FROM FARM TO FORK

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GORDON FOOD SERVICE BRITISH COLUMBIA farms · and ·

BC ARTISAN cheese guide

did you know WE DISTRIBUTE OVER MILLION POUNDS

ANNUALLY OF BC GROWN PRODUCE

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Gordon Food Service is committed to BC products. As part of

our “Best of BC” philosophy, Gordon Food Service is proud

to support British Columbia’s communities with this easily

recognizable symbol of fresh, local products.

Being Best of BC means you can be sure the product you are

about to eat has been grown, produced, or processed in BC.

British Columbia is a great place to live and work, and it is

also a great place to eat!

Featured in this GuideBC Fresh Inc

Windset farms

BC Tree fruits

All Seasons Mushrooms

Bean Sprout King

Star produce

Century farms

bellmann specialty produce

eat more sprouts & greens Ltd

glen valley artichoke farms

Evergreen herbs ltd

garden back to eden

misty mountain specialties

van eekelen enterprises ltd

little qualicum cheeseworks

natural pastures cheese co.

salt spring island cheese co.

BC Fresh Inc4363 King Street, Delta, BC

Murray Driediger,President and CEO

Here is an example of Gordon Food Service® commitment to our local farmers in Delta from January to December 2013:

• potatoes 5,753,050 lbs• cabbage 555,920 lbs• root vegetables 299,820 lbs• pumpkins 10,780 lbs

The Sihota FamilySurrey, BC

“Representing the unparalleled

freshness of BC produce and an

inconparable level of service you can

expect from us and our growers .”

The Kelly FamilySurrey, BC

The Guichon FamilyTsawwassen, BC

FARM FACTSestablished: 1992 as lower mainland vegetable distributors Inc., since 2007 known as BCfresh Inc, distributes: over 70,000 tons of produce per year, customer base: 45% food service & 55% retail, size: NEW 30,000 square foot facility, number of employees 18.

farm operations: 100% family- owned & operated by local bc growers –Bcfresh Inc vegetables are grown on 40-plus farming families throughout the fraser valley –many family farms go back 4 generations –produce is distributed mainly throughout the province, and western Canada, but as far as Arizona in some cases

going green: new state-of-the-art low voltage lighting in the warehouse – EPI resin in many poly bags skus and commencing with a RPC – returnable plastic container project –eliminating waxed coated cartons.

farm markets: core product line of potatoes and full line of root vegetables, including several varietals of beets, potatoes, cabbages, turnips, rutabagas, carrots, onions, brussel sprouts, rhubarb, parsnips and squash and offers organic potatoes and carrots.

members: BC Potato & Vegetable Growers Association –BC Produce Marketing Association –Delta Chamber of Commerce –BC School Fruit and Vegetable Nutritional Program –Delta Farmers’ Institute and Delta Farmland & Wildlife Trust.

missionFeatured in this Guide

windset farms3660 41B Street, Delta, BC

Newell Family

“Feeding people the freshest and

most flavorful produce possible is

what we do. A simple idea that drives

a complex process”

FARM FACTSEstablished: 1996 in Abbotsford expanded into Delta in 1998. The farm is 240 acres

farm operations: Combining state-of-the-art technology and old fashioned attention to detail to ensure optimal growing conditions

farm markets: Variety of delicious, nutrient-rich tomatoes, peppers and long English cucumbers YEAR ROUND

Going green: Re-using fertilizers and nutrients - carbon-neutral biomass burners that use wood shavings and other by-products - energy screens extensively to prevent heat loss -capture waste heat from within the greenhouse for night-time heating - use rainwater capture for irrigation -circulate irrigation water at least five times before releasing into ground

members: Canadian Produce Marketing Association –CPMA - US Produce Marketing Association –PMA - BC Chefs’ Organization - United Fresh Produce Association mission

The Newell BrothersL to R: John, Jeff & Steve Newell

Bc tree fruits1473 water street, kelowna, bc

FARM FACTSEstablished: Created in 1936 to promote BC Tree Fruits (apples, pears, cherries, apricots, peaches, prune plums, nectarines. blueberries & grapes)

Farm facts: Part of the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative, owned by over 500 local grower families. They nurture the orchards to create the best produce possible. Provide expertise in promoting, packaging and transporting the BC Tree Fruits brand. This includes assistance with sales, marketing, accounting, technology, shipping and regulation compliance

members: Okanagan Tree Fruit Cooperative - BC Tree Fruits Limited- Growers Supply Company Limited - BC Fruit Growers’ Association (BCFGA) - Okanagan Plant Improvement Corporation

“a BC Tree Fruits sticker means

flavourful food grown close to home

using natural and sustainable methods”

mission

all seasons mushrooms

3392 -224 street, langley, bc

Frank & Pat Moscone

“All Seasons Mushrooms aims to be

the number one producer and source

of high quality, certified organic

mushrooms in British Columbia”

The Moscone BrothersL to R: Frank & Pat moscone

FARM FACTSEstablished: Established in 1997 in Langley, BC as a certified Organic, Kosher and HACCP and employees 100 people.

farm operations: Grows over 120,000 pounds per week - 65 acres of controlled environment - locally owned - vertically integrated company - encompassing all of the composting, growing, distributing & marketing- 2007 completed the construction of a new state-of-the-art growing facility - 18 growing rooms with 5000 sq ft growing space per room- 28 days bed to table

farm markets: Certified organic white, crimini, & portabella mushrooms 365 days a year

Going Green: Completed & implemented an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) - recycle water required in production -growing facility & office utilise environmentally friendly products - part of BC Hydro “power smart” program reducing energy consumption- spent mushroom substrate can be used by other farmers &

landscapers

members: British Columbia Chef’s Association - BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association - BC Produce Marketing Association & Mushrooms Canada - Supporter BC Children’s Hospital & Weekend to End Breast Cancer.

mission

bean sprout king8151 No. 6 road, richmond, bc

Frank Lai President

Frank LaiFrank at the packaging

machine

FARM FACTSEstablished: Established in 1979 and produces 20,000 pounds of bean sprouts per day

Farm facts: Past history in restaurant business 1973-1979 - relative in Hong Kong introduced him to Japanese automatic machines

Farm operations : First bean sprout factory in Western Canada - started with 3000 sq feet and 4 employees and now has 2 acres and 20 employees

“Our goal is to go solar heating,

energy recycling production and

full automation. I want to supply

the best quality bean sprout

possible”

mission

star produce7580 Lowland Drive, Burnaby, BC

Deric KarolatPresident

“To be the most innovative team

in produce with an unwavering

commitment to value and taste.”

FARM FACTSestablished: Star Produce was founded in 1989 in Saskatoon, SK and is privately owned and operated with over 250 employees. Star Produce is proud of our state of the art IT system which seamlessly links Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations and Logistics.

food safety : Star Produce facilities are Safe Quality Food (SQF) certified - Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certified - Follow HACCP guidelines and conduct third party audits annually in each facility - Lot traceability & recall procedures in place - Tsunami Wash – 99.9% reduction in e-coli / salmonella - Inspects the incoming and outgoing quality of our products from all regional warehouses - Maintains Good Agricultural Practices (GAP’s) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s) records on file for each grower.

GOING GREEN: Constantly looking to reduce our carbon footprint by recycling cardboard in all facilities - Using PET plastics - Transitioning to low profile containers for efficiencies in packing and shipping - Composting all organic matter

members: Canadian Produce Marketing Association - Produce Marketing Association - United Fresh Produce Association - The Dispute Resolution Corporation -The Horticultural Value Chain Roundtable - The North American Trade Task Force

mission

century farms3554 268th street, aldergrove, bc

Hiroshi Ezakipresident

FARM FACTSEstablished: Farm has been in business for over 25 years

Farm facts: Farm is over 5 acres - 6 employees - Grow 250 cases per week - Customer base is 80% foodservice and 20% retail - From a family of farmers in Japan - Started with mushroom farm - Recycle all cardboard & compost

Farm operations : Supplies Gordon Food Service with kaiware – daikon radish sprouts

going green: Farm recycles all cardboard & has a composting program

“We strive to grow this unique

product at the highest quality”

mission

bellmann specialty produce

4990 N grandview flats road,

armstrong, BC

Bellmann Family

“Filling a need for high end produce

that is unique in flavor and eye

appeal”

FARM FACTSestablished: Established in May 2005 - 33 acres - Ranges from 4-12 employees during the year

farm operations: 100% family owned & operated - Located in Grandview flats of Spallumcheen, BC - On a ‘micro-climate’ that produces high temperatures - Soil is sandy loarn excellent for almost any growing –organic matter - Soil has the ability to drain to control the amount of water

farm markets: Thumbelina carrots (heirloom), rainbow carrots, flying saucer trio baby squash, heirloom tomatoes large fruited, cherry heirloom tomatoes, green asparagus, easter egg radish

Going Green: Committed to sustainable farming - Meet the needs of the present without compromising the future

members: Farm Food Safety Program

mission

Bellmann Kids"Little Farmies"

eat more srouts & Greens LTD

2604 Grieve Road, Courtney, BC

Wakeling Family

FARM FACTSEstablished: Farm has been running since the mid 1970's on 2 acres - Employs 40+ people

Farm operations: Family owned & operated - Originally a backyard cottage industry - Shop the world for the finest seeds available from organic farmers - Irrigation water from deep natural aquifer –no chlorine or chemicals

Farm Markets: Sunflower & speciality sprouts

“We are proud to produce a quality

& fresh product. We have a deep,

long term commitment to organic

production and healthy eating”

mission

GreenhouseOne of the Greenhouses used

Glen Valley artichoke farms28182 marsh mccormick road,

abbotsford, bC

Plough Family

“Living in the Fraser Valley – we

strive to grow the best quality and

freshest foods that we can for our

customers”

The Plough FamilyL to R: Donna & John Plough

FARM FACTSestablished: Established in 1992 - 15 acres - employs up 15 people throughout the year

farm operations: Before the farm, John worked in construction & accounting and Donna was a nurse - Changed direction...went from raising beef cattle to growing artichokes. 30% of the crop is for foodservice, and 70% is sold at farm markets

GOING GREEN: Natural & traditional farming – no spray – use organic compost

members: The Land Conservancy –TLD

mission

Evergreen herbs ltd.3727 184 street, surrey, bc

Brar Family

FARM FACTSEstablished: Established in 1996 by brothers Ron & TJ Brar

Farm facts: 100 acre farm with 318,000 sqaure feet of greenhouse space - Employees range from 80-100 throughout the year - The farm is certified organic & HACCP

Farm operations : Business began unassumingly in the family garage - Uses semi-organic practices to produce one of the healthiest crops - Crops start in environmentally controlled green house setting - Highly advanced packaging & labeling facility - Automated salad washing line

going green: NEW irrigation water purification system – only a few farms in North America has this TROJANUVMAZ PRO SERIES - Disinfection of water using UV penetration- destroys a minimum of 99.99% of harmful micro-organisims, including E.Coli (does not change taste or colour) - Use over 90% recyclable & environmentally friendly materials in own packaging -Recycle over 80% of all packaging materials that come in to plant

Farm Markets: Fine and specialty herbs, gourmet lettuces, salad blends, baby vegetables & edible flowers, specialty items

members: • Canadian Produce Marketing Association- BC Produce Marketing Association - Certified Organic Associations of BC-COABC - Fraser Valley Organic Producers Association-FVOPA

“The company was built on a ‘never-

say-no’ partnership with our

customers”

mission

The Brar BrothersL to R: TJ & Ron Brar

Garden Back to Eden

42385 Yale road, Chilliwack, BC

Allen Family

“As a BC farmer we owe it to the

people in this province to give them

the best and there is nothing better

than giving them the most original

and natural produce available”

The Allen FamilyL to R: Marquis, Sionesse, Santiana, Ana-Li-

za (Wife), Michael (Grower/Co-CEO), Mata-

niel. Front: Soleah, Salomae

FARM FACTSestablished: Established in 2003 - Family owned and operated - Michael is a former BC Lion who went from playing on the field to growing the field

Farm facts: Currently operating the second largest organic greenhouse in Western Canada but they are the largest supplier of Heirloom Organic produce in British Columbia, with over 22 acres of greenhouse and field Heirloom produce.

farm operations: 21 acres of farm - Certified organic - 14 employees - Only commercial greenhouse in BC that grows directly in soil - Not grown hydroponically or in bags - Grows over 95% from heritage or heirloom fruits & vegetables - Original seeds give real & original tastes

farm markets: heirloom peppers, melons, eggplants, beans & basil

mission

misty mountain Specialties

130-13900 maycrest way, richmond, bc

David Lee KwenPresident

David Lee KwenPresident

FARM FACTSEstablished: Established in 1997 - Organic, BC Kosher and HACCP

Farm facts: 5000 square foot operation - 10 full time and 20 part time employees

Farm operations : Owner/operator - Fine selection of specialty produce - Largest selection of fresh and wild mushrooms - Fine specialty produce available to cater to specific tastes - Specialists in local market

going green: • Recycle all cardboard - Recycle glass & plastic containers & donate monies to local charity - Partnership with Quest Outreach Society - Excess inventory donated

farm markets: Wild & domestic mushrooms & other specialty forest products - Specialty items –wild fiddle head greens, wild berries & sea asparagus - Dried mushrooms- all fresh mushrooms are available dried

Members: Canadian Produce Marketing Association-CPMA, Fraser Valley Organic Producers Association-FVOPA “Serving foodservice with our

unique specialty items from around

the globe”

mission

van eekelen Enterprises ltd.

38900 No 4 Road, Abbotsford, BC

Van Eekelen Family

“Daily fresh picked witloof, year

round!”

FARM FACTSestablished: Peter & Ria van Eekelen started their business over 30 years ago - They employ 8 full time workers

farm operations: Family business, 2nd generation coming on board - Found a niche in the marketplace & started their own crop - Rotation of crops, crop is grown on recycling water & no pesticides used

farm Facts: Located between 2 majestic mountain ranges which create a fine micro climate, sandy soils that proved to be excellent for the crops, and an abundance of irrigation water

farm markets: Leeks & Belgian endive

GOING GREEN: Crop rotation, field planning and weed-free lands - Preventing soil-and-wind erosion - Clean waterways - Environmental awareness

members: Eat BC & Abbotsford Soil Conservation Association-ASCA

mission

little qualicum cheeseworks

Morning star farm

403 lowry's road, parksville, bc

Gourlay Family

FARM FACTSEstablished: Family owned & operated old-fashioned dairy farm was established in 2001 - 68 acres - 15 employees

Farm facts: 100% of cheese is made from milk produced on the farm - 99% of cheese is sold within the magical 100 miles of farm - First dairy farm in BC to be certified SPCA

farm market: Variety of gourmet artisan cheeses

members: The Land Conservancy-TLC

“Our goal is to share with you the actual

tastes and experiences of the farm”

mission

The Gourlay FamilyNancy & Clarke Gourlay

(Husband & Wife)

natural pastures cheese Co.

635 mcphee avenue, courtenay, bc

Smith Familydoug, Phillip & edgar smith

(Brothers)

“Taste Natural Pastures luscious

artisan cheeses, all hand-made

under the guidance of our Swiss

Master Cheesemaker”

Edgar SmithVice-President

FARM FACTSestablished: Established in July 2001 - 3rd generation and a designated heritage farm

farm operations: 600 acre farm - Ventured into cheese making with on site swiss cheese maker - Milk free of herbicides, pesticides & genetically modified organisms - Natural product –no food colour or preservatives - Won multiple awards for a variety of cheeses

farm markets: Variety of Natural Cheeses

members: Eat BC & BC Chef’s Association

mission

salt spring island cheese co.

121 lower ganges road, salt spring, bc

Wood Family

FARM FACTSEstablished: Established in July 1996 by the desire of creating a small family business

Farm facts: Believed next wave of a small agricultural business, after wine, was cheese - Trial & error in the kitchen gave confidence to build dairy & cheesery

Farm operations : 2007 became licensed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Farm market : Variety of high quality Goat Cheese

going green: David is a member of Guide des Fromagers Confrerie de Saint-Uguzon

“We practice fair trade, social

justice and environmental

responsibility”

mission

David Wood

bc grown seasonal & storage crop availabilities

FruitSEASONAL J F M A M J J A S O N DApricotsBlackberriesBlueberriesCherriesCranberriesCurrantsGooseberriesKiwi-Grape (Baby)PeachesPears- BartlettPlums- ItalianRaspberriesStrawberriesSTORAGE J F M A M J J A S O N DApplesPears

SpecialtySEASONAL J F M A M J J A S O N DEdible FlowersFiddleheadsHerbsMushrooms Wild - CauliflowerMushrooms Wild - ChantrelleMushrooms Wild - Chicken of the WoodMushrooms Wild - LobsterMushrooms Wild - MorelsMushrooms Wild - Pine (Matsutaki)Mushrooms Wild - Yellow FootSea AsparagusTomato - Heirloom

VegetablesSEASONAL J F M A M J J A S O N DBaby LettuceBaby VegetablesBeans - Green & YellowBroccoli

BC grown seasonal & storage crop availabilities

SEASONAL J F M A M J J A S O N DBrussel SproutsCauliflowerCeleryChard - Red, Green, RainbowChinese VegetablesCornCucumbers - FieldCucumbers - Hot HouseKohlrabiLeeksLettuce - Endive, Iceburg, Leaf, RomaineOnions - GreenParsleyPeas - Snap, Snow & EnglishPeppers- Hot HousePumpkinRadishRhubarb - FieldSpinachTomatoes - Hot HouseZucchini - Green & YellowSTORAGE J F M A M J J A S O N DBeet - Gold & RedBeet - Candy CaneCabbage - Green, Red & SavoyCarrotsParsnipsPotato - KennebecPotato - Mini WhitePotato - Red (Medium & Mini)Potato - Russet (Large)Potato - Yukon Gold (Lrg, Med & Mini)RutabagaTurnip - WhiteWinter Squash - Kabocha, Acorn(Danish) Banana, Butternut, Spaghetti

Vegetables cont.

BC grown seasonal & storage crop availabilities

Passionate farmers

Vibrant farming community

Significant contribution to local economy

Bountiful produce with great taste