Lelie Ovid-Villaroel is a passionate mom and founder of The MeriCompany, which is dedicated to producing MeriPops, a delightful treat infused with herbs and flowers. Inspired by centuries-old Caribbean remedies, these herbal pops offer a natural, healthy, and low-sugar alternative to the typical sugary, artificially colored and flavoured snacks. The star ingredient of the MeriPops line is hibiscus roselle, also known as sorrel, deeply rooted in Caribbean culture and revered for its health benefits and traditional use as a Christmas season drink. With rich antioxidant properties and a refreshing flavor, hibiscus roselle perfectly embodies MeriPops' commitment to natural wellness and cultural authenticity. Leslie's vision for The MeriCompany revolves around promoting well-being through these culturally authentic, nature-inspired treats.

Aliyah May Fraser is the innovative founder of Lucky Bug Farm, a venture specializing in small-batch preserves crafted from ingredients grown on their own farm based in Kitchener, ON. Drawing inspiration from her childhood fondness for ketchup and a desire for a more sophisticated alternative, Aliyah developed the idea for a spicy tomato jam - a "grown-up" version of the classic condiment. Established in February 2021, Lucky Bug Farm's flagship product reflects Aliyah's passion for tomatoes, combining the labour-intensive process of cultivating them with her culinary creativity. Beyond creating delicious spreads perfect for fries, burgers, sandwiches, and more, Aliyah's mission extends to challenging stereotypes and showcasing the presence of young Black farmers in the agricultural landscape. Lucky Bug Farm stands as a testament to Aliyah's dedication to "Growing a better food system" by advocating for local agriculture and promoting a more inclusive vision of farming.

Kiara Holder is the founder of Kairah’s Kitchen, a business dedicated to crafting Caribbean sauces that tantalize taste buds with bold flavours. Inspired by the culinary legacy of her grandmother, mother, and daughter, Kiara's Barbadian roots and passion for veganism drive her to create ethically conscious and sustainable sauces. Starting with the iconic pineapple pepper sauce, Kiara combines scotch bonnet peppers and frozen fruits to transport diners to the Caribbean with each fiery bite. Emphasizing sustainability, her vegan, gluten-free sauce is low in fat, sugar, and sodium, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Positioned as a versatile addition to any meal, the sauce fills a market gap for those seeking flavorful, healthy, and ethical options. Kiara envisions Kairah’s Kitchen as a go-to brand for conscious eaters, and with support, aims to expand her unique product line and share her passion for mindful living through food.

Co-founded by Jaicyea Smith and Laura Collins, Bean's Bistro stands out as Ontario's sole organic baby and toddler meal delivery service, offering made-to-order, savoury baby food crafted from natural, wholesome ingredients. Their diverse menu caters to both picky eaters and food enthusiasts, ensuring that quality is not compromised by time constraints for busy parents. With a focus on health, their baby food is free from added sugar and salt, prioritizing the well-being of young eaters. Operating in the Greater Toronto Area, Bean's Bistro delivers high-quality meals directly to families' doorsteps or even park benches, promoting convenience and sustainability through reusable packaging and a zero food waste policy that utilizes all vegetable scraps in broth production. They encapsulate the journey of motherhood through their commitment to providing nutritious and convenient meal options for babies and toddlers.

Established in 2021, Bombchocalot, founded by Edith Clarke, specializes in handcrafted gourmet chocolate-covered popcorn and tea bombs, promising an explosion of flavour in every bite or sip. Dedicated to using only the finest ingredients, the treats are crafted with passion and creativity to infuse joy into every occasion, from everyday indulgence to special celebrations. The brand's ethos is best exemplified by their signature tea bombs - a fun, interactive drink experience that encapsulates creativity, indulgence, and craftsmanship, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary delights bursting with flavour and delight. Additionally, their pineapple coconut flavoured popcorn stands out as a uniquely interesting flavour. Driven by a focus on creating treats that bring comfort and joy, Bombchocalot aims to offer an unforgettable sweet experience, reflecting the founder's love for creativity, passion for sweets, and the desire to bring joy through unique, handcrafted treats, in line with their motto "Life Happens Chocolate Helps".

Kadeem George, the founder of Carobium, is a visionary entrepreneur driven by a passion and inspired by his Trinidad and Tobago upbringing. His journey began with a mission to create a healthier alternative to traditional hot chocolate after realizing the harmful ingredients in commercially available options. This led to the creation of Carobium's signature product, the Tobago Latte, featuring carob as its hero ingredient. The Tobago Latte's adaptability in various culinary applications reflects Carobium's commitment to providing a wholesome and delicious alternative. Kadeem's story exemplifies the transformative power of compassion and innovation in creating products that resonate with the values of health, flavour, and environmental responsibility.

AnGel Moss is a wellness brand founded in 2019 by Angie Baptiste, with the directorship held by her daughter, Caryn Graham. The brand's specialty lies in harnessing the potent benefits of sea moss sourced sustainably from the Grenadines to create a range of premium products to enhance health and vitality. Sea moss, a nutrient-dense algae known for its abundance of vitamins and minerals, is the cornerstone of all their offerings. Incorporating sea moss into their products has been a tradition in their family for generations, gaining prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as a means to boost immunity. However, it was in 2021, as the world began to recover from the pandemic, that AnGel Moss truly flourished. Their dedication to promoting wellness, sustainability, and community support is evident in initiatives like The AnGel Project. Operating as a brand and as a dedicated community, AnGel Moss is committed to providing natural solutions for transformation and fostering a culture of holistic well-being.

Danielle Russell, the founder of Sour Grains, has cultivated a business with a strong commitment to using locally sourced and ethically obtained ingredients, forging meaningful connections with suppliers to ensure sustainability and mutual growth. Sour Grains specializes in granola cereal, with a distinctive touch of incorporating sourdough starter culture in every batch. This unique addition not only sets Sour Grains apart in the granola market but also reflects Danielle's passion for baking and her penchant for exploring unconventional recipes and cooking techniques. Drawing inspiration from her childhood affinity for granola, Danielle infuses her products with flavours tailored to appeal to the local Toronto community while incorporating global influences that resonate with her. Beyond the exceptional flavours and textures, Sour Grains' granola offers health benefits, with the sourdough starter serving as an ancient source of prebiotics and carefully selected spices, such as freshly ground cardamom, contributing to overall wellness. By intertwining her love for baking, dedication to local sourcing, and commitment to holistic wellbeing, Danielle Russell has created a brand that celebrates culinary heritage while offering a nutritious and flavorful breakfast option.

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Martina Marcellin, founder of Chez Mathilda, launched a heritage food brand that pays homage to Saint Lucia's Kwéyòl culture through its artisanal pastries. With a focus on bold flavours and wholesome ingredients, Chez Mathilda's Rock Bun Collection stands out in the vegan snack category. The collection's signature bites include Currant citrus, which harmonizes uncommon fruit flavours, blending the tartness of tropical citrus with succulent currants. Notably, the recipe for preparing the citrus peel evokes Martina's nostalgia, recalling cherished moments spent baking with her mother. Martina's childhood was filled with Sunday afternoons dedicated to baking alongside her mother, fostering a love for simple, delicious recipes like Rock Buns. The transition to a vegan lifestyle prompted Martina to reimagine her favourite pastries, leading her to craft plant-forward versions in non-traditional flavours as part of Chez Mathilda's offerings. Beyond offering delectable treats, Martina aims to educate a broader audience about her country's history while promoting the nutritional benefits of ingredients used in her products, such as vitamin C-rich citrus peel, which is known for its immune-boosting properties. Through Chez Mathilda, Martina is not only sharing her cultural heritage but also providing a platform to spotlight the health benefits associated with her culinary creations. Learn more about Chez Mathilda at https://www.chezmathilda.com/

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Jina Gonzague, the visionary behind BIY (Bake It Yourself) cake mix, is revolutionizing the art of baking with her innovative approach to the traditional Black cake. Typically reserved for special occasions and holidays due to its intricate preparation involving a mix of spices and pre-soaked dry fruits in rum, Black cake can be laborious to make. Recognizing the need for a convenient and efficient baking solution, Jina introduced single-serving packages of BIY cake mix. Each package is meticulously crafted with precisely measured ingredients, eliminating the guesswork and ensuring a flawless cake every time. With this user-friendly product, Jina aims to make the baking experience quick and easy for all, allowing anyone to grab a package, bake it, and indulge in the decadent flavours of Black cake. Through BIY cake mix, Jina Gonzague is reshaping the baking landscape, offering a convenient and accessible way for individuals to savour the traditional delights of Black cake without the time-consuming hassle. Learn more at www.BIYbakeityourselcakemix.com.   / biy_bakeityourselfcakemix  

Marjolaine Walker is the founder of Laines Marinades, a delectable line of Jerk Marinades designed to transport taste buds to the vibrant flavours of Jamaica. Her product, "An Everything Jerk Marinade," embodies the rich heritage and spice of the Caribbean. It offers a ready-to-use blend that captivates palates with its authentic fresh herbs and spices infusion. Drawing from a cherished family recipe, Marjolaine's plant-based Original Jerk Marinade has emerged as a standout. Despite the use of scotch bonnet peppers, the marinade is mild enough for children to enjoy. Learn more at www.lainesmarinades.com.

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The Abibiman Project is a Toronto-based social enterprise founded by chef Rachel Adjei, dedicated to creating chef-crafted pantry products like spice blends, sauces, beverages, and sweets. They offer catering services, pop-up dinners, and cooking workshops to bring the authentic flavours of African cuisines to the community. Among their popular products is the Kenyan Chai, a robust tea made from Kenyan Mamri granular tea leaves blended with spices like cardamom, clove, and cinnamon. Another signature blend is the Rooibos Paradise, a South African herbal tea infused with marigold petals, vanilla, cardamom, and grains of paradise for a unique flavour profile loved by those seeking caffeine-free options. The Maghrebi Mint blend features gunpowder green tea, spearmint, bitter orange peel, and rose petals inspired by teas from Northern Africa. Bissap Mix is a tangy and warming blend made from roselle petals and various spices, known for its health benefits and versatility in cocktails. Additionally, Café Touba, a spiced coffee originating from Senegal, offers a peppery kick with indigenous West African spices like Ashanti pepper and grains of Selim. All products are crafted with care and attention to detail, reflecting Chef Rachel's passion for African flavours and culinary traditions. Learn more at https://www.theabibimanproject.com

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Kadija Dine is a social enterprise spice company founded by Sana Ahmed with a mission to empower farmers in Ethiopia, particularly women, by bringing authentic Ethiopian spice blends to the global market. Handcrafted in Ethiopia to honour the country's rich culinary traditions and the founder's grandmother, Kadija, their premium spice blends have been successfully launched through e-commerce and sold at farmers' markets and pop-ups. The company's goal is to fill the gap by providing genuine Ethiopian flavours in the global market while also working to improve the spice trade in Ethiopia. They plan to collaborate with gourmet food stores and culinary influencers to expand their reach. With a background in consulting, business ownership, and a family history in agriculture, Kadija Dine is well-equipped to make a meaningful impact on the spice industry. Through customer support, the company aims to continue sharing the unique flavours of Ethiopia with the world and to support local farmers. Learn more about Kadija Dine at https://www.kadijadine.com/

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Established in 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, by founder Ruby Anyumba, Healthy Streams Boutique focuses on the healing power of a ketogenic diet. Ruby's own journey with aggressive fibroids that were impacting her health significantly improved when she adopted a diet free from sugar and carbs. By making this dietary change, she saw a reduction in inflammation and experienced drastic shrinkage of the fibroids. Additionally, she was able to conceive within a year, despite being told she couldn't due to her health condition. This transformation reinforced the importance of diet in maintaining overall health, highlighting the negative impact of sugar on our well-being. The company offers products that support a healthy diet through the use of sustainably sourced ginger and cinnamon from small farmers practicing traditional organic farming methods.

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Growing up, entrepreneur Rochelle Williams rarely saw herself represented in daily life; from Barbies to cartoon characters to the types of foods available at the grocery store, nothing felt like it resembled her. She vividly remembers watching a wedding show, and seeing a Black couple celebrate their nuptials and settle by having a caucasian couple as their cake topper. This inspired her to create The Dessert Artist to create more inclusivity in her community. Whether it’s “Black excellence” cookies that highlight kinky hairstyles or custom figurines that will properly represent a Black client, Rochelle’s commitment has earned her the 2025 Young Professional of the Year Award at the Kitchener-Waterloo Chambers of Commerce Business Award. With Foodpreneur Lab, Rochelle has continued her work by perfecting her ‘Petite Jamaican Patties’, celebrating her heritage and introducing new flavour combinations such as Plantain and mango. Learn more about The Dessert Artist at https://thedessertartist.ca/   / thedessertartistinc   /

Discover the refreshing world of WOW! Brand, where founder Morley Wilson channels her wisdom to create wholesome juices and sustainable cakes using leftover fruit pulp. Their island-inspired, fruit and vegetable-centric beverages cater to both children and adults, promoting healthier and happier lifestyles. With 12 vibrant flavours, including their signature Sorrel, WOW! brand aims to uplift moods and nourish bodies, offering a taste of the Caribbean. Embrace the rejuvenating power of natural ingredients and elevate your palate with WOW! Brand's invigorating and delicious offerings are available at https://wow-worconet.com/  

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Embark on a culinary journey with Cake Colada, where founder Sherece Harry invites your taste buds to soar with every delectable bite! Specializing in cocktail-inspired Bundt cakes, Cake Colada's creations are a fusion of authentic Caribbean spices and premium rum, evoking memories of a sun-soaked vacation. Indulge in their cakes' rich flavours and textures, each bite transporting you to the lush landscapes and vibrant culture of the Caribbean. From the subtle nuances of rum to the tropical fruits that adorn the sponge cake, every element is meticulously crafted to deliver an unforgettable taste experience. With a touch of mini rum for an added twist, Cake Colada promises a delightful escape to paradise with every slice. Treat yourself to a slice of the Caribbean with Cake Colada's unique and tantalizing creations that promise to elevate your dessert experience to new heights.   / cake_colada 

Sara is the founder of GABEES, a specialty Haitian cuisine establishment in Toronto. The name GABEES pays homage to her grandma Gabrielle and is inspired by her recipes. GABEES aims to bring the flavours of Haiti's street foods and special occasion dishes to Canadians, with a mission to promote food diversity and make nutritious Haitian foods easily accessible. Their signature product is a line of baked Haitian Patties, made from a flaky puff pastry with fillings such as Fish, Halal Chicken & Beef, and Vegan options to cater to various dietary preferences. GABEES seeks to introduce Canadians to the rich and vibrant flavours of Haitian cuisine while honouring Sara's grandmother's culinary legacy. By offering a range of traditional Haitian dishes, GABEES is contributing to the culinary landscape of Toronto with their unique and flavorful offerings.

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