Happy 20th Anniversary Nature’s Emporium!

One of our beloved retailers is celebrating a milestone that can’t go without sharing; the 20th anniversary of Nature’s Emporium!

The Nature's Emporium Family

A Costume Themed Nature’s Emporium Family Portrait

Over the last 20 years of being in retail, there have been many important lessons learned by the Nature’s Emporium family. The one that sticks out the most for them is realizing the profound value of trust. Ryan Dennis, Director of Communications, describes how it is involved in their day-to-day business,

“Our customers come to us for so many reasons – personal health or for a loved one, concern for the environment are but just a few. They entrust us with tremendously personal information and needs. By responding to that gesture with the respect and humility it warrants, we give them a reason to come back – and we gain the opportunity to build meaningful relationships that span through the years!”

Inside Nature's Emporium

Inside Nature’s Emporium

By playing a major role in the organic movement in the GTA, Nature’s has been able to see first-hand the growth of the industry. Dennis explains that their gratitude steams from the people they’re surrounded by,

“Really, this would not have been possible but for the steadfast support and effort of our incredible team, our amazing vendors and – more than anything – our customers, who have been with us every step of the way. This is truly an accomplishment that we’ve made together. The fact that we’re all able to share in more fresh, vibrant natural & organic foods than ever before, at prices that get better every day – that’s the real reward.”

The Nature's Emporium Family

The Nature’s Emporium Family

Even with 20 years of experience under their belt, Nature’s faces challenges every day, from seasonal availability to varying rates of public awareness to supply fluctuations. However, they don’t let these challenges stop them; they’ve taken these as opportunities to grow and improve the way their customers are served, as Dennis describes,

“We look for unique avenues to reach out to new audiences, through efforts like our three-year nutrition mentorship role with the NHLPA (National Hockey League Players’ Association) and Allstate in their “All Canadians Mentorship Program”. We build strong partnerships with local growers and suppliers [like Yorkshire Valley Farms!]. It’s a daily adventure, and we love it.”

Every year, Nature’s Emporium throws a holiday party for its staff members. This year, not only did they celebrate their 20 year mark but they also took home their third win in a row of the Brock Elliott Memorial Award for Excellence in Retail at the 2013 CHFA (Canadian Health Food Association) Awards. It doesn’t stop there! Nature’s is also celebrating the opening of the brand new Vaughan location!

Celebrating the Nature's Emporium Way!

Celebrating the Nature’s Emporium Way!

Here’s to 2014 and the next 20 years in organic retail to our old friends, Nature’s Emporium!

#YVFChickenRun

Since June, July and August are the months of beautiful weather and fun festivals, we decided to make the best of it all and hit the road with our organic chicken. This summer we partnered with 5 food trucks that visited various retailer locations and the hottest festivals of the summer, and served up Yorkshire Valley Farms inspired dishes.

Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Tacos from El Gastronómo Vagabundo

Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Tacos from El Gastronómo Vagabundo

Folks tasted our chicken at Flavours of Niagara Festival with El Gastronómo Vagabundo, Toronto Beaches Jazz Festival with Gorilla Cheese, Spalsh Festival and Riot Fest with The Feisty Jack, and the Oakville Waterfront Festival with Gourmet Gringos. Not one weekend was wasted!

Krystian Catala of Gourmet Gringos at Oakville Waterfront Festival

Krystian Catala of Gourmet Gringos at Oakville Waterfront Festival

The line-ups continued at major retailers such as Nature’s EmporiumLongo’s and The Real Canadian Superstore. Matt Basile from Fidel Gastro’s and his food truck, Priscilla, parked outside of the stores and handed out free samples of his famous sandwiches and tacos filled with our organic chicken. It’s safe to say there wasn’t much left over.

Nature's Emporium with Fidel Gastro's

Nature’s Emporium with Fidel Gastro’s

We had such a wonderful time with this program because between retailers and festivals, we were able share our wholesome, organic chicken to new fans and friends, along with the old. We take pride in the food we produce; it’s important to us to that consumers are aware that good food is within arm’s reach.

Apple Butter Wings from The Feisty Jack

Apple Butter Wings from The Feisty Jack

The other highlight of this venture was that these 5 incredible food trucks integrated our organic chicken into their menus. Our chicken was grilled, smoked and fried up into these delicious dishes:

Chicken Tinga ~ Gourmet Gringos

Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Tacos ~ El Gastrónomo Vagabundo

Smoked Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches ~ Gorilla Cheese

Indian Chicken Tikka &  Apple Butter Wings ~ The Feisty Jack

Talk about variety!

Smoked Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Gorilla Cheese

Smoked Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Gorilla Cheese

A big thanks goes out to El Gastrónomo Vagabundo, Gorilla Cheese, The Feisty Jack, Gourmet Gringos and Fidel Gastro’s for making our summer filled with fun and great food. The summer may be over, but it will never be forgotten!