Hundreds of people sampled some of B.C.'s best local food vendor products for free at the 13th annual Local Island Showcase organized by Pepper’s Foods on July 18.
"This event is absolutely fabulous. We've come from Vancouver, we got on the 6 a.m. ferry to be here," said Jenny Siormanolakis, president of Grandpa J's Seasoning, one of the vendors.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the showcase took place outside the local grocer, showcasing over 40 vendors which sell their products out of Pepper's. There was everything from empanadas to salsas, cider to salmon burgers on the house courtesy of Pepper's Foods.
There were even surprises, like Camperfect Eats, which sells freeze-dried candy. Picture your favourite candy, but blown up in size and a different texture.
"It takes the liquid out of the candy ... which causes the candy to pop up," said Paula Nguyen, daughter of the business owner. The benefits of freeze drying include the candy lasting longer and delivering a concentrated burst of flavour.
Nguyen has lived in the neighbourhood her whole life and said the event helps the business get exposure.
"We also get to meet all the other vendors that are in Pepper's too."
For Siormanolakis, the event was a chance to break into a new market. Their seasoning company founded in 1995 in Vancouver didn't pivot into retail until the pandemic, to save the business.
"This is our first time at the event, literally we launched these products retail in 2021 and we've now grown into 150 stores in the province without the use of a distributor."
Like other business owners at the event, she had stories to share, like the time Ryan Reynolds "slid into their DM's"
"He wrote on Instagram, 'If this wasn't so good I'd be upset about the name,' referencing their steak seasoning called "Vancity Grind."
Some vendors were long-time returners, but for others like Gina Carrie from Berry Fresh, it was a first.
"It's beautiful. What a wonderful show of community. I'm so happy to see B.C. farms," said Gina Carrie from Berry Fresh.
And, of course, the event was equally if not more fun for the customers who got to sample and chat under the tents on a beautiful summer day.
"I love it. I've been coming here three years and even see my neighbours come here all the time to this event," said shopper Kelly Lafferty, who lives a few blocks away. "I like trying all of the different products. And this neighbourhood is just great for community."
