Shop local and buy Island Good

Featured in the Spring 2022, Focus Nanaimo Magazine, distributed in the Nanaimo News Bulletin.

If there is one thing the last two years have taught us, shopping local is more important than ever before. Appreciation of our Island producers and suppliers of Island Goods has only grown. As one Island Good fan recently said, “when the spice racks were empty at our grocers, woodfirespice.ca from Gabriola Island was there to supply a variety of spice blends.” 

Consumers want to support their community and environment and the Island Good brand is gaining momentum as a simple, headache-free way to source Island Good products and retailers. 

Recently, Island Good and the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce partnered on a ‘shop local’ initiative. At the beginning of 2022, with a grant from the federal government to reinforce ‘shop local’ promotions and drive a legacy for local business, the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce launched registration for its free online directory of Nanaimo’s local business community at ShopLocalNanaimo.ca. 

Island Good, a key partner in the program, is the brand mark for ‘made on the Island and Gulf Island products’ and ShopLocalNanaimo.ca offered bursaries to a limited number of businesses. 

“Island Good makes such a natural partner for our ‘ShopLocalNanaimo.ca’ campaign. It is an easy visual cue that a product is made right here, or that retailers are focused on local. Providing Island Good products fits with the choices consumers are making more and more these days – sourcing locally derived products for their families. We were happy to help increase the number of Island Good licencees in Nanaimo!” Says Kim Smythe, CEO, Nanaimo Chamber 

“You would be pleasantly surprised to learn of all the producers, retailers and restaurants selling and serving Island made goods.” Says Suzanne Hedges, Relationship and Business Development Manager for Island Good. “There are so many examples!” 

Islanders Fresh Authentic Mexican Salsa, now found in many locations, is made right here in Nanaimo. If you haven’t tried it yet you are in for a treat! Their traditional salsas, use authentic traditional Mexican recipes with fresh whole food and local ingredients. 

A delicious vegan meal at Eve Olive restaurant, located at 5281 Rutherford Road in Nanaimo can be complimented by variety of local wines or Longwood draft beers. 

Longwood Brewery uses hops, barley and other ingredients sourced on Vancouver Island. In fact, over 75% of their barley comes from Central Vancouver Island. Their most recent Cranberry-Citrus sour uses Yellow Point Cranberries. “We like to call ourselves an obsessively local brewery and are proud to be named one of the most local of local breweries in BC.” Said Tracy McLean, Partner. 

Millstone Artisan Gallery, located at 2800 Shady Mile Way, in Nanaimo is full of beautiful Island-made goods. “People come to the island not only for its beauty but also the beauty that is created here. Travelers like to go home with a momento from the Island and residents want to support their communities by buying local. The “Island Good“ brand and directory is making it easy for everyone to do just that.” Says Sue, Millstone Artisan Gallery. 

A visit to Vancouver Island Refillery offers many Island-made options. “Both Shop Local Nanaimo and Island Good are helping us promote a huge diversity of products made on Vancouver Island; from locally made soaps and household cleaners, to delicious coffee and chocolates! Supporting our local economy is really important right now, and what better way than helping small local businesses support each other!” Says Paula, Director, Vancouver Island Refillery. 

“This is just a small sample of the Island-Good selection in Nanaimo” says Hedges. “People want to experience Island Goodness and Nanaimo businesses are definitely stepping up to the plate to provide local selection to consumers.” 

Visit shoplocalnanaimo.ca and islandgood.ca for a full directory of local Nanaimo and Island Good businesses. 

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