Updating Island businesses featured in Salty’s pages from 2016-2019
Like a year in review, we thought it’d be interesting to look through the back issues of Salty and update our readers on some of the businesses we have profiled. The food industry is not for the faint of heart, so the list is peppered with both successes and failures. In no particular order, here goes!
Fresh Start Fauxmage • In late November this company’s plant-based vegan cheese was introduced in Sobeys stores in the Maritimes.
AquaBounty • In early 2019 commercial approval to produce GM salmon was granted by Environment Canada. The USA FDA also lifted a ban on genetically-engineered salmon imports, allowing the company to export eggs it produces at its facility in Bay Fortune, PEI to their plant in Indiana, USA.
Pure Kitchen Catering • Chef John Pritchard continues providing six island schools with healthy lunch options.
DME Manufacturing • It was a surprise when DME went into receivership in November 2018, but fortunately the business reopened a few months later with new owners, CIMC Enric Tank & Process BV. The business is now known as DME Process Systems.
Epekwitk Gardens • This initiative continues to grow and was recently featured on chef Chuck Hughes’ APTN television show, Chuck Hughes: First People’s Kitchen. The episode is not slated to air until 2020 so we’ll have to check it out then.
Maritime Marzipan • The treats company expanded to offer chocolates and opened both The Black and White Café and Island Flavours this past summer in St Peter’s Bay Landing. They also opened a location in Founders’ Food Hall and Market and their Fritz Chocolates hit the shelves at Island Sobeys stores in November.
Lucky Bee Homestead • A participant in the latest Food Xcel competition, they rebranded their mustard products to Atlantic Mustard Mill. They continue to expand production and their products are now found in shops across PEI, NS, and NB.
Brigh Music and Tea • Unfortunately this shop closed in early 2019.
Next Level Cookie • These cookie makers continue to cater and sell their delicious cookies at pop-ups across PEI. You can also order any of their 11 types of cookies for delivery.
Stir It Up! • Vegans now can enjoy meals at Stir It Up!’s second location at Founders’ Food Hall and Market.
Farmed Market and Craft Butchery • This Summerside grocery store and butchery closed in July 2019.
Heatherdale Wholesome Goods • This organic canola oil and oats business changed hands in early 2019. The oil is now produced by Chelsey and Will Beattie, owners of Alpha Mills. You can find it in stores around the Island. Crystal Green Farms took over the oats portion of the Heatherdale business, adding to their line of grains and flours.
My Plum, My Duck • Just as we were preparing this list, owner Sarah Forrester announced the closure of this vegetarian/vegan Charlottetown restaurant.
The Ralphies • Last December when we featured this couple who produce ASMR and mukbang eating videos on YouTube, they had just tipped past the 10,000 subscribers mark and two million views of their videos. A year later and their subscribers have doubled to over 20,000 and they are past the 5.5 million mark on views.
The Prince Edward Island Sea Salt Company • In its fourth year of business, founder Darren Blanchard continues to supply authentic PEI sea salt to buyers far and wide while employing those who struggle with addictions and mental illness.
Ross’ Place • This community garden just wrapped up its second season in Kensington and has become a popular gathering spot for the community. Unfortunately post-tropical storm Dorian uprooted the trees that surrounded the garden, so the look of the lot will dramatically change next year.
Copper Bottom Brewing • Now in business for two years, this brewery in Montague continues to produce cans of great beer and has become an entertainment hub for local performers.
The Cook’s Edge • Owner Adam Sweet outgrew his shop in 2018 and moved to a larger space in the same building on Pownal Street. He continues to provide fine knives, kitchen accessories, and knife sharpening to his customers and recently celebrated his fourth year in business.
Earth Bitez • This energy bite business closed after just 10 months, emphasizing how difficult it can be to be a food entrepreneur.
Saoirse Farms • Aleida and Mike Redmond took some time off from their farm in early 2019 to work in Ghana, Africa with Vets without Borders. While there, they helped to create a rainwater collection system. They are back in PEI and continue to operate their family farm and Mike is now also the Bedford MacDonald House residential manager.
Soleil’s Farm • Our very first cover story in October 2016, Soleil Hutchinson continues to operate her farm and provide fresh produce to many Islanders. She and a few partners spearheaded a successful summer Pop-up Farmers’ Market this year, which operated on Thursdays in Charlottetown.
- FOOD HISTORY CORNER - July 6, 2020
- NEWSLETTER SIGNUP - March 24, 2020
- WOMEN’S DAY 2020 - March 1, 2020
- FOOD HISTORY CORNER - March 1, 2020
- ICYMI - March 1, 2020
- UPDATE ON CHARLOTTETOWN FOOD COUNCIL - February 1, 2020
- ICYMI - February 1, 2020
- FOOD HISTORY CORNER - February 1, 2020
- ICYMI - January 1, 2020
- THE SALTY CHEF - December 2, 2019