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What defines Nighthawk Vineyards’ vineyard-to-fork philosophy and operational model? Nighthawk Vineyards is a family-run farm gate winery built on a philosophy that features “passion and resilience”, inviting guests onto a working estate vineyard where wine, food, and farming are tightly connected. Terroir-driven wines, hyper-local cuisine, and eco-minded comfort keep the experience rooted in what the family grows and tends each season. That throughline is personal. Daniel Bibby and his wife Christy are not just the owners, they manage farming, restaurant and tenthouse operations, finances, and marketing. Their children carry that same care from vine to table, with one being their winemaker, one being their chef and one growing the organic mushrooms used in restaurant dishes. While not certified organic, the family follows organic practices focused on respecting the land and the terroir that shapes their wines. Tasting fees collected at the winery are donated to The Nature Trust of British Columbia, supporting conservation efforts across the valley. For the Bibby family, stewardship extends beyond their own vines to protect the broader landscape that sustains the region. “Our story is one of resilience, where family, food, and wine converge to create unforgettable moments rooted in nature and elevated by heartfelt hospitality,” says Daniel Bibby.
Gourmet Products Importer and Distributor
Acema Importations meets Canada’s growing appetite for refined international cuisine with an expansive and thoughtfully curated portfolio. From pantry staples to specialty indulgences, its lineup includes artisan pastas, premium olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars, cookies, confections and a whole lot more. Eighteen years ago, François Bibeau and Marc Fortin acquired Acema from its original founder, who launched the brand in 1992. Since then, the team has traveled the world in pursuit of the finest culinary offerings. Known for its innovation and steady introduction of new products, Acema has evolved into one of the nation’s most trusted names in gourmet imports. Today, it sources from over 10 countries, bringing global flavours together under one roof. Every decision is driven by curiosity, intuition and a passion for discovery, resulting in a collection of exceptional finds that surprise and delight both retailers and consumers. At the heart of this evolution is a service model defined by consistency, care and collaboration. Acema’s reputation for reliability has made it a go-to partner across various retail formats. From the moment an order is placed to when it’s delivered, every team member is focused on exceeding client expectations. Sales representatives follow a consistent visit schedule, enabling clear communication and proactive inventory management. Retailers especially value the professionalism and predictability this approach delivers, particularly when handling large, complex orders that require meticulous attention, often one case at a time. “Our goal has always been to ensure that once Acema delivers a customer, we want to increase the number of products delivered to that store. This has been an important part of our organic growth,” says François Bibeau, president.
Spanish Cuisine Importers and Distributor
Characterized by time-honored culture and artisanal craftsmanship, Spanish cuisine celebrates authentic ingredients and a deep commitment to wellness. From Iberian ham, one of Spain’s oldest treasures, and chorizo, rich with paprika and garlic, to gourmet chips and delicately preserved seafood, every bite tells a story of passion for wholesome, flavorful food. CanDisPro, a boutique importer and distributor, brings this essence of flavorful and healthy Spanish gastronomy to Canadian shelves. Partnering with over 100 carefully vetted producers across Spain, it supplies a curated range of products, including meat, fish, cheese, herbs and spices, olive oil, vegetables and fruits. A family-owned company, it offers end-to-end solutions from supplier verification and quality control to packaging, helping Canadian businesses access reliable, high-integrity Spanish offerings tailored to their market needs. Every product is backed by full traceability and compliance with Canadian and international standards. “What matters most is offering healthy and affordable products,” says Grace Hinz, co-founder. “I only bring in food I would serve my own family—free from growth hormones, pesticides and antibiotics. That’s the CanDisPro standard and it’s at the heart of everything we do.” From Kitchen to National Shelves The idea for CanDisPro took root in 2008, when Hinz was traveling to Spain with her family and young children. A mother of five with Mexican and German heritage, she was inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle and wanted to bring the region’s products, culture and traditions to Canada to share with her family and friends. Returning to Canada, she launched CanDisPro from her kitchen, working with a baby at her side and a clear vision: bring Spain’s food culture home. She started with one of the most challenging product categories— Spanish meat. At the time, Serrano ham was nearly unknown in Canada. With a modest booth, a few legs of ham and some olive oil, she began building a remarkable business. The breakthrough came when Costco placed its first order for Serrano ham. CanDisPro managed every detail, CFIA compliance, manufacturer selection and logistics, earning the retailer’s trust. Today, the company remains a valued Costco vendor, a reflection of its quality and diligence.
CXO INSIGHTS
Is There a Future for Take-Out in the Fine-Dining Space?
Huy Tran, National Marketing Director, Aburi Restaurants Canada
Building Social Networks Through Humor and Authenticity
Sebastien Abbatiello, Co-CEO, Pizza Salvatore
The Digital Age of Food Safety and Quality
Jorge Hernandez, Quality Assurance VP, the Wendy’s Company [NASDAQ : WEN]
Prioritizing The Customer Experience
Paul Tobias, District & Quality Assurance Manager, Osmow's Inc
Mitigating Risk by Simplifying Food Safety Reports
Sharon Maloney, Portillo’s Hot Dogs Food Safety and Quality Manager, Portillo’s Hot Dogs, LLC
Integrating Sustainability: Strategies For Corporate Success
Lynessa Darko, Sustainability Manager, Diageo
Leading Beverage Innovation with Purpose and Agility
Sam Choucha, Vice President, Sales Beverage (Taste) North America, Kerry
IN FOCUS
Crafting Premium Excellence: Canada's Journey in Estate Wine Production
Estate wine production fosters a robust brand identity, ensures sustainable profitability, and delivers a consistently high-quality flavor profile in premium wines.
Canadian Estate Wine Producers: Mastering Terroir for Authentic Experiences
Estate wine producers leverage vineyard ownership and integrated production to deliver consistent quality, premium positioning, and enduring brand value.
EDITORIAL
Rooted Leadership Shaping Food and Beverage Landscape
Shifting consumer expectations, operational strain and sustainability mandates are redefining the competitive landscape. This edition of Food Business Review Canada examines how producers and operators are responding through disciplined execution and customer-centered strategy.
Recognized as Top Estate Wine Producer in Canada 2026, Nighthawk Vineyards exemplifies discipline, stewardship and long-term vision. A family-run farm-gate winery in Okanagan Falls, Nighthawk integrates viticulture, culinary execution and eco-minded hospitality into a single operating philosophy. Daniel and Christy Bibby oversee the farming, restaurant and tent house operations alongside their children, embedding a strong family-led approach across all areas of the business.
From low-yield vineyard strategies designed to articulate terroir to vineyard-to-fork dining and solar-powered accommodations, the estate demonstrates how disciplined production and experiential hospitality can reinforce brand distinction. Even tasting fees are directed toward conservation through The Nature Trust of British Columbia, underscoring a commitment that extends beyond the vineyard.
Leadership in today’s quick-service sector demands discipline behind the scenes. Paul Tobias, District and Quality Assurance Manager at Osmow’s Inc., outlines a service framework anchored in empowerment and process discipline. The G.R.E.A.T. Guarantee system formalizes greeting, recommending, operational compliance and immediate service recovery, reinforcing that customer satisfaction is a measurable driver of financial performance.
From an innovation standpoint, Sam Choucha, Vice President, Sales Beverage (Taste) North America at Kerry, emphasizes agility and consumer-centric strategy in navigating regulatory and supply volatility. His focus on translating food science into commercially relevant solutions reflects a broader shift toward data-informed, sustainability-aligned growth.
This edition centers on resilience, operational rigor and customer accountability, three forces redefining the architecture of sustainable competitive advantage. We invite you to explore the insights in this issue and engage with the leaders shaping the future of Canada’s food and beverage industry.
