4 Diverse-Owned Snack Brands We Love
Canteen’s supplier diversity mission is to proactively identify, build relationships with, and purchase goods from certified diverse suppliers. So, we analyzed the market, run the numbers, and tasted a few things to pick out four certified brands that represent our diversity mission and are trending like crazy. We’re not telling you what to do, but if you haven’t tried these delicious treats, you’re definitely missing out.
Entrepreneur and food connoisseur Keba Konte set out to solve the lack of diversity in the specialty coffee industry with Portland-based Red Bay Coffee. Keba wants nothing more than to bring “Beautiful Coffee to the People” by making delicious fair-trade coffee more accessible to the community and centering impact, purpose, and inclusion in the specialty coffee industry.
In 1964, Fred Ruiz was a college sophomore when his father, Louis, suggested selling frozen authentic Mexican food to local families. With two employees, a couple of appliances, and Grandma Rosie’s recipes, Fred and Louis founded Ruiz Foods. Now lead by Kimberly Ruiz Beck, Fred’s Daughter, this family-owned company has a passion for food and a passion for making a difference. With many organizations like Ruiz 4 Kids, a community service program, and a community grant, Ruiz is ensuring their philosophy holds true. Look for Ruiz Foods or any of their brands, like El Monterey®, Tornados®, and Ruiz 4 Kids®, Artisan Bistro®, Three Bold Brothers™, and Not Your Nonna’s™ in any Canteen Solutions.
Iowa-based BLK & Bold is a relatively young entrant to the specialty coffee and tea scene but has made an impressive impact. As founders, Rod and Pernell are pouring their hearts into great coffee and humanitarian efforts. 5% of BLK & Bold’s profits are donated to support at-risk youth programs locally and nationally. With a mission to be BOLD, this team is storming the stage with good coffee and a greater purpose.
Women-owned Tropical Foods was founded in 1977 by Jerry and Bett York and is now run by their two daughters Carolyn Bennett and Angela Bauer, and son-in-law John Bauer. Tropical Foods sources the highest quality ingredients to create the snacks and mixes that you’ve come to love. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, their kosher and organic production facility roasts nuts and seeds daily and blends over 60 bulk snack mixes. Tropical Foods any of their delicious snack mixes are available in all Canteen solutions.
We love these delicious treats and know you will too. Get any of these and more in your office, Avenue C market, or vending machine. Get started today!