From orchard to aisle: Farming Karma is shaking up Western Canada's beverage industry

In a time when agricultural ventures seem to be struggling to find a sustainable path, Farming Karma, a local Okanagan beverage company, is proving that innovation and perseverance can yield remarkable success. Founded by Binny Boparai and Avi Gill, the company has grown from a small operation at local farmers' markets to securing a major distribution deal with Costco, expanding its reach across four provinces in Western Canada.

Farming Karma, which began as an extension of the Gill family's farming legacy, has become a shining example of how agricultural roots can be transformed into a thriving business. The company’s latest product line, Farming Karmahydrate, represents its commitment to health-conscious, low-sugar beverages that resonate with today's consumers.

"We started this company as a way to diversify our revenue streams and continue the farming legacy of our families," said Avi, co-founder of Farming Karma. "The agricultural sector isn't as profitable as it once was, so we wanted to add value to what we were already doing. That's how we ended up in the beverage industry."

The Gills' journey began in December 2019, just months before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, the company grew rapidly, moving from selling its products at local farmers' markets to gaining shelf space in major retailers across British Columbia. Their most significant achievement to date is securing a deal with Costco, which now carries their products in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

"Getting into Costco was a huge milestone for us," said Binny. "We often have visitors from all over Canada who try our products while in the Okanagan and want to continue enjoying them when they return home. Being in Costco allows us to meet that demand and makes our products more accessible to a broader audience."

The path to success has not been without its challenges. As a growing company, the Gills have had to wear many hats, from production to product development and market expansion. However, their dedication to creating unique, high-quality beverages has paid off, allowing them to carve out a niche in a highly competitive market dominated by industry giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsi.

"Competing with big names is tough, especially when it comes to shelf space," said Avi. "But we've focused on creating something unique and building on that. Our consumers are looking for products that align with their values, whether that's supporting local agriculture, family businesses, or health-conscious choices."

Farming Karma's product lineup includes a variety of low-sugar sodas and mocktails, with flavours like apple, peach, pear, and strawberry lemonade. Their Farming Karmahydrate line takes this commitment to health one step further, offering even lower sugar options.

Looking to the future, the Gills have ambitious plans for growth. They are set to open a new location next year that will include a consumer-facing agritourism facility, bridging the gap between consumers and farmers and showcasing how their products are made. This expansion will also include a larger production facility to meet the increasing demand from their growing customer base.

"We're excited about what's next for Farming Karma," said Binny. "The new location will allow us to continue growing while staying true to our roots. We want to create a space where people can connect with where their food and drinks come from, and we think this will be a great way to do that."

As Farming Karma continues to expand, the Gills remain grounded in their community, acknowledging the support they've received along the way.
"We couldn't have done this without our community," said Avi. "From the local stores that first carried our products to the people who helped us figure out how to juice an apple, our success is a testament to the power of community support. We're grateful for everyone who has been part of this journey."

Farming Karma's story is a testament to the resilience and innovation of local businesses in the Okanagan. In an era where agricultural success stories are becoming increasingly rare, the Gills have shown that with a bit of creativity and a lot of hard work, it's still possible to turn a family legacy into a thriving, modern business.