The Shuswap region's diverse and thriving agricultural sector, ranging from large crop farms to boutique vineyards, dairies, and innovative research-based ventures, is at the forefront of British Columbia's agri-food economy. With exceptional soil quality, a favourable climate, and affordable farmland, the Shuswap is a natural leader in sustainable agriculture and food innovation. Local wineries, breweries, and cideries are earning accolades for their unique flavours, while farms produce a rich variety of grains, produce, and livestock products. The region's robust infrastructure, including the Zest Commercial Food Hub in Salmon Arm, further supports businesses by providing commercial-grade equipment, mentorship, and resources for value-added processing. Conveniently located at the crossroads of major highways, Salmon Arm connects local producers to provincial, national, and even global markets, making it the ideal epicentre for an evolving food and beverage scene that blends tradition, innovation, and community collaboration.
Zest is a non-profit food hub and shared commercial kitchen space designed to support food and beverage businesses across the Shuswap. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale up, Zest provides the tools, space, and guidance to help your business grow. By removing the high upfront costs of food processing equipment, Zest gives entrepreneurs access to a fully licensed kitchen, making it easier to develop products, test new ideas, and expand operations. Our model supports a range of users from long-term anchor tenants and small-batch producers to pop-up vendors and community partners. But Zest is more than just a kitchen. Through hands-on business development workshops and one-on-one consulting, we offer tailored support to help food makers succeed. At the heart of it all is the Zest Network - a vibrant, collaborative community where mentorship, knowledge sharing, and local partnerships thrive. Together, we're cultivating a strong, sustainable food economy in the Shuswap.
