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Founder Irah Vet explains the benefits of Hornby Organic's end of line product inspection and safety equipment!
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Our Company
Rooted on Hornby Island
Our story begins on the incredible gulf island of Hornby, where life is slow - in the best way. It’s home to a special kind of people who are self-reliant and do things a little differently.
A Family Legacy of Organic Goodness
Our founder, Irah, grew up surrounded by organic farming. But it was Irah’s hard-working mom to whom we owe a big “thank you.” Our recipe comes from her ever-popular Hornby Island Energy Balls, which she spent years perfecting.
At five years old, Irah had his first peek into the world of entrepreneurship. He helped his mom load up their old station wagon and deliver the family’s much-loved energy balls to health food stores all over Vancouver Island.
The "AHA" Moment
Years later, Irah had his own opportunity. He asked himself, "What if I could share my mom’s recipe with the rest of the world?" That was the "aha" moment that sparked the creation of Hornby Organic.
A dream in action
Irah and his trusty sidekick (and girlfriend) Cayleigh converted an old garage on his parents’ property into a modest food facility where Irah’s entrepreneurial dream expanded. Together, the couple worked tirelessly: bootstrapping, maxing out credit cards, and relying on the support of family and friends to get Hornby Island Energy Bars off the ground.
A Growing Business
Like many growing businesses, they busted out of the seams of their small start-up facility on Hornby Island. The founders packed their bags to head to Vancouver Island, where they founded a facility in Comox. Within this new space, with new flavours, a new baby, and a new packaging robot (built by Irah), they rebranded.
A NEW NAME,
A NEW BEGINNING
Hornby Island Energy Bars became Hornby Organic and, at the same time, became the first company in Canada to produce a Canadian Certified Organic energy bar – all without raising its prices to the consumer.
We’re in for the Long Haul
Our mission has always been to make affordable organic food without our planet and customers paying the price.
What has changed is our vision. We’ve realized that the smallest of places can have a big impact. We’re not here just to feed others, but also to foster a community of inspiration moving towards an organic future for everyone.
Proving that it can be done when people and our planet are put before profit!
At the heart of Hornby Organic is a passionate team that believes in the power of community and organic food.
Our founders, Irah and Cayleigh, started the company with a shared vision and a commitment to making organic food accessible for everyone. But they’re not doing it alone.
From the early days of bootstrapping in a small garage to the continued growth of Hornby Organic, our team has worked tirelessly to bring the best organic products to life. Every member of the Hornby Organic team is driven by the same core values: humility, curiosity, and responsibility.
We are a close-knit, dedicated group of people who believe in what we do, and together, we’re committed to building a healthier and more sustainable future. We’re all in this for the long haul—and we’re just getting started.
Stay Humble
We’re real people, making real food.
Be Curious
We’re always seeking new ways to improve.
Be Responsible
Our food shouldn’t hurt the planet.
CANADIAN MADE
CERTIFIED ORGANIC
GLUTEN-FREE
DAIRY-FREE
SOY-FREE
CANADIAN MADE
CERTIFIED ORGANIC
GLUTEN-FREE
DAIRY-FREE
SOY-FREE
CANADIAN MADE
CERTIFIED ORGANIC
GLUTEN-FREE
DAIRY-FREE
SOY-FREE
AS SEEN IN
We’re proud to have been featured in press articles, awards, and media that celebrate our commitment to organic food and community.
Hornby Organic Energy Bars and new O-Snack Bars are tremendously popular as healthy, grab-and-go, gluten-free snacks.
