Galimax Chef Tour Experience
Every once in a while, something pulls you out of the day-to-day and reconnects you with what truly matters. For us, that was the Galimax Chef Tour! An annual event that brings chefs, retailers, and local food advocates together for a farm-fresh experience in southern Alberta. Hosted at a beautiful countryside barn venue, the tour brought in the farmers and producers Galimax works with, giving us a chance to see firsthand how clean and holistic their operations are.
We had the opportunity to meet these producers and enjoy some of the amazingly fresh and delicious food they have to offer, all while connecting with an inspiring group of chefs and food lovers.
About Galimax: Connecting Farmers and Chefs 🌾
At Galimax, they believe in knowing your farmer and trusting the source. What began with Rudy Knitel’s vision of importing high-quality European foods soon evolved into a deep commitment to sourcing the best locally grown products from Southern Alberta. Today, Galimax focuses on delivering farm-fresh, organic produce, dairy, and eggs directly to restaurants, cafés, and stores across the province.
Through their strong relationships with local producers, Galimax ensures that every product is of the highest quality and grown with care. Their approach is rooted in transparency, fairness, and a dedication to connecting chefs and consumers with the people who grow their food. Galimax’s annual Chef Tour gives chefs the chance to connect directly with local farmers, experiencing firsthand the passion and quality behind each product, and reinforcing their mission to foster a true farm-to-table food culture.
Meeting the Producers: A Day on the Land🌿
This year’s Galimax Chef Tour brought us together with some of Southern Alberta’s most inspiring producers. Hosted at a beautiful countryside barn venue, the event started with a trade show featuring local farmers, followed by visits from a few standout producers. We had the chance to connect with these incredible producers, getting a firsthand look at their clean, holistic operations.
We explored Amiable Organics, a family-owned farm run by Josh and Angie Mans. Their regenerative farming practices focus on soil health, ecosystem balance, and integrating livestock to improve both crop yields and sustainability. From their humble beginnings in 2016 to purchasing a 20-acre farm in 2022, Amiable Organics has grown into a thriving operation producing a variety of vegetables and herbs. Their commitment to organic farming and community-driven values is truly inspiring.
At Leffers Brothers, we walked the rows of vibrant carrots, grown with care by brothers Howard and Cornelius Leffers. A family farm just outside Coaldale, Alberta, they’ve been cultivating high-quality organic crops since 1990. Certified organic since 2005, their 500-acre farm is known for its sweet, crisp carrots and a variety of other sustainably grown crops. Their farming practices prioritize soil health, crop diversity, and long-term sustainability, ensuring their produce is both nourishing and environmentally responsible.
At Man’s Organics, we got a glimpse into their greenhouse operations, where peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes are carefully grown with great attention to detail. A family-owned farm since 1994, Man’s Organics transitioned to organic farming in 2008 under the leadership of Henk and Rita Mans. In 2012, their son Andrew and his wife Denise joined the farm and expanded operations to include greenhouses. Their regenerative farming practices aim to produce nutrient-dense food while improving soil health. Inside the greenhouse, they focus on growing peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes, while melons and garlic are cultivated in the fields.
To Our Customers:
These in-person experiences reaffirm why we choose to partner with producers who prioritize transparency, integrity, and connection. Visiting them reminds us that good food isn't just about ingredients, it’s about relationships: to land, to process, and to people.
When you pick up local produce, pasture-fed meat, or small-batch pantry goods at Amaranth, know that behind every item is a farmer practicing care and intention. We’ve broken bread with them, heard their stories, and seen what true stewardship looks like in action.
Thank you to Galimax, our farm partners, and everyone who welcomed us into their fields and barns. We feel fortunate to be part of a network focused on nourishing food, shared purpose, and meaningful connection.
Explore Galimax HERE
