Proudly supporting women and women-owned businesses
At IGA, we are committed to making diversity, equity and inclusion part of everything we do. Our local supplier program is a natural extension of this journey towards building an inclusive culture. By supporting women entrepreneurs to grow and scale their businesses, we are bringing greater diversity to our stores, our customers and in helping support the communities we serve. In addition to supporting local suppliers, we also support our franchisee network and recognize the amazing owners that work hard every day to improve their communities. Meet some of the inspirational female store owners behind your local IGA.
Alberta Vendors
Goodness Bombs, Red Deer - Jodie Tetz and Melissa Mah
In 2021, the journey of Goodness Bombs began in Jodie's kitchen as she strived to create wholesome and convenient snacks for her bustling family. In 2022, Melissa joined the dream and together, were committed to create delicious Energy Bites and Energy Bite Mixes that will save time and keep you fueled throughout the day. Energy Bites are packed with nutrients and serve as the perfect on-the-go snack. Their no bake, easy to make Energy Bite Mixes allow individuals to have fresh, homemade, customized Energy Bites without all of the hard work.
Happy Belly Kombucha, Calgary - Victoria Lundgard
In 2014, Victoria embarked on a heartwarming journey, founding Alberta's first Kombucha company. Fueled by a passion to reintroduce traditional healing beverages into our modern lives, Happy Belly Kombucha was born. Every item from Happy Belly Kombucha is thoughtfully crafted to cater to various needs, lifestyles, and diverse taste buds. Victoria's mission is to keep our bellies happy and nourish our souls by uniting people through healthier drink options. She finds joy in being able to work closley with local farmers and businesses, while giving back to local communities and kids' sports teams.
Confetti Sweets, Sherwood Park - Kathy Leskow
Kathy Leskow was a stay-at-home mom with a sweet tooth and grand ambitions. Driven by her love for baking, she transformed her passion into a thriving cookie business that continues to flourish. Kathy's journey began at local farmers markets, where she first introduced her delectable cookies. As demand skyrocketed, she transitioned to a storefront to meet the enthusiasm for her scrumptious creations. Customers often marveled at the enchanting aroma inside the store, inspiring Kathy's brilliant idea. She decided to curate a cookie mix, allowing people to savor her irresistible treats at home while minimizing the time and mess.
Jenny's Delectables, Calgary - Jennifer Kohut
Meet Jennifer Kohut, founder of Jenny's Delectables. Established in May of 2016, Jenny's Delectables began the production and sale of Gourmet Stuff'd Potatoes, an all natural home-cooked product that quickly grew in popularity throughout Southern Alberta. With a commitment to local growers and the absolute freshest ingredients available, Jenny's continues to supply the highest quality gourmet food products possible. Development has even begun on self-sustained, solar-powered hydroponic grow sites, which will make Jenny’s Delectables 100% local in all lines of products.
Moe Myanmar Foods, Edmonton, Aye Maye
Meet Aye Maye, the founder of Moe. Originally from Myanmar, Aye moved to Canada and had trouble finding the traditional delicacies that she once enjoyed back home. She realized that not only were these foods unavailable in grocery stores, but also not many people knew about Myanmar cuisine. In 2019, Aye created Moe Myanmar Foods to bring Myanmar culture to the world through its delicacies, offering a range of products that are organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan.
Worthy, Calgary, Meet Ashlee Steinhauer
Worthy is a Calgary-based jam and preserves company founded by Ashlee Steinhauer. In 2014, Ashlee became passionate about making jam while in a 12-step recovery program. A couple years later, she started to get her zest for life back and decided to focus on making jam full-time. Worthy's jam flavours include Earl Grey Lavender Peach, Strawberry Cardamom, and Vanilla Rhubarb. "These flavours are what make Worthy jams distinct. Our customers enjoy that the jams are not your average jar," says Ashlee. Worthy jams are made without artificial sweeteners, flavours, and colours. They are vegan, gluten-free, and made with natural citrus pectin and organic cane sugar.
Sarjesa Tea, Calgary, Meet Alexandra Daignault
Sarjesa Inc, an Alberta based tea company. Sarjesa makes radically tasty tea, using a combination of Canadian and International ingredients. They work alongside small farms, foragers, and suppliers, to create deeply flavourful, aromatic, premium teas and tisanes. Alexandra started this company as a university student as a way to raise awareness of violence towards women, while supporting local violence prevention programming for women in crisis. Today, they donate 20% of their profits to the Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society in Calgary.
MotherMayI, Calgary, Meet Nada
Founded here in Calgary Alberta, MotherMayI brings you a modern selection of vibrant hummus dips. For Nada, being a mother of four means that food is their second language. She believes that good food goes a long way in nourishing our bodies. That's why their ingredients are all natural with clean labels. Their healthful, nutrition packed vegan line up of hummus dips includes Original, Roasted Beet, Sweet Potato and Spicy Sriracha Hummus. Dip in and find out why MotherMayI is award-winning and a fan fave in our city. Dip local, eat local, and shop local! Happy hummus dipping!
Seven Spice, Calgary, Meet Natalia
Natalia grew up eating spicy food thanks to her family's Yugoslavian roots, and her passion for home cooking. One day she was frustrated that she could not find a quality Chili Oil. She and her mother Anna started playing with ingredients in the kitchen, and before you could say the words "chili oil", Seven Spice Chili Oil was created. The number 7 inspires the name, Seven Spice as it was originally made with 7 ingredients. Seven Spice chili oil is available in hot, mild and extra hot.
Saskatchewan Vendors
Lake Life Caesar Co, Saskatoon, Sondra Pearn
Meet Sondra Pearn. The Lake Life Caesar premix was originally crafted for the joy of sharing moments with friends and family at the lake. Crafting a perfect Caesar is an art, but Sondra and her husband Bryce didn't want it to compromise their precious time at the lake. That's when they had the brilliant idea to combine all the essential ingredients for a great Caesar in a convenient Mason jar, giving rise to Lake Life Caesar. Born on the lake and crafted for the lake experience, the product gained praise from friends and family, prompting Sondra and Bryce to bring it to the market. Three wonderful years later, they are proud to offer Lake Life Caesar products across Canada.
Red Island Extracts, Saskatoon, Hanitriniaina Ralaivao
Meet Hanitriniaina Ralaivao from Red Island Extracts. Originally from Madagascar, Hanitriniaina moved to Canada and in 2022, founded Red Island Extracts with her husband, Ryan. With humble beginnings at local farmers markets and fairs, Hanitriniaina works closely with local farmers in Madagascar, emphasizing the significance of sustainable living. Red Island Extracts offers premium, all-natural, small-batch Madagascar vanilla products and gourmet spices. Hanitriniaina aims to elevate your kitchen and baking experience.
SyNK Wellness, Saskatoon, Michelle Braaten
Meet Michelle Braaten from SyNK. After a decade working as a Holistic Nutritionist in the Health & Wellness field, she witnessed her clients struggling with extreme imbalances such as chronic pain and anxiety. Determined to find a solution, she developed a therapeutic practice that allows people to soothe their senses and transition back into a state of homeostasis. Combining the science of weight and pressure therapy with nature and sustainable materials, Michelle also created a product line to soothe both the body and mind.
Simpson Snacks, Stephanie Nimchuk
As a mother of three busy children, snacks have always been a huge part of Stephanie's (and her family) life! When Stephanie was approached with the idea of starting a snack business specialising in the pretzels that were always a huge hit in their house, she couldn't say no! Simpson Snacks has fulfilled her dream of having a business that her whole family can enjoy. Stephanie believes that it's a leap of faith that she is definitely glad they took. "We can't thank the local businesses that we work with–and the people that support us– enough."
Good Spirit Kombucha, Regina - Meet Taylor and Colleen
Good Spirit Kombucha is proud to be a female owned and operated business. Taylor and Colleen handle all aspects of Good Spirit Kombucha's production, distribution, sales, marketing and more! Good Spirit Kombucha focuses on providing an acessible, non-alcoholic alternative to the people of the prairies. What began as a home-brewing project, quickly turned into a growing commercial brewery. You can now find Good Spirit Kombucha, the fizzy functional alternative, in a variety of locations across Saskatchewan.
Manitoba Vendors
Baby Butz Cream, Winnipeg, Majda Ficko
Baby Butz cream was created by mother, Majda Ficko, for her son, who suffered from severe diaper rashes. Majda scowered the market searching for a product to help her son. With no success, she decided to formulate her own diaper rash cream ensuring that all ingredients were natural. The cream worked so well that the doctors who cared for her son encouraged her to sell the product. Today, Baby Butz cream samples are handed out by Pediatricians across Canada and is being used in hospital neonatal units.
Bee Boyzz Honey & Meadery, Oak Bluff, Julie Paseschnikoff
Meet Julie Paseschnikoff. Julie not only dedicates her time as a full-time nurse but also shines as the brilliant entrepreneur steering the success of Bee Boyzz. Her passion is reflected in the exceptional honey, meads, and honey teas the business offers. Balancing the demands of work and family, Julie remains a beacon of environmental consciousness, ensuring the well-being of bees and advocating for their sustainability. Her commitment guarantees a future where these vital pollinators thrive for years to come.
Cocoabeans, Winnipeg, Betsy Hiebert
Betsy Hiebert; the owner of Cocoabeans, is one of seven in her family who have celiac disease. This sparked the idea of creating a bakery offering a variety of gluten-free cookies, cakes, squares, bread and more without sacrificing the texture or taste. From there, it has grown to offer all kinds of foods such as, chicken tenders, onion rings, burgers etc. so that celiacs do not have to give up the foods they love.
Madame Sucrè Bakery, Winnipeg, Kika and Bárbara
Meet Kika Lacerda and Bárbara Besseli, owners of Madame Sucrè Bakery. Drawing from their Brazilian heritage and fueled by an unwavering passion for the vibrant flavors of Brazil, Madame Sucrè emerged as a culinary haven where the essence of Brazilian sweetness and culinary craftsmanship converge in a delightful celebration of taste and culture.
Piccola Cucina, Winnipeg, Pina Romolo
Piccola Cucina was created by the mother-daughter duo, Anita and Pina. Perfecting the amaretti macaroon cookies from generations of family recipes, Piccola Cucina specializes in providing allergy-friendly, certified gluten-free, dairy-free, almond-based products sourced using sustainable practices. Consistently offering nutritious, quality indulgences, and pantry goods that you can incorporate into your daily lives without compromise
Plant Power, Winnipeg, Darci Geiger
Meet Darci Geiger. Darci has been devoted to a plant-based lifestyle since the age of six. As the youngest member in her family, she enjoys creating and sharing unique plant-based alternatives with her loved ones to showcase just how delicious they can be. In 2019, she took the next step and began selling her signature protein-packed meatless jerky at local farmers markets, it quickly gained popularity among vegans and meat-eaters alike. It is now available in numerous retailers throughout Manitoba.
Adagio Acres, Lundar, Meet Amy
Amy started growing and milling organic oats 10 years ago on her family farm near Lundar Manitoba. From farming practices that emphasize biodiversity and ecological balance, to using a variety of "naked" oats that can be milled into flakes with a smaller carbon imprint, sustainability has always been top of mind. In the past few years, the vision has expanded to include milling small batches of grains and pulses from organic farmers across Manitoba to help reduce food waste and support other organic farmers. As a result, the Adagio team has grown as well, welcoming Michelle and Rachel to run machinery, maintain the facility, implement the food safety plan, and put a stop to Amy's haphazard approach to fixing every problem with duct tape. This all-woman team is now the driving force behind the oats, beans and lentils that find their way to porridge pots and soup bowls across the province
Elman's, Winnipeg, Meet Millie
Elman's, a Kosher Company in Winnipeg is a family-owned business since 1938 and was founded by Samuel Finkleman and later passed down to his son Manny. In 2004 the Patriarch of the company , Manny , passed away , leaving the business to Millie. Along with their daughter Payton, they worked hard to keep the business intact and viable. With little-to-no experience, they have managed to succeed in their journey and are now well-positioned to flourish throughout Western Canada, selling their products. Quality products, great service and branding , are what they believe, have been the key to their success. Manny's image on all our labels is a testimony to his legacy for generations to come.
Happy Dance Hummus, Winnipeg - Meet Mary
As a high school music teacher, Mary's homemade hummus was always the first item devoured by her students at every year end party - and everywhere else she brought it. When an international student burst into a happy dance with his first taste, it was clearly time to brand it and get it out there! Demand for her six fresh, unique and award winning flavours quickly spread from farmers' markets to stores, in and beyond Manitoba. Vegan and gluten free, Mary's hummus is delicious for dipping, spreading, snacking and transforming recipes. A great combination of healthy and happy!
Juice Me, Winnipeg - Meet Agata Robb
Juice Me is a small Winnipeg based business that is owned and operated by mom of two, Agata Robb. Her mission is to offer convenient access to all natural Super Shots that can be consumed in a variety of ways. The ingredients in the shots are simply juiced in a cold pressed method or added in their natural form, creating healthy concentrated shots that are frozen and easy to use. The Super Shots can be added to hot water, cold flat / sparkling water, or defrosted and shot straight - you can choose to Sip, Mix, Dilute or Blend!
Ontario Vendors
June & Jo Spice Company, Thunder Bay - Meet Katie Porobic and Audry Gavin
June & Jo Spice Co is a woman owned and operated spice blending company located in Thunder Bay, ON. Katie Porobic and Audry Gavin launched their new business in 2021 and have seen incredible demand for their products in less than a year. Their Texas Original spice blend and Texas Crispy coating mix offer a unique blend of flavours, geared for cooks of any skill level. The pair credit much of their success to the support they've received from their families and local community.
Shumka Dust, Thunder Bay - Meet Kate Shumka
Shumka Dust has 5 different spice blends to kick up your cooking. Having been to culinary school, owner Kate Shumka created Shumka Dust by playing in the kitchen and tossing around different spices. Its how we create all blends now. Kate works alongside her husband Scott and 12-year-old daughter Jordin. Shumka Dust is your go to seasoning, spice, and rub. You can use it on and in everything your heart desires. Five years ago Shumka Dust was born and Kate's hope is that it becomes a global sensation in the years to come.
Sleeping Giant Brewing Company, Thunder Bay - Meet Andrea Mulligan
Northwestern Ontario's largest microbrewery is family-run and Indigenous-owned. Located on the shores of Lake Superior, it was founded in 2011 by Andrea and Kyle Mulligan and born of a passion for craft beer and all things local and artisanal.
Store Owners
Lorianne Domoney from Blackfalds, Alberta
From hiring local staff to supporting local businesses, sports groups, and schools, Lorianne ensures that her team is working together for the betterment of the community. She also believes in the importance of empowering women by showing them the possibilities they can reach all while nourishing new relationships.
Rhonda Camilleri from Lakeview in Calgary, Alberta
Leading her team through positivity, open communication, and encouragement, Rhonda emphasizes the importance of teamwork and goal setting to better support the needs of the community. Her management team is over 80% female, and she is honoured to work with such an amazing group of women.
Marie Eltom from Banff, Alberta
As a member of the school council and other volunteer committees, Marie strives to be a community leader, supporting innovation by providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and seeking opportunities to improve both in-store and through volunteer work.