The food tech and beverage industry is continuously evolving in British Columbia, as a fervent crop of young startups are innovating and pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the category. Vancouver is at the forefront of this movement, with a growing number of startups working tirelessly to change the way we grow, source, prepare, and consume food. Launched in 2020 or later, these dynamic companies are opening new possibilities in the food industry and rewriting the rulebook of how successful startups can make a significant impact in their chosen sectors.
This piece focuses on Vancouver-based food and beverage startups that hit the ground running, navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with grace, making significant strides within their first year of business. Many of these startups have not only survived but thrived in the challenging industry landscape. We delve into the stories of these seven companies, learning about their unique business models, mission, founders and the products, and services they offer.
Explore ‘who’s who’ in Vancouver’s latest food and beverage startup scene, and keep these names on your radar as they continue to redefine how the city approaches food.
Vegano Foods
Vegano Foods is the first plant-based meal kit delivery service in Canada. Launched in Vancouver in 2020 by Conor Power and Kaylee Astle, Vegano Foods aims to change the way people eat by offering fresh, locally produced, sustainable food options. Their entire business model revolves around the belief that there’s a better, more comfortable way to enjoy sustainable food that reflects caring for our environment. Follow them on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Oco Meals
Oco Meals, founded by Kenton Jarvie, has recorded an impressive $25,000 in recurring monthly revenue by offering prepared meals sourced from local catering companies. Not only does this business model support local entities, but it also caters to the growing demand for ready-to-eat, healthy meals in the city of Vancouver. For more information on Oco Meals, visit their Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
Rocka Foods International Inc.
Yutaro Oka founded Rocka Foods International Inc., an e-commerce platform offering nutritious meal ingredients. The company, originating from the Founder Institute Calgary in 2020, operates in Africa, starting in Ghana, sourcing directly from local farmers and wholesalers. Through their unique approach, Rocka Food provides fresher, more affordable and convenient ingredients compared to sourcing from the open market. Follow them on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Chillidash
Founded by Boris Khvan, Mao Li, and Yuriy Dmytrash, Chillidash is providing cutting-edge technology for restaurants, cafes, and bars in Vancouver, regardless of size. Using their digital ordering and marketing systems, business growth is nurtured and enhanced. With custom websites, dashboards, and marketing tools, the company helps restaurant owners directly accept orders, manage reservations and run marketing campaigns. Check their presence on LinkedIn for more information.
Dyne
Dyne is a novel startup founded by Arnav Mishra and Parsa Riahi that uses AI technologies to grow restaurants and local economies by connecting communities over food. They provide users with AI recommendations, gamified map-based features, and the best deals in every city. Through their services, restaurants can access essential analytics for revenue forecasting, customer analysis, and market/pricing strategy. Follow them on Facebook and LinkedIn.
HYTN Innovations
HYTN Innovations is a versatile startup in the food and beverage, manufacturing, and retail sectors. It is known for bringing refreshing innovation and technology application to these industries. More about them can be found on their Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
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