Photo: Kimberly and Tim Stokdijk.
Tim and Kimberly Stokdijk of Stokdijk Greenhouses Ltd. are excited that their “Vine into gourmet line” has been chosen as a finalist in the competition. They’re the only finalist representing the province – and the only agriculture-related entry in the bunch.
The Stokdijk’s plan to add zing to Canadians’ dinner tables with a new line of gourmet spreads and condiments made from their fresh greenhouse produce. To do it, they need to garner the most nods in a three-week long popular vote.
“Our new gourmet line will give Canadians a fresh twist to their meals, without unnecessary preservatives,” says Kimberly. “We know our business can have a vibrant future, and we need all the votes we can get to win the hearts and appetites of people across Canada.”
Timothy learned the art of growing vegetables from his grandfather, who started the family business in 1956. He and Kimberly, a language teacher with a master’s degree in technology integration, gained a decade of first-hand small business experience with their own market farm before taking ownership of Stokdijk Greenhouses in 2010. Since then, the couple—who have four children—has focused on ensuring the company has all the right tools in place to succeed.
The Stokdijk’s views their new line of gourmet spreads and condiments as a way to address the challenge of ever-spiralling costs and shrinking margins. They plan to market the line through their retail grocery network, and in specialty and online stores.
“The Stokdijks have distinguished themselves in many ways,” says Michel Bergeron, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Public Affairs at BDC. “Their plans to grow a made-in-Canada agribusiness show remarkable foresight and have earned the support of their local community.”
To find out more about the competition, view each finalist’s video and cast your vote daily, visit: bdc.ca/yea. The online voting runs from May 22 to June 11 with winners to be announced on June 17. A runner-up will receive $25,000 in consulting services.