Vancouver Island’s Own (or VIO for short) of Victoria, BC was born on a dream. Literally! And before the dream started materializing, we asked ourselves, “Why are we starting this company? What benefit is it going to provide for others? Is it going to be beneficial to the planet? What benefit is it going to provide for our family?” We took our time answering these questions, to ensure the answers sat well with us. We wanted to build a company that ticked all the boxes we searched for when shopping for our own family: freshly harvested ingredients from certified organic and local farms; products that weren’t over-sweetened with refined sugars, re-usable & ecologically conscious packaging, an overall low-carbon footprint, food made by a small, local company; and many more. After all of the research, conversations, and efforts, we can honestly say that we are happy and proud to stand behind the business and products that we have created for ourselves and the residents of Victoria, BC and Vancouver Island to enjoy.
So, why did we start VIO?
We started a gourmet trail mix and granola company because we are passionate about making and of course, eating, healthy & delicious food. Trail mix is a handy pick-me-up and hunger-buster for occasions which call for a quick snack and boost of energy. Whether it's commuting, working, exercising, or lounging, it's nice to have the option of a healthy and delicious snack at the ready. One of the things we wanted to ensure about our mixes was that they would satisfy people from all walks of life, not just the typical 'hiking' crowd! Our customers enjoy having our unique mixes at the ready when taking a quick break from work (whether that be at home on the computer, at a job site, or on the go), when they want a healthy 'dessert' in the evening, or even as a substitute for breakfast on busy mornings. Trail mix can satisfy your hunger at any time of the day, and you don't have to feel guilty about having a little more than you need. Granola is a great any-time snack with a plethora of possibilities. We like mixing ours with yogurt for a crunchy, creamy treat, or having a bowl topped with nut milk as a substitute for commercial cereal (which can be full of not-so-great ingredients). So, we decided to create unique, gourmet, organic and vegan mixtures of trail mix & granola. The result has been a delectable journey of its own.
Our mission statement for this company was quite simple: Have fun while providing people with healthy and delicious, freshly made granola and trail mix inspired by all of the adventures that Vancouver Island has to offer. Hence why we named our trail mixes after various trails found throughout the Island. We live on one of the most beautiful, wild, and breathtaking islands in the world! We want to celebrate it by fully immersing ourselves in everything it has to offer, and enjoying quality foods while doing so.
How are we benefiting the planet, our family, and each other?
Planet before profits is our motto. We approached the building of our company and the making of our products from that standpoint. Our priority is, and will always be, reducing waste while providing others with nourishing food. We want to give back (not take away from) the environment to the best of our ability. For packaging our products, we chose glass jars above all else due to their nearly endless life-cycle and ability to keep foods fresh, and safe for consumption. We also utilize 100% recycled and recyclable labels, which are also chlorine-free. We want to feel good about what we are putting out into the world, and with this company, we can confidently say that we do!
Communities thrive on the support of the individuals within them and the unique skill sets and knowledge that each person provides. We understand the success of our community and environment is intertwined with our own. That’s why we have done our best to keep our tasteful ingredients as local as possible and support our neighbours close to home. Our ingredients are sourced from organic farmers located here on Vancouver Island, as well as within BC, Ontario, Alberta, and Northern California (for our nuts and seeds). The vegan chocolate in our clusters and organic maple syrup used to sweeten our granola is made right here in Canada, and our packaging is sourced locally as well. While we are not a certified organic company, every ingredient we use is from certified organic farms!
So, Victoria, BC and all of our fellow islanders, we hope you enjoy our granola and trail mix as much as we do, as well as all of the beautiful hikes and trails this island has to offer. Thank you for all of your support!
Vancouver Island’s Own is a family-owned and operated business specializing in gourmet, vegan, and organic granola & trail mix, handmade with love in Victoria, BC. We believe in encouraging others to explore and connect with the environment in order to ensure our collective well-being.
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