For 2009 Dragons' Den Meaford winner Meredith Cowan, Saturday was a special day.
Since leaving the Meaford Hall stage last October after finding enormous support from the Dragons for her Ginger Syrup venture, Cowan has found herself running in many directions building her business and running her farm.
In addition to her Ginger Syrup, she has developed a Ginger Elixir that combines ginger, lemon and honey, and is a perfect ingredient for a host of beverage and food recipes.
On Saturday Cowan hosted the official launch of Meredith's Ginger Elixir at Bridges Tavern in Thornbury.
This is the first major foray into the restaurant business for Meredith's Ginger Syrup whose products have until now been available for home use at retail establishments such as The 100 Mile Market in Meaford, and Around the Sound in Owen Sound.
On Saturday Bridges Tavern featured hors d'oeuvres made with Cowan's Ginger Elixir as well as a cocktail developed by Cowan called the Bee Sting Martini which blends vodka with the Ginger Elixir.
Originally from Toronto, Cowan and her husband Mark settled in Meaford six years ago in order to enjoy life in a small town surrounded by a rich agricultural heritage.
Then Cowan discovered ginger.
Ginger has a long history of cultivation and use in several Asian countries, and is noted for it's many medicinal benefits. For Cowan ginger held some important characteristics that she had been looking for, and she began finding ways to use it.
“This product is an immune system booster,” informs Cowan, “I like to say that it is immunity for the community.”
Her winnings at the 2009 Dragons' Den Meaford allowed her to expand her blossoming business, and to develop new products including the elixir that was featured on Saturday at Bridges.
The Meaford & District Chamber of Commerce will again be hosting a Dragons' Den event at Meaford Hall on Wednesday October 20th, and those wanting to pitch their business concept to the Dragons have until Wednesday September 15 to make their submissions to Dragons' Den organizers.
Contestant forms are available now, and can be obtained by contacting the Chamber office. Candidates will be announced on September 27, and this year there will be 15 eligible contestants identified and that will be narrowed to a final seven on the night of the event.
