Justo’s Plant-Based Dips began with Justin getting crafty in the kitchen, exploring new and out-there dip flavours that had yet to be seen on the market. He started delivering his homemade dips in paper cups to friends and family via an Instagram page and the feedback was fantastic! The people couldn’t get enough of these beyond tasty plant-based dips!
Justin brought the idea to some of his best friends, each with their own valuable skill set, propelling the Justo’s dream to new heights. The group of young entrepreneurs and best friends wove people and planet into the fabric of the business.
Eric brought a technical edge, joining the team as a Co-op student during his engineering degree. Adam was in the final semester of his business degree and worked on the business as an entrepreneurship project. Tyler tied the team together having left the corporate world and his Australian home to explore a new and exciting path here in Canada. The dynamic group of friends continues to make waves and disrupt the west-coast dip world.
“Our vision is to leave our mark on the landscape of consumer packaged goods – building a new industry standard that prioritizes extended producer responsibility, environmental stewardship and community impact.”
Question: How are you supporting other local businesses?
Answer: Our products are 100% plant-based, with all produce sourced from within Canada. Our local suppliers include Islands West Produce, Jiva Organics, and PSC Natural Foods.
We do our banking with Vancity, our insurance with Westland, accounting with Liquid Accounting, and our delivery vehicle repairs with Parkside Auto. We work with Great Little Box Co. for our labelling and DesignFulHope for artwork.
Question: What social and environmental practices are you proud of?
Answer: Together, Justo’s and our customers increase food security for underserved and vulnerable populations by donating 1% of all revenue to our 1% for the People initiative, which funds the donation of our plant-based products to underserved populations in the communities our products are sold. For every jar sold, we donate 1 serving of our product to someone in need. For every empty jar returned, that donation is doubled. From 2020 to 2021, Justo’s has donated just under 2 tons of product, roughly 8,000 jars. We also participate in 1% for the Planet.
Not only are Justo’s products packaged with thoughtfully designed, reusable glass jars, but we have implemented an Avalon-milk tyle jar return system at the majority of our vendors on Vancouver Island. This provides our customers with the option to reduce their plastic consumption and close the loop on packaging at the same time.
We hope you get to try our delicious dips!
Follow @justos.ca on Instagram: