Made with Local

Long before “support local” was top of everyone’s mind, Founder Sheena Russell was taking it to heart.

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Back in 2012, Made with Local Founder Sheena Russell identified a gap in the market for tasty, sustainable snacks made with local ingredients people recognize. It didn’t take long for the nourishing bars to become a hit, gaining fans one farmers’ market at a time.

With a home kitchen and farm kid roots, the "big why" was clear: "we can do something really delicious and special by actually committing to sourcing as many of our ingredients locally as possible,” said Russell. What started as a fun side project hasn't stopped growing, and neither has the obsession with organic, sustainable, Canadian ingredients.

Over the past decade, Made with Local has grown from a homemade bar into a nationally recognized brand. In 2015, the company partnered with The Flower Cart, a New Minas-based social enterprise, to expand production while staying true to its values. This partnership allowed the brand to meet growing demand without compromising quality or its commitment to community. Then, in 2022, the company took a bold step forward by opening its own 8,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Russell reflects on the move as “the most transformational thing we’ve done.”

Now found in thousands of stores including Costco and Sobeys, the brand has expanded from coast-to-coast and so has its supply chain. “We work with farmers from all across the country because we are relevant all across the country,” said Russell. The meaning of local may have broadened, but the commitment to Canadian ingredients never wavers.

Over the years, ACOA has supported Made with Local in its growth. The Agency provided early coaching and networking opportunities to help Russell transform a farmers’ market project into a full-time business and has continued to assist the company through engaging expertise, marketing, renovating the new facility, and purchasing automated equipment.

“ACOA has been, I would say, the most impactful partner we’ve had through the journey of the business,” said Russell.

As a team of 15-20 employees with can-do attitudes, Made with Local continues to grow. Its newest innovation, a line of functional protein cookies, has been well-accepted and a new flavour, peanut butter chocolate chip, joined the roster in early 2026. Always looking for the next big opportunity, Russell and her team prove that local roots can lead to national impact with the right encouragement, partnerships, and support.

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2026-03-06

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