VANCOUVER – British Columbians of all ages can look forward to the return of B.C. blueberries at over 100 White Spot and Triple O’s participating locations this summer, as part of a new Buy BC partnership with the restaurants to promote this local ingredient.
“This partnership means more support for our agricultural industry and reaching new markets and consumers all over the province,”said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture. “Working alongside White Spot and Triple O’s will help highlight the Buy BC brand, which encourages British Columbians to purchase products grown or produced here at home.”
Popham was joined by Warren Erhart, White Spot president, suppliers and industry members to kick off the Buy BC campaign at the White Spot home office in Vancouver. This partnership highlights White Spot and Triple O’s continuing commitment to supporting local farmers and producers and to raising awareness of the Buy BC brand. White Spot and Triple O’s are the first restaurant chains to join the Buy BC program.
White Spot will allocate a portion of the Buy BC partnership program funds to support internal initiatives that take graduates of its in-house Red Seal training program on tours of farms, fields and pastures around the province to further their learning on the importance of supporting and buying B.C. products.
“We are excited to enter into this partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture,”said Erhart. “It not only reinforces one of our core beliefs in supporting the many people and companies in B.C. that provide us with fresh, local ingredients, but also gives our Red Seal chefs the opportunity to make a direct, personal connection with the people behind the products firsthand.”
Starting on July 8, 2019, blueberry milkshakes made with B.C. berries and Island Farms ice cream will be available at 102 Triple O’s and White Spot locations, and starting on July 15, White Spot will begin featuring its popular B.C. blueberry pie. The Buy BC logo will be featured on menus and point of sale materials, reaching as many as one million guests visiting the restaurants located around the province each month.
Established in 1928, White Spot has been leading the way in serving its guests more fresh, locally grown ingredients than any other full-service restaurant chain in the province. Its menus feature B.C. produce and products, such as chicken, artisan greens, eggs, locally baked buns and potatoes. The restaurant’s support of buying local also includes its 100% BC VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) wine list and B.C. craft beer offerings.
The Buy BC Partnership Program is providing $2 million per year until March 2021 to help eligible applicants with their marketing efforts using the Buy BC logo on their products or promotional materials to help consumers easily identify their product as a B.C. product.
Increasing the demand for local products means B.C.’s farmers, seafood producers and processors are providing British Columbians with high-quality, great tasting products and contributing to local economies and food security in communities all over B.C.
To learn more visit buybc.gov.bc.ca
Contact:
Jill Milne
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Agriculture
778 676-4460
