How SaltSpring Kitchen Co. is Leading the Charge in Women-Owned BC Food Brands.
How SaltSpring Kitchen Co. is Leading the Charge in Women-Owned BC Food Brands.
We're stirring up excitement in the BC food scene! We've been nominated for the BC Food and Beverage Rise Awards in two categories: Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the People's Choice Award.
We're evolving from a local treasure to a national brand, shipping our gourmet preserves to hundreds of gift stores, grocers, and specialty stores across Canada. Our current expansion focuses on growing our reach in grocery retailers in Ontario and Eastern Canada, while also sharing culinary inspiration to grow our thriving online community.
Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award
"The Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award honours a leader in the food & beverage industry with at least two years of experience, who inspires growth, champions diversity and inclusion, upholds integrity and demonstrates exceptional business acumen and market strategy." BC Food and Beverage
These nominations are a testament to our team's hard work and dedication, and we couldn't be prouder. As a woman-owned BC food brand, we're committed to showcasing our small island community's incredible flavours and unique charm. We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone and to support us by casting your votes this September!
Celebrating Women Leaders in BC
Spotlight on Melanie Mulherin
Melanie Mulherin, our founder, embodies the spirit of women leaders in BC. Her journey from a passionate foodie to a celebrated entrepreneur is inspiring. Melanie's roots in food run deep, with influences from her grandparents' grocery store to running a family restaurant with her husband and learning about preserving from her mother-in-law.
Despite her humble nature, she's learning to embrace her role as the face of SaltSpring Kitchen Co. She's incredibly proud of what her team has accomplished. Her vision extends beyond building a successful brand. Melanie wants to be the best employer in our community. She's devoted to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and creativity.
In a recent interview for BoldJourney.com Melanie said:
I am incredibly proud of this little jam company that could. While we are not an overnight success story, my goal is to build a company based on quality and trust that will hopefully be here for a very long time. Knowing we are a small part of your everyday meals and celebrations makes all the hard work worthwhile.
SaltSpring Kitchen Co. has grown from a small stand at the farmers market to a bustling jam factory and beloved BC food brand, shipping products across Canada and the US. Join us in recognizing her contributions to the BC food industry.
The Jam Factory Experience
At the heart of our expansion is The Jam Factory, where our community and visitors can immerse themselves in our island's vibrant culture. Locals and visitors gather together here.
Just a few minutes from Ganges, The Jam Factory is a hub for culinary creativity. Since opening our Tasting Room last summer, we've welcomed foodies with their friends in tow from near and far to experience the unique charm of our products, and the island, firsthand.
The Jam Factory is a beautifully renovated space we are putting the finishing touches on this summer. This unique island location houses our warehouse and office building, which sit beside the renovated building that brings the culinary creative hub to life. The warehouse has recently had a mural completed by a local artist, and we love the vibrant feel it brings.
Our building is designed in a modern West Coast style, and the doors are usually flung open to our Tasting Room. Here, you can stock up on preserves, cheeses, cured meats, beverages, and other snacks for picnics and charcuterie boards while tasting everything we make and grabbing a signature alcohol-free drink.
As you wander out of the Tasting Room, you can walk through the neighbours doors and have everything you need in a foodie heaven.
Next, you might want to visit Mavericks Coffee & Ice Cream Shop for a fresh scoop or a shot of espresso. The Woodshed Provisions has shelves and cases stocked with everything from broth to cakes, meals to go, and catering pre-orders for a crowd. Stepping into Haidee's shop feels like walking into a European market set amongst the vineyards of a rural landscape. And for the finishing touch, (or the beginning) of any inspired meal, head to Francis Bread for fresh sourdough. Coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and creative loaves warm from the oven, Francis Bread brings us all together.
Together, we are The Jam Factory, a collective of passionate foodies and one of the island's newest destinations. We have seating around back, we're hosting Pitchfork Social Concerts all Summer, and serving drinks from the Jam Can on those cozy musical nights under the string lights and stars. This place allows us to connect with our customers on a deeper level, offering a connection to our quality and tradition. We couldn't love it more.
Engaging Our Community
Encouraging Your Support
We need you! We're calling on our loyal gang of jam fans to participate in the upcoming BC Food and Beverage Rise Awards by casting your vote. Your support is the key to helping us win the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award and People's Choice Award. By voting, you're endorsing the spirit of innovation and dedication that defines women-owned BC food brands.
Join our email club for updates from The Jam Factory, cast your vote, and help us find more customers who share a love for jam, so that we can keep moving forward together!
The ultimate winners will be decided through a public online voting system which opens September 9th at 10AM and closes on September 23rd at 10AM.
