Thank you for Subscribing to Food Business Review Weekly Brief
Plant Ahead’s journey into dairy-free cheese didn’t begin with a corporate projection or a calculated market play. It started in 2019 when Stéphanie Schott, a veteran in the food business, was having dinner at a friend’s house. She noticed how an everyday meal turned into a balancing act of nurturing and caution. At mealtimes, Stéphanie observed her friend serve identical plates of food to both her twins, despite their differing dietary needs. It was a necessity that weighed heavily on their mother’s heart. One twin had severe, life-threatening allergies, and because toddlers naturally share everything—utensils, toys, surfaces, even saliva—the risk of cross-contamination was high and ever-present. To minimize that danger, the entire household operated under strict allergen-free rules. But the emotional cost was clear. The mother mourned the limitations this placed on her healthy child’s diet, knowing she had to restrict one for the safety of the other. That scene brought into sharp focus the struggle so many families face; the constant stress of keeping children safe and enabling them to experience the joy of eating without restriction. At the time, Stéphanie was executive vice president at Weins Foods, a Quebec-based company known for sourcing high-quality, cost-effective ingredients for the foodservice industry. She knew the system wasn’t built for families like her friend’s. And when it came to cheese, the options were especially limited. Most dairy alternatives leaned on common allergens like nuts and soy or overly processed ingredients. The results rarely delivered on taste, texture or trust. Moved by what she witnessed, Schott approached Weins Foods’ founder and CEO, Samuel Weinstock, with a pitch for product expansion. “What if we create something better? A cheese alternative that has all the characteristics of real cheese like melting, stretching and grating and tastes good enough that people don’t realize it is plant based?” That’s how Plant Ahead was created as a subsidiary of Weins Foods. “Our goal is to bring back the joy of sharing a meal,” says Stéphanie. “We have created something so safe and delicious that everyone at the table can enjoy it together, no matter their allergies or dietary needs, because food should bring people close, not force them apart.” Function Meets Flavor in Every Slice Recreating the texture, melt and mouthfeel of traditional cheese in a dairy-free version has been one of the food industry’s persistent challenges. More than taste, it’s a question of chemistry and culture. That’s why Plant Ahead teamed up with food scientists and European master cheesemakers, including Greek families with more than 250 years of feta-making tradition, to tackle the problem at its roots.
Top Gourmet Products Importer and Distributor in Canada 2025
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.
Top Spanish Cuisine Importers and Distributors in Canada 2025
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.
Top Flavors Food Service in Canada 2025
In a market where food trends shift quickly and consumers expect perfection, flavor consistency isn’t just a value—it’s a necessity. That’s where Altius Spices and Seasonings makes its mark. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Altius is a rare full-service spice house—one of the few in North America that imports directly from growers and manages every step in-house. With long-standing partnerships across major spice-growing regions, Altius maintains control from source to shelf. Its approach ensures that what ends up in the hands of chefs, retailers, or manufacturers meets the same high standards every time. Each shipment is tested on arrival, after processing, and again before distribution—an intensive quality check process that defines its reputation for reliability. “In today’s fragmented supply chain, that level of consistency is difficult to achieve unless you control the entire process—and that’s exactly why we built the business this way,” says Carmine De Somma, general manager. Product Quality At the core of Altius’ promise is product integrity. The company sources only premium raw materials and applies rigorous testing to eliminate variability. From spice origin and moisture content to microbial safety and flavor intensity, every detail is scrutinized. Altius doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them across all its channels. People Quality Behind every blend is a team with deep industry experience. With more than two decades in the business, Altius has built a culture of excellence rooted in accountability and proactive support. Whether it’s a culinary expert crafting a blend or a supply chain specialist solving a logistics challenge, clients benefit from expertise that anticipates their needs.
Top Snack Production Solution in Canada 2025
Midday hits, and Jamie feels that familiar pang—stomach growling, focus slipping, and a sudden craving creeping in. Normally, reaching for a snack feels like giving in. But what if, this time, it was different? Something crafted with intention made just for Jamie. A snack built on nutrient-rich grains and bold spices that effortlessly transforms a fleeting craving into a meaningful pause—no compromise required. That’s exactly what Port Pop is serving up for many willing hearts like Jamie. “By delivering healthier snacks like popcorn chips, breakfast cereals, and more, we’re redefining what ‘better-for-you’ means, fusing cultural ingredients with modern food science. All our recipes are formulated in-house using carefully selected ethnic grains and spices to craft truly unique products for our customers,” says Mohammed Al-Naser, president. But Port Pop goes far beyond traditional co-packing. It offers full R&D formulation from scratch—something most private-label snack manufacturers don’t provide. That means brands don’t just get a white-label snack—they get a partner who collaborates to create something original, functional, and entirely aligned with their vision. These healthy, fulfilling recipes speak for themselves, but it’s the process that really defines Port Pop. It all starts with listening to customers to understand their tastes, preferences, and vision. For example, what kind of grain or protein base do they want? Whether they want a high-protein puff with 90 percent whey or a formulation using ancient organic grains, Port Pop formulates the recipe around such requirements. From there, the company transforms those insights into bold, flavorful snacks that taste great as well as align with today’s customer demands for healthier, more authentic food experiences. Customers can also choose the shape of their product and Port Pop has done some pretty creative ones. From cowboy hats to alligators, it can customize just about any shape imaginable. The next step is flavor development. The company has worked on everything from za’atar and verjus-inspired blends to a special lobster flavor crafted for a customer’s 50th anniversary. For added health benefits, Port Pop can also integrate trending bioactive ingredients such as adaptogens, plant proteins, or lion’s mane into the final formulation. This level of customization, precision is made possible by Port Pop’s in-house-built machinery, which is tailored and self-monitoring to meet specific product needs. Unlike generic, off-the=shelf systems, these machines track critical variables like salt levels, flavor balance, and doneness in real time, instantly flagging any deviations before they impact quality.
CXO INSIGHTS
Prioritizing The Customer Experience
Paul Tobias, District & Quality Assurance Manager, Osmow’s Inc
The Incredible Flavor Odyssey
Mustafa Shamseldin, Senior Vice President - Growth Navigator & Category Growth Acceleration, Global Foods and Beverages, Pepsico
Guillaume Couture: Safeguarding Quality and Safety in the World of Nutritional Beverages
Sam Choucha, Quality Assurance Manager, Kerry (Canada) Inc
Navigating Authenticity and Empathy in The Food Industry
Sasha Manoli, Marketing Director, Dana Hospitality
Food Safety Recalls: The Journey to Upholding Public Trust
Adeniyi.A. Odugbemi, PhD, Global Director -Food Safety, ADM
From Photography to Strategy: Designing Memorable Dining Experiences
Huy Tran, National Marketing Director, Aburi Restaurants Canada
Harnessing the Power for Analytics for Agriculture - Predictive Models
Caroline Morissette, VP MC Donald’s Business Unit (MBU) and Commercial Data & Analytics, and Soma Muruganandam, Director Global Agriculture Data Analytics & AI, Mccain Foods
IN FOCUS
Canada's Flavor Revolution in Food Service
The Canadian food service industry is evolving with global flavors, health-oriented trends, and a focus on sustainability, enhancing dining experiences through diverse and innovative culinary offerings.
Canada's Snack Market Strategies for a Health-First Future
The Canadian snack production industry flourishes on innovation and adaptability, focusing on health-conscious options, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable practices to meet the evolving demands of consumers.
EDITORIAL
Reinventing Taste and Tradition in A Globalized Food World
The global food industry is in the midst of a profound transformation, where tradition meets innovation and consumer demand shapes new opportunities. Among the most dynamic sectors today is the rise of plant-based alternative cheese, a response to the growing call for sustainable, health-conscious, and dairy-free lifestyles. What was once a niche product has matured into a sophisticated category, offering textures and flavors that rival their traditional counterparts. For discerning consumers and chefs, these alternatives no longer represent compromise but rather an expansion of culinary possibility. Supporting this evolution are the specialized networks of gourmet product importers and distributors, who act as cultural curators. They bridge continents, ensuring that rare artisanal items—from fine oils and aged cheeses to delicate condiments—reach new markets without losing their authenticity. Their role is not just logistical but also educational, introducing palates to the richness of global gastronomy while setting new standards of quality in food service. Equally influential are the Spanish cuisine importers and distributors, who bring the vibrancy of Mediterranean culture to international tables. From saffron laced paellas to smoky cured meats and signature tapas staples, their offerings go beyond products; they deliver a heritage of convivial dining rooted in passion and authenticity. Each shipment reaffirms the timeless appeal of Spain’s culinary identity while adapting to modern market demands. At the production end, snack production solutions are reshaping how everyday indulgences are crafted. Innovations in machinery, processing, and recipe formulation allow producers to balance flavor with health-conscious trends—lowering sodium, reducing fats, or introducing plant-based ingredients. Together, these forces highlight a vibrant ecosystem where innovation, distribution, and tradition intersect. From sustainable alternatives to heritage rich imports, the future of food lies in harmonizing global flavors with mindful consumption. In this edition of Food Business Review Canada, we have featured insights from Caroline Morissette, VP Mc Donald’s Business Unit (MBU) and Commercial Data & Analytics, McCain Foods; Soma Muruganandam, Director Global Agriculture Data Analytics & AI at McCain Foods, and Huy Tran, National Marketing Director, Aburi Restaurants Canada. We have also presented Plant Ahead as the cover feature. The company crafts allergen-free, plant-based cheeses that look, melt and taste like the real thing, without compromise. From bocconcini-style mozzarella to sea-salt brined feta, every product is clean-label, calcium-fortified and tested for real-life use. Designed for families, flexitarians and food lovers, it brings joy and trust back to the table.
