherine Sutherland creates custom island teams year-round. As a hotel and hospitality worker, she was laid off for six months during the pandemic and decided to use that time to launch her business. She is proud of her strong Jamaican heritage and specializes in making sweets that reflect her culture such as black cakes, sweet potato pudding, and cornmeal pudding.

Not just the heat, but the flavah! A native to the island of Dominica, Antoinette Charles-Owen (affectionately known as Nettie) began her journey as an entrepreneur later in life by chance. Nettie’s Nah Joke Hot Peppersauce originated in her kitchen in 2013 due to a bountiful harvest from a few hot pepper plants she had found at her local nursery and planted in her kitchen garden. Not one to waste food, she put her love for cooking to work and made her first batch of pepper sauce. Using the ingredients from her garden reminded her of her fondly of her own mother growing up. Over the years, she has fine-tuned her recipe and developed three deliciously hot flavours: Original, Mango Tango, Merry Cranberry and a fourth flavour on the way. The name 'Nah Joke' comes from a common Jamaican saying inspired by her husband, which means 'Serious' Peppersauce.

Starting a brand, as an immigrant-black woman, in one of Canada's most challenging industries (meat production) is no small task, but for Balkisu Aliyy, it was a way to connect with her culture. A popular street snack from Western Africa, kilishi is made of a dried form of suya, traditional smoked spiced cow, sheep or goat meat). Missing the great-tasting jerky from her childhood, Balkisu turned to old family recipes and added a few culinary twists. In 2019 Elustra Food Inc was born, and its first product line Kilishi Spicy would be the perfect high-protein snack riveling any beef jerky on the grocery store shelves. The 100% Halal products are available in original spicy, mild, curry and Tandoori flavours, each with a distinct flavour complimented by their signature ingredient, peanut butter.