Outcast Foods: Transforming Imperfections into Sustainable Delights

Originally Published: Monday, October 18, 2021

In 2017, the founders of Outcast Foods, Darren Burke and TJ Galiardi, embarked on a mission to combat food waste by upcycling visually imperfect or unsellable produce. Their venture involves partnering with grocers, farmers, food producers, and manufacturers across Canada to repurpose unwanted produce into protein powders, dietary supplements, and other plant-based ingredients for wholesale, retail, and consumer use.

Recognized as pioneers in the upcycled food category, Outcast Foods currently operates from its Dartmouth facility and is in the process of constructing a 46,000-square-foot facility in Burlington, Ontario.

CEO Darren Burke, holding a PhD in Exercise Physiology and specializing in supplement development for human clinical trials, was named a finalist in the EY “Entrepreneur of the Year” Atlantic program in June 2021. TJ Galiardi, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer and a former NHL forward, shares the founders’ commitment to promoting sustainable and healthy lifestyles.

The genesis of Outcast Foods emerged from the duo’s observation of significant food waste and their desire to provide a solution. Their innovative approach involves dehydrating fruits and vegetables, giving them a two- to three-year shelf life. This unique proposition presented a substantial opportunity, considering no one else was pursuing a similar path at the time.

The pandemic unexpectedly catalyzed positive changes in the business landscape, leading companies to reevaluate their supply chains and seek local suppliers. Galiardi notes that consumers are also becoming more conscious of their purchasing decisions and their environmental impact.

In a landmark development for Outcast Foods, the company recently closed a $10 million financing round, with District Ventures Capital leading the investment with $5 million, matched by a $5 million contribution from BDC. The company’s growth trajectory includes a planned entry into the US market and further expansion across Canada.

Galiardi acknowledges the significant support received from NSBI (Nova Scotia Business Inc.), highlighting the invaluable assistance provided through programs such as Trade Market Intelligence, Scotians Global Advisors, and the Business Development Program. The Small Medium Enterprise Innovation Rebate Program, offering a $500,000 rebate, has played a pivotal role in facilitating the expansion of their Burnside facility in Dartmouth and boosting export capabilities.

Galiardi emphasizes that Outcast Foods’ impact extends beyond its products. By saving farms and businesses money through waste reduction, generating positive PR, and reducing food waste in collaboration with partners, the company is fostering a chain of positive effects. Every Outcast Foods product purchase contributes to the broader mission of reducing food waste and promoting sustainability.

To delve deeper into the insightful world of Dr. Darren Burke and stay updated on his latest thoughts, discoveries, and professional endeavors, be sure to follow his blog and connect with him on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn. Your journey into the realms of knowledge and innovation awaits!

Reference

https://investnovascotia.ca/articles/outcast-foods-making-beautiful-food-out-ugly-produce

55 comments

  1. Exceptional post however , I was wondering if you
    could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
    Bless you!

    Feel free to surf to my web-site – power supply
    calculator (graph.org)

  2. It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time
    to be happy. I’ve learn this post and if I may I wish to recommend you
    some attention-grabbing issues or tips. Perhaps you can write subsequent articles regarding this article.
    I desire to learn more issues approximately it!

    Feel free to surf to my blog post; power supply calculator

  3. Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your
    articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything.
    But think of if you added some great graphics or video
    clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but
    with pics and videos, this site could certainly be one of the best in its field.
    Fantastic blog!

    Take a look at my web page; power supply calculator; Edythe,

  4. An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who had been doing a little research on this.

    And he in fact bought me dinner simply because I discovered it for him…
    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!

    But yeah, thanx for spending time to discuss this subject here on your web page.

    Here is my web blog: power supply calculator

  5. My coder is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on a number of websites for about a year and am nervous about switching to another
    platform. I have heard great things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can import all my wordpress content into it?

    Any help would be really appreciated!

    Here is my website :: power supply calculator

  6. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  7. Today, I went to the beach front with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it
    to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
    There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  8. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  9. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  10. Ιt’s neaгly impossiЬle to find well-inf᧐rmed people for this tօpic,
    however, you seem liкe yоu know what you’re talking
    about! Thanks

    Stop by my web-site • ɑrtificial lighting architecture (Georgianna)

  11. Normally I don’t learn post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very pressured me
    to check out and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me.
    Thank you, very great article.

  12. I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

  13. Порча от наркотиков — это групповая проблема, обхватывающая
    физическое, психическое равным образом соц
    здоровье человека. Утилизация таковских
    наркотиков, как снежок, мефедрон,
    гашиш, «наркотик» чи «бошки», может привести к необратимым результатам яко для организма, яко равным образом для общества в
    течение целом. Но хоть при выковывании подневольности
    возможно электровосстановление — ядро, чтобы энергозависимый человек обратился согласен помощью.
    Эпохально памятовать, яко наркозависимость врачуется, а
    также реабилитация бацнет
    шанс на новейшую жизнь.

  14. Риск через наркотиков — этто единая проблема, обхватывающая физиологическое, психологическое и соц здоровье человека.

    Утилизация таких наркотиков, как снежок, мефедрон, ямба, «наркотик» чи «бошки», что
    ль родить ко неконвертируемым последствиям как чтобы организма, так и для среды в
    течение целом. Хотя хоть у эволюции подчиненности эвентуально восстановление
    — главное, чтобы зависимый явантроп направился согласен
    помощью. Эпохально запоминать, что наркозависимость лечится, а
    также реабилитация бабахает шанс сверху новейшую жизнь.

  15. Риск через наркотиков — этто групповая хоботня,
    обхватывающая физическое, психологическое (а) также общественное здоровье
    человека. Употребление таких наркотиков,
    яко снежок, мефедрон, гашиш, «шишки» чи «бошки»,
    что ль родить для неконвертируемым
    результатам как чтобы организма, так равно для среды в целом.
    Но хоть у эволюции зависимости возможно восстановление — ядро, чтоб
    энергозависимый явантроп направился согласен помощью.
    Эпохально памятовать, яко наркомания врачуется, и помощь дает
    шансище сверху новейшую жизнь.

  16. Ущерб от наркотиков — этто сложная проблема, обхватывающая физиологическое, психологическое и соц здоровье человека.

    Употребление таковских наркотиков,
    яко кокаин, мефедрон, гашиш, «шишки» чи
    «бошки», может огласить буква неконвертируемым результатам яко чтобы организма, яко (а) также для среды в течение
    целом. Хотя хоть при эволюции связи эвентуально восстановление
    — главное, чтобы энергозависимый явантроп обернулся согласен
    помощью. Эпохально запоминать,
    яко наркозависимость лечится, равным образом восстановление в правах
    бабахает шанс на новую жизнь.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *