(March 8, 2023 – Vancouver, British Columbia) - Virchew is thrilled to announce their inclusion in Game Changers: Leading Companies. Powered by Women, an initiative led by Natural Products Canada (NPC). This new list of over 100 companies provides an interesting look at the women leading Canada’s growing natural and bio-based industries. Virchew is creating a powerful new paradigm in canine nutrition for humanity’s best friend. Supported by trailblazing veterinary nutrition programs, Virchew serves up the first plant-based meals and treats for dogs.

Not a typical kibble company, Virchew has created innovative, 100% plant-based food using raw or lightly processed Canadian and North American non-GMO ingredients. Their unique dry foods do not require typical extruding or cooking methods, therefore using a fraction of the energy that most production methods require, and they ship directly from their production facility to customers' doors across Canada.

Founder Laura Simonson shares: “We are the first woman-owned plant-based brand for dogs supported by groundbreaking veterinary nutrition programs that focus on dietary solutions for common health issues in dogs. Our direct-to-consumer and vertical business model, innovative foods, and timely entry into a fast-expanding marketplace have seen our customer base tripled, and sales grew significantly in 2022. We are excited to expand to international distribution by 2024.”

NPC is a national organization that supports bio-based innovation, and this first of its kind Game Changers report showcases the breadth of female leadership in Canadian companies that are creating economic and social impact through their natural and bio-based products. The report features companies from across the country with products designed for consumers seeking new options for their health and wellness such as food, beauty and personal care items, as well as industrial products such as bio resins and biopesticides that help corporations looking to reduce their carbon footprint and meet their sustainability goals.

“Canadians should be proud of these innovative companies that are delivering better, healthier options for people and the planet,” says Shelley King, CEO, Natural Products Canada. “The women leading these companies are truly making a difference, and we are very proud to provide this platform to introduce them to new customers and partners.”

Game Changers: Leading Companies. Powered by Women is sponsored by TD.

The Game Changers report can be accessed at www.canadiangamechangers.ca

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Media inquiries:

Contact Information 

Laura Simonson, Founder

Virchew 

Telephone/Text: 778-968-8880

email: laura@virchew.com

Natural Products Canada (NPC) is the driving force behind Canada’s Natural Product Innovation Cluster–a strategic and diverse community focused on the development and commercialization of naturally-derived products and technologies in health and life sciences, natural resources, agriculture and agri-food, and sustainable bioproducts. As part of its role in the Cluster, NPC offers in-depth advice and a suite of commercialization programs to Canadian early-stage companies and research institutes; provides connections and innovation scouting services to corporations and investors; and leverages an investment fund (NPC Ventures) to help develop and de-risk promising Canadian opportunities. NPC has received financial support from the Government of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund, administered by the department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and the Centre of Excellence in Commercialization and Research (CECR) program, administered by the Networks of Centres of Excellence.