Tony Singh’s Fruiticana won the Premier’s People’s Choice Award, which is unique in that it went to the company that proved they had the support of their community by receiving the most online votes.
By R. Paul Dhillon
VANCOUVER – Tony Singh’s Fruiticana was the big winner at the 11th Annual SBBC Awards organized by the Small Business BC and the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
The competition was fierce, and the winners had to prove their excellence among a group of 417 nominated businesses in 9 different award categories. The winners were selected after at the conclusion of an intense five-month process that involved online voting, applications and live pitches to a judging panel.
Singh’s Fruiticana won the Premier’s People’s Choice Award, which is unique in that it went to the company that proved they had the support of their community by receiving the most online votes.
“We created the Premier’s People’s Choice Award to recognize small businesses at the heart of their communities,” said Premier Christy Clark. “Congratulations to Fruiticana Produce and to all the nominees. By expanding your businesses and spurring innovation, you are all contributing to the growing culture of entrepreneurship in British Columbia.”
Headquartered in Surrey, Fruiticana Produce Ltd. is a wholesaler of South Asian groceries and produce. It supplies to 17 individually-owned Fruiticana retail stores in BC and Alberta.
Fruiticana Produce has arrangements with over 30 farms in BC, US, Mexico and India which exclusively grow produce. Fruiticana believes in giving back to the community and supports many local charitable organizations and fundraising events through donations, either product-based or monetary.
This year was the first that the Best International Trade, Best Workplace and Premier’s People’s Choice awards were distributed.
The Province of British Columbia is also sponsoring the Premier’s Prize of $1500 cash to the winners of all nine award categories.
“The selection process was extremely tough with such strong, smart and innovative entrepreneurs representing our province,” said CEO of Small Business BC, George Hunter. “We are extremely proud to help showcase the diverse talent and tremendous determination that exists amongst B.C.’s entrepreneurs. We congratulate the winners of the Small Business BC Awards and hope to see even more businesses recognized for their success next year.”
Here is the list of all of this year’s winners:
Best Community Impact: Bamboletta Dolls Ltd.
Best Company: Everybody Loves Rewards Inc. (Save Everyday)
Best Concept: Medeo Corporation
Best Employer: Fully Managed Inc.
Best Green Business: Eclipse Awards International Inc.
Best International Trade: Xanatos Marine Ltd.
Best Online Marketer: Make It Productions Inc.
Best Workplace: i-worx Enterprises Inc.
Premier’s People’s Choice: Fruiticana Produce Ltd.
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