Your name:  Max Jamshidian, Behnoush Maherani

Year the company was started:  2022

Where are the products made: Barrie, Ontario, Canada 

What is the ‘key ingredient’ that makes your product line special? 

The key ingredient that makes our product line special is our use of upcycled, nutritious ingredients like quinoa, carrots, spinach, and brewer’s spent grain, transforming unused food byproducts into delicious, very high-fiber, high-protein meals.

What motivated you to start your company and create the products that we see today? 

The key ingredient that makes our product line special is our use of upcycled, nutritious ingredients like quinoa, carrots, spinach, and brewer’s spent grain, transforming unused food byproducts into delicious, very high-fiber, high-protein meals.

What are your company’s core values?

1. Sustainability: We are committed to minimizing food waste and promoting eco-friendly practices through upcycling and sustainable sourcing.
2. Innovation: We continuously strive to develop unique and nutritious products that meet evolving consumer needs and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
3. Quality: We prioritize the highest standards in our ingredients and production processes to ensure exceptional taste, nutrition, and safety.
4. Health and Wellness: Our products are designed to support overall health and well-being, providing high fiber, high protein, and allergen-free options that cater to diverse dietary requirements.
5. Integrity: We operate with honesty and transparency, building trust with our customers, partners, and communities.
6. Community: We believe in giving back and supporting the communities we serve, fostering a positive impact on both local and global scales.

If you could tell a retailer three things about what makes your brand different, what would they be?   

• Exceptional Nutrition: Our meals are very high in fiber, protein, iron, and potassium, meeting a wide range of dietary needs with clean label, allergen-free, and additive-free options. They are versatile and can be enjoyed cold, at room temperature, or warm, making them ideal for various occasions.
• Commitment to Health and Wellness: Our products are designed with a focus on health and wellness, providing nutritious meals that are recommended by doctors and nutritionists. They cater to diverse dietary requirements, including gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, dairy-free, meat-free, and egg-free options, ensuring inclusivity and promoting overall well-being.
• Upcycled Ingredients for Sustainability: Green Bowl Foods specializes in creating delicious, ready-to-eat meals using upcycled ingredients like quinoa, carrots, spinach, and brewer’s spent grain. This not only reduces food waste but also supports environmental sustainability and helps tackle food security issues.

What are some challenges you've had to overcome to bring your business to its current state?

• Market Acceptance and Education: Introducing upcycled food products required educating consumers and retailers about the benefits of upcycling and the nutritional value of our meals. We worked hard to communicate our mission and the positive environmental impact of our products, gradually building trust and acceptance in the market.
• Scaling Production: Manufacturing our products presented a unique challenge, as there were no co-packers available for our specific requirements. We decided to invest in fully automated, cutting-edge technology machines to produce our meals in-house, ensuring quality control and scalability.
• Securing Distribution Channels: Establishing partnerships with major distributors and retailers was crucial for our growth. We successfully navigated the competitive landscape to secure distribution through LCG Foods, making our products available in key retail locations.