Chickapea

Chickapea is a Canadian food company specializing in nutritious, organic pasta alternatives. It was founded in 2015 by Shelby Taylor, a former health food store owner and young mother who identified a need for healthy, convenient meals that appeal to the whole family. Inspired by her customers' struggles, Taylor, who has a background in journalism, used her research skills to reinvent pasta, a family favorite, into a nutrient-dense superfood. The company launched its first product in 2016, a pasta made from only organic chickpeas and lentils, initially in Canada before expanding to the US market within a year.

The company’s product line includes various pasta shapes like penne, spaghetti, and spirals, as well as a newer "+Greens" line that incorporates kale and spinach. All products are certified organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and kosher. Chickapea operates on a direct-to-consumer and retail business model, selling its products online and in over 4,500 retail locations across North America, including major chains like Whole Foods and Walmart. Although the company is Canadian-owned with all employees based in Canada, it manufactures its products in a specialized facility in the USA to meet quality standards and growing demand in both countries.

Chickapea has demonstrated significant growth, raising a total of $7.41M in funding over three rounds, with its latest Series C round in April 2021 raising CAD$9.3 million. Key investors include District Ventures Capital, InvestEco Capital, and Export Development Canada (EDC). The company is a certified B Corporation, reflecting a commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance. As part of its social mission, Chickapea donates a portion of its revenue to initiatives that provide healthy meals to children and supports food banks.

Keywords: chickpea pasta, lentil pasta, organic pasta, gluten-free pasta, plant-based protein, B Corporation, healthy food products, women-owned business, nutritious meals, food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, Shelby Taylor, District Ventures Capital, high-protein food, vegan pasta, non-GMO, food innovation