Date published
March 3, 2026
At Calgary Co-op, we’re proud to spotlight the incredible women behind some of the brands you know and love. From everyday staples to specialty favorites, these founders and leaders are building businesses rooted in passion, quality, community, and purpose.
Here’s a closer look at the women shaping the future of food.
Burnbrae FarmsMargaret Hudson | President & CEO
For over 80 years, Burnbrae Farms has been a trusted name in Canadian eggs. Today, it is a majority female-owned business, certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise and led by Margaret Hudson alongside her siblings.
Burnbrae has long championed women in leadership and continues to demonstrate how strong values and innovation can thrive together. It is a brand that reflects commitment, quality, and forward-thinking leadership in Canadian agriculture.
Tisto FactoryAnna Posikera | Chief Marketing Officer
At Tisto Factory, tradition meets creativity. Built on a secret dough recipe passed down from grandmother to granddaughter, this family-run business transforms perogies into something truly special.
Made with fresh herbs, vegetables, and a little touch of love, Tisto Factory pushes the boundaries of ordinary comfort food. Every bite tells a story of heritage, heart, and bold flavour.
Nuts For Cheese™Margaret Coons | Founder & CEO
Margaret Coons, Founder and CEO of Nuts For Cheese™, is redefining dairy-free indulgence. What began at a local farmers’ market in 2015 has grown into an award-winning, nationally distributed brand.
With artisan, organic, plant-based cheeses, dips, and cream cheeses, Nuts For Cheese™ proves that dairy-free can be rich, satisfying, and full of flavour. Margaret’s mission is simple: create exceptional cheese alternatives for cheese lovers everywhere.
Summer Fresh SaladsSusan Niczowski | President
Susan Niczowski started Summer Fresh in her basement alongside her mother, experimenting with fresh, homemade recipes. With a BSc in Chemistry and a passion for real food, she saw an opportunity to create healthy, convenient, ready-to-eat products long before it was a trend.
More than 30 years later, Summer Fresh is a North American staple known for small-batch hummus, dips, and salads made from simple ingredients. Susan’s Food is Fashion™ philosophy continues to inspire innovation season after season, earning national recognition and numerous awards along the way.
Crave CupcakesJodi Willoughby & Carolyne McIntryre Jackson | Co-founders
Founded by sisters Jodi and Carolyne, Crave Cupcakes began with cherished family recipes and a love of from-scratch baking. Since opening their first Calgary bakery in 2004, Crave has grown to seven locations across Western Canada.
They have also introduced bake-at-home mixes so customers can recreate their signature, preservative-free treats in their own kitchens. It is baking rooted in family, tradition, and pure joy.
Bone to BrothKayla & Jodi | Co-founders
Born from friendship and a shared passion for nourishing whole foods, Bone to Broth was created by two women determined to support their families through clean, restorative eating.
What started with simmering pots in their kitchens became a business grounded in slow, intentional processes and real ingredients. Every batch reflects their belief that food, when made properly, can truly support wellness.
Three Farmers FoodsNatasha & Elysia Vandenhurk | Co-founders
Sisters Natasha and Elysia Vandenhurk teamed up with three farmers in Southeast Saskatchewan to bring wholesome, nutritious foods to more tables.
Elysia, a Red Seal Chef, brings culinary creativity to product development, while Natasha’s background in Economics fuels strategic growth. Together, they have built Three Farmers Foods from humble beginnings into a globally recognized brand rooted in community and quality.
The Spice ChicaMarina Mellino | Founder
More than 25 years ago, Chef Marina left Argentina and made Calgary her home. Inspired by family traditions, she began crafting her signature Chimichurri sauce to bring authentic Argentine flavours to Canadian kitchens.
Today, The Spice Chica’s bold and versatile sauces elevate everything from grilled meats to pasta and tacos. It is a celebration of culture, heritage, and the joy of sharing great food.
EquifruitJennie Coleman | President
Fifteen years ago, Jennie Coleman did not know much about bananas. Today, she is leading a movement to transform the global banana industry.
As President of Equifruit, one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies and the leading Fairtrade-certified banana importer in North America, Jennie is on a mission to change the hidden cost of cheap bananas. Her focus is on fair wages, better working conditions, and sustainable practices for growers and plantation workers.
Since taking over the company in 2013, Jennie has grown Equifruit from moving 50 containers annually to moving that same volume in just three weeks. That growth has translated into real social impact, with nearly one million dollars in Fairtrade premiums contributed last year alone.
Equifruit is proving that everyday staples can drive meaningful change, benefiting both farmers and families.
These brands are more than products on our shelves. They represent leadership, resilience, innovation, and a commitment to doing business differently.
The next time you shop, look for these women-owned brands and discover the stories, passion, and purpose behind every product. When you support them, you are supporting entrepreneurs who are shaping a stronger, more equitable future in food.