Meet the Business Accelerator Program Participants
Savour NB Growth Accelerator & Mentorship Program
Savour NB’s Growth Accelerator & Mentorship Program supports innovative food and beverage entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of New Brunswick’s culinary landscape. It has been made possible by the financial support of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries of New Brunswick.
Learn more about each participating business and how to connect with them.

Alex Cormier & Venesa Speranza
Vibrant Life Meals
Moncton, NB
Driven by a shared commitment to wellness, Alex and his co-founder, Venesa Speranza, launched Vibrant Life Meals to make healthy eating easier and more accessible. With backgrounds in coaching and entrepreneurship, they craft chef-prepared meals that help busy people fuel their lives with intention. Focused on whole foods, transparency, and taste, their business is more than meal prep; it’s a movement toward healthier living for New Brunswickers.

Katherine Lanteigne & Michael Petrovici
Distillerie New Brunswick Distillery
Bathurst, NB
Co-founded by Katherine Lanteigne and Michael Petrovici, Distillerie New Brunswick Distillery blends Romanian spirit-making tradition with the rich flavours of New Brunswick’s Chaleur Region. Inspired by Michael’s family roots, they craft premium fruit brandies and spirits that celebrate local heritage and boost regional tourism. Each bottle reflects their mission: to create spirits that tell a story of place, passion, and community.

David & Sherry Briggs
Briggs Maples
Hillsborough, NB
Briggs Maples is a proud fifth-generation maple syrup operation led by David and Sherry Briggs. With roots in rural New Brunswick and a family tradition of hard work, the business sells high-quality maple syrup and value-added maple products for retail and wholesale, as well as equipment to clients across the Maritimes. David’s entrepreneurial drive, developed early in life, has helped transform the company into a regional leader while preserving its deep agricultural legacy.

Ed Teale
York County Cider
Fredericton, NB
York County Cider has carved out a refreshing niche in the craft beverage scene with bold, flavourful creations like the province’s favourite draft cider, the Strawberry Ciderita. Owner Ed Teale, who pivoted from finance and general contracting to cider-making, brings sharp business acumen and a taste for innovation to his company. His ciders reflect a commitment to quality, local flavour, and creativity that’s earning fans and clients across the province.

Dean Cummings
Speerville Flour Mill
Speerville, NB
Dean Cummings brings decades of leadership to his role at Speerville Flour Mill, a cornerstone of organic food production in Atlantic Canada. After a career spanning finance and healthcare administration, Dean now manages a company that supports local farmers and provides consumers with wholesome, chemical-free, stone-ground grains. His passion for sustainability, community, and food security drives the mill’s mission forward, making it a trusted name among New Brunswick many households.

Jean-Robert (JR) Roy
Les Cuisines Roi Kitchens Ltd
Tracadie, NB
Jean-Robert Roy is the second-generation leader of Les Cuisines Roi Kitchens Ltd, a proudly Acadian company known for its handcrafted quality and community roots. From production to management, JR has helped modernize the business while staying true to its heritage, incorporating family recipes and local traditions into its offerings. When he’s not overseeing operations, JR coaches youth sports and raises his family, exemplifying a deep commitment to both his business and community.

Brad Rideout & Laura Richard
Saltwinds Coffee Company
Douglas, NB
Inspired by maritime traditions and an innovative spirit, Saltwinds Coffee infuses its beans with ocean air, reviving a historical transport method that produces smooth, low-acid coffee. Founders Brad Rideout and Laura Richard, marketing veterans and branding visionaries, have crafted an award-winning product that’s turning heads internationally. With each cup, Saltwinds tells a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and Atlantic Canadian identity—one sip at a time.