On behalf of its Ontario Made program, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is thrilled to announce finalists for the Inaugural Ontario Made Awards. Finalists for these awards are Ontario manufacturers and retailers that help consumers make informed decisions in increasing the sale and awareness of Ontario-made products.
From December 1st, 2021, to January 7th, 2022, consumers made their voice heard by voting for their favourite manufacturer and retailer in each category. Over 26,000 votes were cast to determine the 12 finalists across four award categories.
Award winners will be announced at Ontario Made’s Virtual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, February 24th, 2022, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Free to attend – Ontarians can show their support for companies in their region by registering here.
Congratulations and good luck to all finalists!
Get to Know the Ontario Made Award Finalists
Manufacturers:
Manufacturer Spotlight Award: Awarded to an Ontario manufacturer that spotlights Ontario Made and “support local” initiatives
Bliss Dough is Ontario’s premium edible cookie dough company. Founded in 2018, Bliss Dough offers safe-to-eat, edible cookie dough in a variety of flavours with vegan and gluten-friendly options available.
Firecracker Pepper Sauce is a Toronto based husband and wife team, hand-making premium Trinidadian style hot pepper sauces. Their ingredients are all natural and fresh, and their sauces are made in small batches without the use of preservatives.
Yellofruit is made in Ontario by family business Froba Products Ltd. The husband/wife duo of Claire Lysnes and Andrew Kinnear created a non-dairy frozen dessert like ice cream, but made with Organic Bananas instead of dairy.
Consumer Awareness Award: Awarded to an Ontario manufacturer that excels at leveraging the Ontario Made logo to raise awareness for locally made products
Brown\'s Concrete has been manufacturing quality products for the Ontario market for 115 years. From construction products to a complete line of hardscape materials, Brown\'s has had a hand in building Ontario one block at a time.
Mama Yolanda’s Gourmet Lasagna started with lasagna and a passion for serving the community wholesome food. With a recipe passed down 7 generations and originating from Abruzzo, Italy, there\'s no beating the taste, texture, and flavour of Mama Yolanda\'s.
NAVA, which means fresh in Sanskrit, is re-inventing the wheel by innovating and creating foods we all love by giving them a healthy twist! NAVA’s main goal is to create grain-free food products that anyone can enjoy guilt-free.
Retailers:
Merchandising Excellence Award: Awarded to an Ontario retailer that demonstrates merchandising excellence of Ontario Made products
The Great Canadian Meat Company was founded back in 1992 in Whitby, Ontario as a two-man operation with one product: their Authentic Dry Pepperoni. Since then, the brand has expanded to include over 80 items - the largest selection of shelf-stable meat snacks in Ontario.
Grey Jay Sales is an Ontario based business that supports the farmers, and retail producers across Ontario to help achieve listings and shelf displays at corporate stores.
Twig Gardens & Co. is a small-town gift and décor store who supports approximately 75 local Artisans, many of whom are from Ontario. Something for everyone and the person who has everything!
Retailer Spotlight Award: Awarded to an Ontario retailer that demonstrates merchandising excellence of Ontario Made products
Red Thread Brewing Company is a socially conscious and locally-focused company that makes great beers using local ingredients wherever possible. They are proud to support local business and use Canadian grown grains in the brewing process!
Special Effects Lifestyle Boutique offers selected Ontario Made products that are carefully curated. Offering an all Ontario Made gourmet market, the boutique also has a commercial kitchen where they host their culinary and gourmet tastings using all of their Ontario Made products.
The Market Shoppe has its roots in the farmers\' markets. They wanted to bring Ontario to customers year-round. In September of 2021, the Shoppe celebrated 8 years of being your source for local. Come in and be welcomed with a smile while supporting dozens of Ontario family businesses in one store!