Although Canadian food and drink businesses have generally shown tremendous adaptability in adjusting to the ever-changing landscape brought on by COVID-19, for many, the transition to an online-only business model has been challenging.
In response, several larger companies with greater access to resources have stepped up to help.
Last week, Sysco launched the Foodies Unite initiative to offer in-need retailers with product and logistics services, and two weeks before that, Calgary’s Wild Tea Kombucha opened up a collaborative online store to offer small producers an avenue to sell their products.
This week, Coho Collective--whose three Vancouver commissaries provide shared kitchen space, distribution, resources, and industry expertise for a myriad of local food and drink businesses--launched Coho Market.
Similar to the WTK online store, Coho Market will offer a platform for local food and drink brands to sell their products. The website will launch with more than 100 items from local purveyors such as Salty Cabbage Kimchi, Urban Tadka, and Elle’s Kitchen.
"This is our way of celebrating the hard work and the hustle of our members, so they can not only survive these uncertain times, but thrive,” says Andrew Barnes, CEO and co-founder of Coho Collective.
“At the same time, help people discover a new local brand or two. How about some peanut butter and jam cookie dough from KASA Baking, frozen Jackfruit Salan from Urban Tadka, or artisanal sourdough from Susgrainable? There are so many options, and we hope to add even more members to Coho Market in the coming weeks."
Coho Collective is currently providing contactless delivery all across Metro Vancouver. Orders placed by 9 p.m. on Saturday will be delivered the following week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, depending on location. Interested local food and drink businesses can apply to join the commissary online.
