An Ontario-grown food product has been recognized by a Québec food contest.
Quinta Quinoa, produced by Guelph-based Quinta Local Superfoods Inc., was named the Best New Product at the Eat Better, Live Better DUX contest on Jan. 24. The competition acknowledges health and nutrition leaders in Canada.
“This is not only a win for Quinta Quinoa but also for Ontario,” said Jamie Draves, president and CEO of Quinta Local Superfoods Inc., in a news release.
“The fact that new Ontario agri-food products are being recognized in other provinces is an important step in the right direction. Quinta Quinoa has twice the protein and fibre and four times the minerals over any other quinoa; this is an Ontario success story, and we are glad to gain recognition across Canada.”
Quinoa is an edible seed used in salad and rice dishes and prized for its high nutritional value.
Several acres of land in Northern Ontario are dedicated to growing Quinta Quinoa each year of production. Future plans include expanding production and opening up a production facility in the North.
In 2015, Draves appeared on the TV show Dragons' Den, during which he negotiated a deal with investor Vikram Vij for a stake in his company.
This is not the first award for the company. Other accolades include a Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence, International Startup of the Year during the VitaFoods Europe Conference, and a spot on the list of Top 10 products during the SIAL Canada food tradeshow in Toronto last May.
