Your name:  Tara Bosch

Year the company was started:  2015

Company brand tagline: Kick Sugar, Keep Candy

Where are the products made: Vancouver, British Columbia

What is the ‘key ingredient’ that makes your product line special? 

Stevia and plant-based fibre. 

What motivated you to start your company and create the products that we see today? 

Growing up I developed an unhealthy relationship with food, affecting my self-esteem and body image. As I got older, it became apparent that healthy relationships in all aspects of life come from smaller, smarter choices. In a conversation with my grandmother at her kitchen table, I learned that she regretted consuming so much excess sugar over the years, especially from one of our favourite treats to enjoy together – candy.

It was this conversation coupled with my personal journey that sparked my exploration into the shocking reality of sugar. I learned that on any given day we consume in excess of 70 grams of sugar and Americans spend an estimated $1 trillion yearly fighting the damaging health effects of sugar, ranging from obesity to cancer. However, not one confectionery player is addressing sugar reduction in a natural way.

Equipped with my belief that we should feel good about enjoying the foods we love, I bought a gummy bear mould from Amazon and began recipe testing in my kitchen on a quest to create the first candy that kicks sugar. 

What are your company’s core values?

a. Curious Innovators - We are innovators and harness our energy to relentlessly create solutions- All ‘problems’ are opportunities hidden in disguise. 

b. Celebrating Individuality - We believe the uniqueness and individuality of each squad member makes us stronger as a whole. 

c. Fuelled by Passion - We are fuelled by tenacity, passion, and embrace change. 

d. Extreme Ownership - We have a deep sense of accountability, show up with grit, and lead without ego.

e. Honouring Relationships - We are honoured to be included and to be part of our customers’ journey. We are grateful of those that support us – Customers, partners and each other.

If you could tell a retailer three things about what makes your brand different, what would they be?

a. 3g sugar per BAG, 80-90 calories per BAG 

b. Taste! We innovate delicious candy, without the sugar. 

 
c. Kick sugar naturally - Free from added sugar, sugar alcohols, and artificial sweeteners 

What are some of the challenges that you've overcome to bring your business to its current state?

I think it’s important to own your idea and your confidence in the ability that you are capable of making it happen. I really think confidence is everything and key to growing an idea into a business. “Whether you believe you can or can’t, you’re right!” is one of my favourite quotes. When you believe you are capable and are equipped with confidence, any challenge that comes your way (whether it’s related to being young, or not) you’ll overcome.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I have two dogs - Coby, a sheltie, and Wonka (Short for Willy Wonka), a Pug x Boston Terrier. I love taking them into the outdoors to explore nature!