On March 8th, International Women’s Day is recognized by people around the world. It’s a day to celebrate the achievements of women and recognize that there is still work to be done to promote equality for everyone.
This year, Co-op is recognizing two of the many women who work to create delicious Co-op products: Zainab Chaeban with Chaeban Artisan and Cassidy McCord at The Yumy Candy Company.
Co-op Gold Feta Cheese
Chaeban Artisan, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba is where dairy dreams come true. Zainab and her husband Joseph Chaeban are pioneers in cheese, making Canada’s first local soft, creamy feta. The business started with a remarkable story – Zainab’s husband Joseph opened an ice cream shop to offer employment to her family as they fled Syria – and grew to include cheese over the winter. We talked to Zainab about her role.
What do you like best about your work?
I love creating new products and meeting new people every day who come to our shop.
What’s it like being a woman in the food industry?
It’s sometimes challenging but when I see our customers’ faces and smiles when they eat our products, I get chills of happiness and it makes it all worthwhile from the hard work we do.
How do you feel about working with Co-op?
It’s such an honour working with Co-op. Their values align so much: like our core values, community, supporting local – and they’re a trusted brand. We are truly thrilled to be collaborating with Co-op and thankful for this opportunity.
You can find Co-op Gold Feta Cheese in your Co-op Food Store. It’s perfect for pasta sauces, salads or spreading on crackers.
Co-op Gold Low Sugar Plant Based Gummies
Based in Vancouver, B.C., The Yumy Candy Company makes candy for everyone. As the Director and CEO, Cassidy McCord relishes the opportunity to create exciting new foods—especially snacks. We talked to Cassidy about her work.
What do you like best about your work?
Creating low-sugar candies that are both delicious and healthier alternatives to traditional sweets is incredibly fulfilling, especially since I have a major sweet tooth! The small moments I always appreciate are seeing the products on the shelf in-stores. Whether it's in person or seeing photos from others when they spot Yumy products around – it makes me think back to the first year we launched when the whole team would celebrate each new store.
What’s it like being a woman in the food industry?
As a woman in business, you need to be confident and be able to navigate without ego. I entered the food industry back in 2018 taking a sales position and was severely humbled by rejection in the beginning. If I could give one piece of advice it would be to realize not everything is personal, success requires perseverance and patience – so don’t give up!
How do you feel about working with Co-op?
Their commitment to community and sustainability resonates deeply with our values at Yumy Candy. Co-op's focus on supporting local businesses and their dedication to environmental stewardship align perfectly with our goals of fostering community health and minimizing our ecological footprint.
Find Co-op Gold Low Sugar Plant Based Gummies at your local Co-op! They’re a special treat for people looking for a little less sugar in their lives, but no less flavour.
This is a small representation of the talented women Co-op works with to bring our members and customers high-quality Western Canadian-made products. This International Women’s Day, take some time to celebrate women in the food industry!