NEWS
GreenTalk with Nuts For CheeseBack to News
25 Nov 2021
What inspired you to create a Canadian Organic and Fairtrade accredited range of dairy-free plant-based butter and cheese products?
As a young vegan I was passionate about the culinary arts and dreamed of a career in the food industry. I began this journey as a vegan chef, where I introduced a plant-based cheese board to the menu that quickly became a hit! In May 2015, I decided to try selling my vegan cheese at a local farmer’s market stand and could have only dreamed the same products would one day grace the shelves of major retailers like Loblaws and Whole Foods.
What were the main challenges you faced in order to get it launched; and are you still facing these challenges today?
In the early days I would rent commercial kitchen space to create my cheeses by hand, late into the night. Scaling production to meet increasing demand as we expanded across Ontario, Canada and eventually the US has certainly posed a few hurdles. Fortunately I am surrounded by my dedicated team and great mentors as we tackle unknown territory.
What were the most memorable, defying moments during this time?
Thinking back, some of our biggest moments include landing our first major Canadian retailer, launching into the US (into 30+ states within a year!), and of course, adding to our team. I still remember driving around in my Corolla, dropping off cheese from a cooler in my trunk at local stores. It’s humbling to see how many people across North America now share the vision that got me started.
What helped you to see it through to the end?
The dedication from my fantastic team inspires me every day. Working together toward the same mission, which is to make delicious vegan products more widely available, is incredibly rewarding.
What are your plans for the next 5 years?
If the next five years are anything like the last, it’s going to be Nuts! By 2026 we hope to be available nationally in the US like in Canada, and to offer a full line of “Nuts For” plant-based dairy products. Stay tuned for the launch of our next product, Nuts For Cream Cheese!
www.nutsforcheese.com
As a young vegan I was passionate about the culinary arts and dreamed of a career in the food industry. I began this journey as a vegan chef, where I introduced a plant-based cheese board to the menu that quickly became a hit! In May 2015, I decided to try selling my vegan cheese at a local farmer’s market stand and could have only dreamed the same products would one day grace the shelves of major retailers like Loblaws and Whole Foods.
What were the main challenges you faced in order to get it launched; and are you still facing these challenges today?
In the early days I would rent commercial kitchen space to create my cheeses by hand, late into the night. Scaling production to meet increasing demand as we expanded across Ontario, Canada and eventually the US has certainly posed a few hurdles. Fortunately I am surrounded by my dedicated team and great mentors as we tackle unknown territory.
What were the most memorable, defying moments during this time?
Thinking back, some of our biggest moments include landing our first major Canadian retailer, launching into the US (into 30+ states within a year!), and of course, adding to our team. I still remember driving around in my Corolla, dropping off cheese from a cooler in my trunk at local stores. It’s humbling to see how many people across North America now share the vision that got me started.
What helped you to see it through to the end?
The dedication from my fantastic team inspires me every day. Working together toward the same mission, which is to make delicious vegan products more widely available, is incredibly rewarding.
What are your plans for the next 5 years?
If the next five years are anything like the last, it’s going to be Nuts! By 2026 we hope to be available nationally in the US like in Canada, and to offer a full line of “Nuts For” plant-based dairy products. Stay tuned for the launch of our next product, Nuts For Cream Cheese!
www.nutsforcheese.com
Margaret Coons - Founder and CEO