Home / Our History

From one roasting
pot to a snacking
powerhouse.

For over 50 years, Johnvince Foods has grown from a
family kitchen in Toronto to a leading North American
snacking partner. Our story is one of legacy, innovation,
and bold growth — always rooted in trust and quality.

How it all began

Roots of
resilience

In the early 1970s, Vincenzo Pulla started roasting nuts at home
with one simple goal: to share high-quality snacks with his
community. His passion quickly turned into something bigger —
the launch of Johnvince Foods in 1973, introducing Canadians to
the bulk food concept for the very first time.

A Legacy of Firsts

Breaking new
ground in
every decade

From the start, Johnvince Foods has been an industry pioneer. We didn’t just sell snacks
— we changed how people experienced them. From opening one of Canada’s first bulk
aisles to becoming the exclusive steward of Planters® in Canada, every chapter of our
story has been about anticipating change and shaping the future.

1973

Johnvince Foods founded in Toronto.

Johnvince was founded with strong heritage in conventional nuts, dried fruits, and mixes.

1974

Introduced the bulk food concept to Canadian consumers.

1980s

Expansion into retail and wholesale distribution.

1995

Secured exclusive Canadian rights to the Planters® brand.

2000s

Expanded operations with a flagship facility in Downsview, ON.

2022

Partnered with TorQuest to fuel strategic growth.

2023/24

Acquired David Roberts Foods, Durham-Ellis Pecan, and Hines Nut Company, extending reach into foodservice and the U.S. market.

2025

Rolled out our new Johnvince brand identity and continued advancing our operations, marking another year of steady evolution and growth.

Growth With Purpose

From Canadian
roots to North
American reach

Today, Johnvince Foods employs more than 2,000 people across Canada and
the United States. We’re proud to remain family-founded while scaling to
become one of the most influential players in the snacking industry. Our
commitment has never changed: to exceed customer cravings with quality,
trust, and a relentless drive to innovate.

Legacy Meets Future

Honouring yesterday.
Building tomorrow.

Our story is far from finished. With a renewed vision, a simplified
house of brands, and a strategy to expand globally, we’re writing
the next chapter — one that balances bold growth with
sustainable impact. For us, legacy isn’t about looking back. It’s
about building forward with the same values that started it all.