President, Naturally Homegrown Foods Ltd., Hardbite

Kirk has been in the industry for over 20 years.  He joined the BCFB Board to help support the food and beverage industry grow and become more resilient.

What's Kirk's favorite thing about the industry?

"Like anyone who is passionate about our industry, I love that no two days are the same. Our work is incredibly varied with many roles and responsibilities.  The food and beverage industry is fast paced and quick moving."

President, Big Mountain Foods 

Jasmine has been in the industry for 13 years.  She joined the BCFB Board because it has been a tremendous support system and resource centre for Big Mountain Foods.  Jasmine saw it as an opportunity to pay it forward and see others in the industry grow and thrive as her company has – in part through the continued support of the BCFB. 

What’s Jasmine’s favorite thing about this industry?    

“My favorite thing about this industry is the innovation and the passion behind each and every entrepreneur. Watching companies expand and scale up their operations is remarkable to see!”

Owner & Director, Elias Honey Ltd

Azeem has been in the industry for just over 3 years. Being part of the BCFB Board combines two of Azeem's passions: Food and Innovation. Azeem hopes to bring his out-of-industry experiences in strategy consulting and entrepreneurship to the Board to help support the growth and representation of small processors in the industry.

What is Azeem’s favourite thing about this industry?

Passion, energy and innovation! Whether walking trade show floors or at informal gatherings, it’s incredible to see how passionate people are about the industry and innovation. I love seeing how supportive and collaborative everyone is, especially to new entrants into the industry.  

Managing Director, KPMG Corporate Finance

Leo has been working with food and beverage companies in BC for over 20 years. He decided to join the BCFB Board though his experience working with the many amazing entrepreneurs in the industry and being a part of their journey in bringing their products to market.

What is Leo’s favorite thing about this industry? 

“The passion and energy of the members and associates. From virtual to in-person events, to the innovative food and beverage products and brands, there is never a lack of energy and excitement. As someone who is personally invested in health and wellness there is no better place, or group of people, to be surrounded with.”

Founder, Shervin Communications Inc.

Sherrin and her company have been serving the food and beverage industry for over 20 years. She joined the BCFB Board after being a member for 10 years with the intention of giving back and helping to affect change in this rapidly changing industry.

What's Sherrin's favourite thing about the industry? 

"I am inspired by the innovation and collaboration amongst the companies in the industry."

Vice-President, People & Culture, Fine Choice Foods

Steve has been in the industry for 20 years. He joined the Board out of a desire to serve as he strongly believes in investing his time and energy back to the industry. He also loves the opportunity to work and learn alongside people whom he respects greatly.

What does Steve love about the industry?

"Two things really stand out for me. Food is a social experience for most of humanity and that carries over into the work we do and makes it extremely rewarding to me. The other is the level of innovation and passion shown by people all around the industry."

Vice-Chair, Vice-President, Projects, Vitalus Nutrition Inc.

Pamela has been in the industry for 25 years.  She joined the BCFB Board to support the organization in achieving its goals, and to give back to the industry and the community by sharing her passion and expertise.

What’s Pamela’s favorite thing about the industry?

"The people, the passion for food and the drive to innovate and provide consumers with better and more nutritious options."

Founder and CEO, Granted Consulting

Stephanie has been a part of the BC Food and Beverage industry for 10 years. Stephanie wanted to join the BCFB Board to make a difference in one of the fastest-growing industries in BC and in Canada. I’m a ‘foodie' myself and to be able to create an impact with local food companies and help them thrive with my knowledge and background in government grants is important. They are making a difference: one delicious bite at a time!

What’s Stephanie’s favourite thing about this industry?  

"The creative products that are being produced locally and how resourceful and dedicated the entrepreneur are to bringing quality food to Canadians and to the world."

Partner, Fasken Law

Ariel has been advising food and beverage companies for over ten years on all legal aspects of their business from start-up to exit, including product development and commercialization, raising capital and M&A transactions.

Ariel joined the BCFB Board as he is passionate about the BC food and beverage sector and would like to give back to the community.

What does Ariel love about the industry?  

“The entrepreneurial and innovative spirit. BC’s food and beverage industry punches above its weight when it comes to the development of innovative, leading products. It’s invigorating to work with food and beverage "

Managing Director of the KENBRI Group

Lachlan, has worked in the food industry since 2011 but has become more highly involved since 2019.

He joined the board as he believes there are so many important aspects of food that need to be addressed for society and for manufacturers. This is the forum where some issues need to be addressed and discussed.

What is your favourite thing about the industry?

My most favourite thing about the food industry is how dynamic it is.

Director, Human Resources, Fresh Direct Produce Group

Ivy has been in the food and beverage industry for over 12 years.

Ivy has been part of the BCFB - HR group since she joined Fresh Direct 12 years ago and has seen an amazing transformation in BC Food & Beverage over those years.  The advocacy for the food and beverage industry, the engagement within the industry, local promotions... the list is endless. She love the strength and passion of the team, and with her, and Fresh Direct's, long relationship with BC Food & Beverage , joining the board was a great opportunity to collaborate on a different level.

What’s Ivy's favorite thing about the industry?    

"It is simply a really fun and dynamic industry, and it showcases the creativity and innovation that people have with food. I love the ever-changing landscape of it, it can be so unpredictable and surprising.  ."

Co-Founder, Lass Chance Beverage

Joining the food and beverage industry 2.5 years ago,  Alyssa, is passionate about the exchange of knowledge and learning from one another to provide the most wholesome food and beverage industry for our community. Alyssa would like to create real, positive change; and bring new and creative thinking to the industry through events, resources, education and mentorship. As a co-founder, she would love to see increased startup resources for those entering the industry. Resources such as the co-packer search have been immensely helpful for her and her company. 

What’s Alyssa's favorite thing about this industry? 

“ I love the diverse agri-food resources, the passionate, collaborative community who works tirelessly to get food from the land to dining room tables and the increasing focus on local an sustainable”

Direct Plus Food Group, SVP, General Manager

Courtney has been working in the industry for 23 years and wanted to join the board to be able to help others.  This industry is ever-changing and can be tricky to navigate.  If she can help contribute to someone’s success in any way by offering support, she wants to do that.

What's Courtenay's favorite thing about the industry?

"My favourite thing about the F&B industry is the togetherness it brings.  We gather around the table to celebrate,  to connect, and to create memories. The fact that food can evoke that nostalgia is amazing to me. The pace, constant change, and the people are what drive me, professionally."
 

President of Portofino Bakery, COO of Bond Bakery Brands

Matt has 10 years of experience in management and finance working with various food and CPG companies and spent the last 5 years operating one! He was inspired to join the board to make the British Columbia ecosystem of great food companies stronger and to support up and coming BC companies through the many challenges of growing in the food business.

What's Matt's favorite thing about the industry?

That anyone can build the next great brand or company in this industry! The rate of innovation and change makes everyday exciting in the food business.