A family-run business with deep roots in the community has taken home the top prize at this year’s The Pitch Grande Finale.
Burke’s Produce Market was named the winner Wednesday night, earning $50,000 in cash and in-kind prizes at the annual “Dragon’s Den-style” competition hosted by the Elgin Business Resource Centre.
Five finalists took the stage at the St. Anne’s Centre, sharing their business stories and growth plans in front of the judges and a live audience. Alongside Burke’s Produce Market, finalists included Not Ordinary Chips, Plack Performance Lab, Redemption Tent Events, and The Atrium.
In his pitch, co-owner Mark Burke told the audience the business is about far more than selling food — it’s about relationships, trust, and community.
Mark and his partner Daynna took over the market in 2023, continuing a family legacy built by his parents. Their focus, he explained, has been creating a true community hub that connects families directly with local farmers, bakers, and makers.
The judges heard how the funding will help Burke’s expand baking capacity, improve cold storage, and reduce food waste — allowing the business to operate more efficiently while keeping prices accessible and food local.
Looking ahead, Burke outlined plans to grow online offerings such as curated subscription boxes, extend the market’s operating season, and create more local jobs. Community programming, including school visits, workshops, and seasonal events, is also expected to expand.
Burke told the judges that while the business would continue to grow regardless of the competition’s outcome, winning The Pitch accelerates those plans, keeping more food dollars in Elgin County and strengthening the local food economy.
Burke’s Produce Market joins previous The Pitch winners Evelyn’s Sausage Kitchen, Raw For Pets, Dogs on 3, The Ice Box, Streamliners Espresso Bar, Shebaz’s Shawarma, Wildflowers Tea, Century Chocolates, and Smart Dental Hygiene.
More information on The Pitch and the Elgin Business Resource Centre can be found at elgincfdc.ca.
myFM is a proud Title Sponsor of The Pitch and will be sitting down with Burke’s Produce Market in the near future to talk more about the experience.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
