TORONTO – The last day of the Toronto SIAL show was busy and full of excitement for exhibitors. Most, I’m sure, were fully fatigued.
One exhibitor in particular – from Nanashake and Nanapops Company – a dairy free, gluten free, “vegan smoothies on a stick”, were excited to receive the Gold Award for the sixth edition of the Startup Pitch Competition at SIAL Canada, 2025. It is a category in the contest reserved for new companies in the food and beverage industry, either Canadian or International who demonstrate innovation, sustainability and food security.
Tamara Al Dip, owner of Nanashake, and her team happily shared a tasting of the product and shared their story. The company prides itself on using wholesome ingredients with minimal refined sugar added. There are many flavours, including mango banana, strawberry banana and chocolate banana. I tasted the banana pistachio popsicle. Plant based, it was like eating slices of banana bread and nuts for breakfast. Their products are all currently found in local specialty food stores and grocery stores across Canada.
As I ventured through the hall at the SIAL show in the Enercare Centre on the old Exhibition Grounds, I came across another exhibitor buzzing with excitement.
Fortunati Stocchi, an Italian artisanal company located just outside of Spoleto, in Umbria, and known for their truffles and truffle-based products, was awaiting news of their final positioning in the SIAL Innovation Category.
That category is reserved for agriproduction companies whose products are shaping future consumption markets. While we were speaking, Fortunati Stocchi was identified as among the top 50 of 200 entries. Gabriele had mentioned that it was a very difficult category with stiff competition. They had entered their Summer Truffle Slices product in a new grinder packaging.
Emanuela, Maria Stella and Gabriele, collaborators on his team, all complimented the work of their artisans back home. They work with a variety of truffles from the region to prepare unique products combining pastas, creams, cereals, cheese and honey with truffle infusion.
Toward the end of the day, I spoke with Sara Bua from La Deliziosa O.P. She came to promote her Sicilio (Prickly Pear) Juice. She was very excited with the feedback received from visitors and distributors in Toronto.
Sara noted that there is a demand for authentic Italian products here in Canada. She was pleased to hear that Italian products are used as a standard for high quality healthy food. La Deliziosa O.P. used to ship prickly pears to Canada. However, transportation costs, logistics and trade routes became a problem. Sara was happy to receive inquiries about exports of both prickly pears and blood oranges from Sicily once again. One guesses the debate on tariffs helps.
When asked if she believes there is a market for Prickly Pear Juice with no added sugars here in Toronto, Sara says “absolutely”. Toronto is a multicultural city with mixed cuisine, but I noticed there is a push to live a healthy lifestyle here. It’s amazing!”
Sara continues excitedly “By the way, the new name for the juice, starting next month, will be Sicilio Mineral Power. One of its characteristics is the natural concentration of Magnesium, Calcium and Potassium in the mixture”.
Sara tells me that rules for agriculture and agribusiness certifications in Italy are very stringent. “Our produce is grown without pesticides and free of chemicals. The land around Mount Etna provides the Cactus Plant with all the minerals it needs to grow. We simply add passion and effort into protecting those qualities”.
In the photos: representatives of NanaShake, Fortunati Stocchi and La Deliziosa O.P.
