World Centric and Zirkova Sustainable Brands At the Restaurants Canada Show 2019 (

At the RC Show 2019 ( Restaurants Canada Show), we got a chance to speak with two of the exhibitors: World Centric and Zirkova and learned more about their unique products.

Zirkova Vodka at RCShow19 Restaurant Canada Show 2019

World Centric at RCShow19 Restaurant Canada Show 2019

We chatted with Todd West of World Centric about their compostable tableware lines. They manufacture over 250 food service and retail products (from bowls, cups, lids, cutlery, and many others). All of these are made from 100% plant-based ingredients. These ingredients include corn, sugarcane, bamboo, and plant fibers.

World Centric at RCShow19 Restaurant Canada Show 2019

World Centric at RCShow19 Restaurant Canada Show 2019

We were quite impressed that their “plastic lids” are made from NatureWorks Ingeo PLA, which is derived from corn. They also have the first marine-degradable straws and NoTree Cups. This prevents the use of petroleum-based plastics that pollute our waters. They also minimize waste to keep them out of landfills.

Their mandate is also to donate at least 25% of annual profits to global non-profits to help with poverty, healthcare, and hygiene.

World Centric also offsets its carbon missions. They audit their suppliers to make sure that fair wages and proper working conditions are followed.

Their products are now widely available in Canada for industry and for consumers can find them in major retailers.

At the RC Show, we got to partake in a tasting of Zirkova Vodka‘s two recently launched vodkas, Zirkova One and Zirkova Together.

Zirkova Vodka at RCShow19 Restaurant Canada Show 2019

Zirkova Vodka at RCShow19 Restaurant Canada Show 2019

Both of these are quadruple distilled in Ukraine made from 100% rye and wheat (grown in black earth soil) and blended with pure artesian water from Zolotonosha. Zirkova One is best sipped neat or on the rocks. It tingled our tongues and then went down so smoothly. Zirkova Together is perfect for mixed cocktails and drinks. We got to sample Zirkova Together with juices from Juice Concepts, and we really enjoyed it.

Their unique bottle design was created to minimizes waste.

Katherine Vellinga, the CEO of Zirkova Vodka (founded by Canadians) says their slogan is “Be yourself. Mix well with others”. Zirkova also believes in its responsibility to give back. Their unique bottle design was created to minimize waste. They also donate a portion of its sales to charity and social causes in Canada.

Zirkova Vodkas are available in over 250 LCBO stores across Canada.