We can always count on fresh fruit for a healthy snack, but did you know freeze-dried fruit is gaining more popularity and is the next best thing in the snacking world? So, why choose it? Freeze-dried fruit can be more nutrient-denser than fresh fruit because it is harvested in season and quickly flash-frozen, ensuring all the good stuff stays locked in, so you get a great-tasting and wholesome snack to enjoy.

Origo Foods is one company getting freeze-dried fruit to the masses with their tasty fruit-on-the-go products. Each flavour bursts with a delicious tang reminiscent of a sweet and tart version of the fruity original. What's even better is that their products have zero preservatives and can be stored for years, saving you space in your fridge and freezer; they're always readily available to munch on when you're looking for something satisfying and nutritious! 

What started as a way to satiate their three children, Origo Foods now produces various 100% real fruit flavours, ranging from blueberry and apple to raspberry, banana and strawberry. Their snacks are gaining quick recognition because they're kid-friendly, easier to digest and travel-friendly. So, whether you're packing these good-for-you treats in your child's school lunch bag or taking them with you on a hike, you can bet that these gluten-free, no sugar added and, best of all, lovingly made in BC treats will continue to be on your healthy food roster for a long time to come.

We had a chance to interview Stone, owner of Origo Foods and here are some of the answers he provided to us:

What do you produce at Origo Foods, and what products do you offer?

Origo mainly focuses on freeze-dried produce. However, we are offering our finest BC fruits to parents in a unique method. So far, Origo carries apples, bananas, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.

What do you or your company stand for?

We aim to give children another option for eating nutritious and easy-to-eat snacks. 100% real fruits, 0% nonsense. 

What's the story behind it all?

We are a family with three children. We understand how frustrating it can be for parents to find good snacks that are healthy and with straightforward ingredients, especially when kids may have an allergy or refuse to eat fresh fruits. Origo is the answer to that problem.

How do you feel about the Lower Mainland and about supporting local businesses?

As a local business, we live and participate in our local community. We aim to help and cooperate with local businesses. For Origo, our job is to source our fruits from local quality farmers and fruit processing companies. We provide our customers with different tastes of all the best BC fruits. Investment remains local, and our economy grows more as a result.

What does the future have in store?

Some tropical fruits and Canadian wild fruits are coming soon.

How has your relationship with your customers evolved over the years?

We have been able to tell our customers about the benefits/differences, and pros/cons between freeze-dried and dehydrated fruits. Working with the farmers’ market since 2019 has brought awareness among consumers - people pay more attention to Origo's products because we carry various local products, 100% BC brand, with only one simple ingredient without any added sugar. Our products are highly nutritious and easy to eat, as we say"100% real fruit, 0% nonsense."

We hope that you've enjoyed this vendor story; if you have any feedback, please do share, and as always support local and love where you are!