Global snack markets have evolved, and the demand for allergen-free, gluten-free, kosher, and peanutfree bars is at an all-time high. Many manufacturers and retailers want to enter this market but struggle to meet the strict dietary standards these products require. The investment is significant, and mastering both the process and the formulation of a greattasting recipe is easier said than done. But what if any company could market such specialty bars in-house without the burden of building its own manufacturing facility? For the past 25 years, Yourbarfactory has met these exact requirements without compromise and continues to thrive. Based in Quebec, Canada, the company specializes in manufacturing high-quality allergen-free bars—nut-free, peanutfree, and gluten-free—for private labels, custom brands, and international markets. CEO Martin Joyal sums it up simply: “We are not a brand ourselves, but we are the backbone behind every brand.” From retail giants to ambitious startups and well-established businesses, Yourbarfactory partners with customers to deliver cost-effective, large-scale solutions. To meet diverse production needs, the company operates three distinct production lines: one for highvolume, large-scale orders; another for standard production runs; and a dedicated line for start-ups and smaller batches. This level of flexibility and scalability gives Yourbarfactory a clear competitive edge. “We are giants in niche markets, yet smaller and more flexible players in larger ones,” adds Joyal, highlighting the company’s unique position in the industry.

ECM Espresso Coffee Machines Company is Western Canada’s longest-standing distributor of commercial espresso equipment. For more than 55 years, the company has shaped the way coffee is brewed and served across the region, collaborating with foodservice operators to introduce Italian espresso standards to Western Canada’s commercial coffee landscape. Through its partnership with Nuova Simonelli, an Italian manufacturer of commercial espresso machines, ECM introduced equipment built for continuous commercial use, including Nuova’s higher-end Victoria Arduino machines. Known worldwide for handcrafted machines engineered for longevity, thermal stability and consistent performance in high-volume environments, Nuova Simonelli’s technology allowed Italian espresso standards to hold up in real service conditions, where reliability and repeatability matter as much as craftsmanship. Reliability at the point of service depends on reliability behind the scenes. From its 15,000-square-foot facility on the Vancouver Burnaby border, ECM maintains nearly $2 million in locally stocked inventory, including machines, parts and accessories. Keeping critical components on hand—rather than relying on overseas lead times—allows the company to respond quickly when equipment issues arise. During peak service periods, that immediacy becomes decisive. Faster access to parts reduces downtime, protects throughput and helps operators maintain staffing flow and customer experience when even brief interruptions can ripple through operations. “It’s this readiness that became especially visible during COVID-19. While many businesses paused operations, our service department remained active because clients were still running and still needed equipment support,” says Danny Bresciani, sales manager. ECM has remained family-led since its founding, with successive generations working side by side. Founders Tom Bresciani and Remo Bresciani were café owners themselves, and their experience shaped the business from the outset. They understood how difficult it could be to source commercial machines and how delayed access to replacement parts could turn routine maintenance into lost revenue..