Recently we announced that Emergence was a contributing partner to the Food Island Partnership‘s Food Xcel initiative: a program designed to help aspiring food entrepreneurs move their business ideas forward.
The inaugural Food Xcel was won by local entrepreneur, Ryan Abdallah, who took home the grand prize. Ryan was selected for his Marouns garlic paste. Ryan has created a garlic paste that has more flavour, is easier to use, and has a longer shelf life than products currently on the market.
Emergence proudly on display at the Food Xcel finals
Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, expressed congratulations to each of the seven finalists; while Heath MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism told us that “food industry innovators help strengthen PEI’s reputation as Canada’s Food Island.”
“PEI’s ability to be a world leader in the food industry is dependent on our ability to create new and exciting products that open new markets, increase exports, and support our primary producers“, MacDonald said.
The Food Xcel program began with 39 entrepreneurs and was narrowed down to seven finalists, who competed at a “pitch off” finale.
Entrants participated in a five phase program that assisted food entrepreneurs through a combination of workshops, networking with food agencies and experts and a chance to compete for a $30,000 grand prize.
Emergence is the virtual business incubator focused on the food-to-dharma spectrum. Emergence companies receive comprehensive support customized to their needs and benefit from access to: experienced mentorship, specialist services, domain and professional expertise, funding & investment, and established networks. Click here to find out more about the Emergence program!