Heather Nichol, AKA "The Cracker Lady", decided to create a line of gourmet crackers in the summer of 2001. At that time, there were no locally made crackers in the market, and what was there had sugar, yeast, and a number of other things that Nichol felt took away from a rich, bold flavour. Also, Nichol was passionate about having a cracker that would compliment the first sips of a beautiful wine. "Too many ingredients clog up the palate, especially at the beginning of the evening, so simplicity was key". After months of recipe testing, package design, and securing a commercial kitchen, Gone Crackers were in production. To the surprise of Nichol's friends and family who were shaking their heads at her latest entrepreneurial quest, the first deliveries of Gone Crackers were on their way to stores by that December.
Since then, Gone Crackers have found there way into many stores, restaurants, and wineries. Nichol not only is pleased with the nod from most of B.C.'s best wineries, but adds that "Every summer, it's like being on an extended holiday, with some business mixed in!" Says Anthony Gismondi, one of Canada's top wine critics of Gone Crackers, "Šone of the best pairings for wine tasting since it met cheese".
All along the way, Gone Crackers has been committed to supporting local businesses. Striving to purchase ingredients and packaging locally has led to long-term relationships with suppliers. Heather notes, "When there is mutual loyalty and respect, it really makes it a pleasure doing business for us all." She realizes that purchasing off shore could save her money, but with long term local relationships, she knows where her materials come from to make up the end product. "I can feel confident in safety standards for my customers."
Flavours currently available include Blue Cheese & Cracked Pepper, Parmesan & Rosemary, Olive oil & cracked pepper, Roasted Shallot & Herb, and Canadian Cheddar & Chive, As well, her 'Undressed' flavour was designed as palate cleanser to be enjoyed between sips of wine, but their delicate flavour found its own fans much to Nichol's surprise.
Find Gone Crackers at fine food stores in Metro Vancouver such as Capers Whole Foods Market, Edible BC, Gourmet Warehouse, Stong's, Urban Fare and more. For the full list, visit http://www.gonecrackers.ca
FEATURED NEWS
NOWBC Co-op (Neighbours Organics Weekly) is a 50% volunteer run community food enterprise. We are committed to fostering a sustainable, local food system in BC. Our mission is to build community around sustainable choices by connecting local farmers and food processors with consumers.
NOWBC offers an on-line farmers market with a selection of healthy, fresh, and seasonal organic produce. Customers are able to place order on a weekly basis with groceries delivered to depots throughout Metro Vancouver. Our suppliers are local, and include Fair Trade producers and processors.
In addition to food delivery, NowBC is proud to support CityReach Care Society’s “Food for Families” Food Bank Program.
Please visit our website: www.nowbc.ca for our complete selection of our BC produce, dairy, meat and seafood and grocery items.
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