Martin Béland, President

After 5 years in the salmon farming business, in 1992 Martin Béland began selling his own brand of certified organic maple syrup "Canadian Heritage Organics" in and around Vancouver and Victoria. Canadian Heritage Organics was the first readily available brand of certified organic maple syrup in the Western Canadian marketplace and is now a well-established national brand. Martin quickly branched out from strictly maple syrup sales creating "Beland Organic Foods" which has since expanded into almost every category in the natural foods business. This success was achieved through Martin's strong business skills, good ethics, and sheer tenacity. Martin continues today as the president and owner of the Béland Organic Foods. In this role, he oversees all operations and keeps a careful eye open for new Canadian manufacturers that might be a good match for his company's expertise. Because Martin is so dedicated to the hard-working food producers and manufacturers of Canada, he loves to help them achieve their financial and sales goals.

Between business trips all over the country (and all over the world!) Martin enjoys hiking and cycling around his quiet rural home outside of Quebec City. Martin is a true organic foods pioneer whom sees himself as a French and English speaking chameleon in the industry. At the most basic, he'd like nothing more than to share a good meal with anyone in Canada.

"I am very happy and fortunate to be working with all of my highly committed team members." M. Beland.

Linda Boucher, Assistant to the President

Linda Boucher was born in Montreal, Québec, but chose to live in the beautiful green region of Québec City since 15 years. Although Francophone, she is perfectly bilingual, having studied numerous years in English. Throughout the years, she acquired a bachelor diploma in Psychology and a Master's degree in Urban planning. Her great interest for the general well-being of people and the environment in which they live in has lead her to develop a good awareness of organic foods and ecological processes that she wishes to make known to all who share her passion.

After several years working as a professional at the municipal level, Linda is truly pleased to join the Beland Organic Foods team, as Martin Béland's assistant, in order to concretely participate in the promotion of good eating habits and farming practices. She will be assisting with all administrative aspects, including invoicing, answering calls and requests, follow-ups, as well as all other activities required to help maintain BOF's high standards of quality.

When Linda's not at work, you will find her gardening, by or on the lake with her paddleboat at beautiful Lac-Beauport or on a stage singing her heart out!

Vinny Coyne, Western Canada Sales Manager

Vinny Coyne was lucky enough to grow up in the small town of Chilliwack an hour east of Vancouver BC. In his younger days, you could find Vinny on the basketball courts or ball diamonds during the summer months and the hockey arenas in the winter. After several years in the grocery retail industry, Vinny has decided to join the Beland Organic foods Team. With him Vinny brings a passion for food, community and the environment. He believes a strong support of Organic practices will have a positive long term effect on our health and surroundings.

With the exciting opportunity of joining the all Canadian team of Beland Organic Foods, Vinny hopes to help bring awareness to the general public of the importance of supporting organic food and farming practices. As Western Sales Manager, his role is establishing the first contact between head offices of the Western Canadian food retailers, and the distributors that service them. Additionally, Vin Coordinates the activities of the other Western Sales Associates working with Beland Organic Foods and has direct contact with sales reps of each of the distributors in the territory.

When Vin's not at work you will find him at the beaches at home in sunny Kitsilano, Jogging Pacific Spirit Park around UBC and playing as well as coaching hockey in the winter season all around the lower mainland. I am so fortunate to be living in such a beautiful and socially aware country that is continuously becoming more educated and informed on our organic food industry.