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/