The Lindisfarne team had the opportunity to travel all the way to Tokyo, Japan to film a series of mini documentaries for the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) “Exportitude” Series. EEDC supports Edmonton-based companies in exporting their products to other markets. They brought our crew along to Japan to spend time with two local entrepreneurs: Token Bitters and Wild Prairie Soap Company.
Token Bitters
Founded in 2016, Token Bitters is Edmonton’s first local bitters company. Token Bitters uses organic ingredients sourced from local Alberta farmers and businesses. Each of Token Bitter’s products is named after Edmonton neighbourhoods and streets, “an ode to the city [they] call home.
We followed Keenan Pascal, co-founder of Token Bitters on a trip to Tokyo. Keenan met with distributors, Canadian embassy officials, and potential customers in the busy and exciting city. In the evenings, we had the opportunity to join Keenan as he visited several bars in Tokyo to research new Japanese trends in spirits.
Wild Prairie Soap Company Inc.
Wild Prairie Soap Company was founded 20 years ago by Tanya Zurock. Tanya started making her own soap after she struggled to find skin care products for her young daughter’s sensitive skin. Today, this Edmonton based company continues to create hand-crafted cold process soap, bath and personal care products.
The Lindisfarne crew accompanied Tanya on her 3rd trip to Japan. She took us along as she met with her distributors and Canadian embassy officials and attended Influencer events. Most exciting of all, we got to witness Wild Prairie’s exciting debut at the popular Japanese department store Tokyu Hands.
It was a challenge for our crew to navigate the difference in time, customs, and culture in Tokyo, but we were up for the job! In the end, it was worth it to see how Edmonton businesses are breaking barriers to share home grown innovation! Our team had a fantastic time creating these mini documentaries highlighting the Tanya and Keenan’s exciting export journey.