I had no idea that in British Columbia we have our own awards for new and amazing products manufactured and produced in the province. However, in hindsight, considering how rich our agriculture is and how diverse our populous is, it is safe to assume that there is much to celebrate in the local food and beverage field. So, on this night, we were gathered at the Rocky Mountaineer station tonight to do just that.
The evening begin with a light reception where a welcome glass of sparkling was given to each attendee. We mixed and mingled until the prompt start of the awards portion of the night.
All nominees and their teams, friends, and families were gathered. Each category had its own sponsor presenting. A brief description was given, for those unfamiliar of the brands, and announcements made of the winners in their respective field. Of which included a speech on stage and an award to take home and display.
The following are all the 2022 award categories, followed by their nominees and winners. With the latter bolded and underlined.
2022 Award Categories:
Best in Brand Award – Sponsored by Crew Marketing
Beachcomber coffee company Inc
Kove Ocean Foods
Fatso peanutbutter
Emerging Business Award – Sponsored by Coho Collective
Barakah Eats
Oomé
Yoggu!
Export Award – Sponsored by Export Development Canada
Berryhill Foods Inc.
Rogers Foods LTD
Dan-D Foods LTD
Indigenous Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by TLC Solutions
Rad Relish Co.
Bangin’ Bannock
Locality Brewing
Innovation Award – Sponsored by Reliance Insurance
Mindful Fud
Gnusanté
Big Mountain Foods
Leadership Award – Sponsored by TD Bank
Carmen Wakeling of Eatmore Sprouts & Greens
Steven Burton of Icicle Technologies
Aaron Chin of Organika Health Products
Outstanding Workplace Award – Sponsored by Manufacturing Safety Alliance
Monte Creek Winery
Puratos Canada, Fraser Valley
Vancouver Island Brewing
People’s Choice Award – Sponsored by Fasken and it polled the votes of over 17,000 individuals in finding its winner
Susgrainable Health Foods
Chiwis
Pamela Lemon
Social Impact Award – Sponsored by Glenmore Printing
Goodly Foods
Feeding Mam
Cascadia Seaweed
Sustainable Impact Award – Sponsored by Vancity
Salt Spring Coffee
Bimbo Canada
Soul Bite Food
Woman of the Year Award – Sponsored by FCC
Jasmin Byrne of Big Mountain Foods
Sarah Goodman of Chiwis
Jade Herrmann of Yoggu!
Hall of Fame Award – Sponsored by Great Little Box Company
Product of the Year Award – Sponsored by MNP. This category had 10 finalists and the winner chosen by a panel of industry experts and chefs who tried each and awarded the following.
Finalists:
Greko Lemon Roast Potato Seasoning, Granpa J’s
Almond Lavender Dream Magick Latte, Wild Remedies
Plant Based Tzatziki, Justo’s Plant Based Dips
Mac & Greens, Komo Comfort Foods
Vegan Potato & Chorizo Taquitos, Lita’s Mexican Foods
Death By Garlic, Living Tree Foods
Teriyaki Om Noms, Yumasoy Foods
Bronze: Vegan Hawaiian Black Salt Caramels by Purdys Chocolatiers
Sliver: Pear Soda, Farming Karma
Gold: Soy-Free Tofu, Big Mountain Foods
After the brief ceremony, industry professionals were given more time to network, as catered small plates from the Lazy Gourmet were made available at stations around the room for grazing. I won’t be reviewing them here but will make note of what was available including steak and potato bites; a meat and cheese grazing board; and a slider table with beef, chicken, and vegetarian patty options. I was especially enjoyed watching the pan-fried gnocchi get mixed up in a wheel of Parmesan cheese.
@bcfoodandbev
#BCFBawards
