This summer and fall, Nuts For Cheese is getting its biggest stage to date: the shelves of select Costco Wholesale Canada locations. London’s dairy-free cheese brand will be showcasing its award-winning Creamy Cashew dips during a limited-time roadshow trial – a crucial step in what could become a permanent listing with the retail giant.
“This milestone represents a huge step for the brand and a long-awaited partnership with a dream retailer,” says Candace Campbell, director of U.S. sales at Nuts for Cheese. “The team will be sampling and selling across the country to prove these dips deserve a permanent spot on Costco shelves — and every purchase brings them one step closer to making that happen.”
Locals can catch the brand at South London Costco from June 24 to July 6, and again at North London Costco from August 19 to 31.
Founded in 2015 by Londoner Margaret Coons, Nuts For Cheese was born out of a genuine gap in the market: there were few, if any, dairy-free cheeses that delivered on both taste and quality. A trial at Costco is a proud moment for a company that began as a single booth at London’s Western Fair Farmer’s Market 10 years ago.
“Food has always been a big part of my life,” says Coons. “When I started Nuts For Cheese, there really weren’t any artisanal dairy free cheeses on the market and I wanted to provide an option that was so high quality, even dairy cheese consumers would love it!”
From the beginning, the vision was bigger than just good cheese alternatives.
“It was about bringing people together through food,” she adds. “Over the past decade, that vision has evolved to include new opportunities — from private label and food service to continuous product innovation.”
Today, Nuts For Cheese is a national brand, available in major retailers across Canada and the U.S. The company employs over 40 full-time staff and operates out of a 25,000 sq. Ft. Manufacturing facility on Pacific Court.
“Staying true to our artisanal roots has always been a top priority,” says Campbell. “Our products are still made using traditional fermentation techniques and carefully sourced ingredients — we’ve just invested in processes that lets us do that at scale.”
As Nuts For Cheese celebrates a decade in business, its rise also shines a spotlight on London’s growing reputation as a food innovation hub.
“We’ve been fortunate to work closely with partners like LEDC and the Small Business Centre over the years,” says Campbell. “Programs like Foodpreneur Scale-Up connected us with mentors, new partners and resources. London has an incredibly collaborative food ecosystem, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
That community support is a key ingredient in the company’s success – and a model for other aspiring foodpreneurs. London’s strategic location, combined with access to research partners like Fanshawe College and Western University, creates the perfect conditions for food businesses to grow from local to national.
While the Costco trial is a headline moment, it’s just one part of Nuts For Cheese’s future vision. The company’s new Creamy Cashew dips launched in October and are already receiving rave reviews.
“We’re always innovating behind the scenes,” Campbell hints. “While I can’t reveal too much just yet, we’re aiming to bring a French Onion flavour to market in early 2026 — so stay tuned!”
As for the next 10 years?
“We’re focused on continuing to grow our position as a leader in fermentation and innovation,” she says. “There’s huge potential across North America, and we’re considering exploring international markets like Europe. We’re staying open to unexpected opportunities as we scale thoughtfully and sustainably.”
As the brand enters its next chapter, it stands as a compelling example of what’s possible when innovation, quality, and community align. In a city increasingly recognized for its strength in food manufacturing and agri-food innovation, Nuts For Cheese has carved out a path for others to follow — proving that a business built in London can scale nationally, stay true to its roots, and change the landscape of a global industry.
