Fifteen years ago, Ayoub's Dried Fruit and Nuts started as a small business on Lonsdale Avenue in the heart of North Vancouver. Today, it has seven locations across Vancouver, B.C., and an online store that serves customers throughout Canada. With plans to expand further in Canada and potentially into the U.S., Ayoub's continues to grow and celebrates its 15th anniversary on May 19, 2024.

The Journey Begins: Ayoub's Heritage

Amir Hosh, the owner, took over his father's dream and transformed it into a symbol of community and a cultural bridge. After migrating to Canada with his family about 20 years ago and studying business at Simon Fraser University, Amir embraced the opportunity to innovate and grow in the Canadian market. He says, "This is a family business for us. My father had this business for around 40 years, and when we moved to Canada as immigrants, we decided that the market was good for high-end quality dried fruits, nuts, and snacks in Vancouver."

The Art Of Roasting

Since the early 1980s, Chef Ayoub has been roasting nuts to perfection by hand with artisanal craftsmanship. There is an art to roasting a product using unique flavors while maintaining a natural essence. Although the industry has a rich history, Chef Ayoub has always respected that; he has maintained a personal mandate to continue innovating and developing his style.

The first Ayoub's store, opened in May 2009, tested both cultural introduction and entrepreneurial spirit. "I always thought about having the store bridge Eastern and Western cultures," Amir recalls. The success was immediate, with customers who tried the freshly roasted nuts consistently returning, prompting the opening of additional stores in Vancouver, Coquitlam, Burnaby, and Surrey.

Expansion & Innovation

Ayoub's has been at the forefront of roasting innovation since its inception. The commitment to quality remains unchanged, but the techniques have evolved. "We have developed unique roasting ovens and techniques to achieve the perfect conditions for sublime flavors. It's an art of masterful timing—a daily concerto of the senses in our stores: smell, sight, touch, sound, and taste." 

Today, Ayoub's employs traditional and modern methods to ensure that each batch of nuts and dried fruits is of the highest quality. Amir notes, "We strive to offer a diverse range of snacks, nuts, and dried fruits, consistently introducing new items to keep our offerings fresh and exciting. Our primary focus is on the quality and variety of our products. We work tirelessly to ensure that our products maintain top-notch quality."

Amir is enthusiastic about expanding Ayoub's footprint across North America. "This year, we're finally getting closer to that goal," he shares with optimism. As an immigrant, Amir feels profound gratitude towards Canada: "I'm proud of all I've received from Canada, and representing a Canadian business that creates jobs is a way for me to give back to the community, city, and country that have contributed so much to my growth."

So, What's All The Hype About?

“Quality service and the freshness of the products are two other priorities for the business,” said Hosh. Here is a summary of the products that customers can find in stores or online:

Dried Fruits:

Ayoub’s specialty dried fruits are packed with micronutrients and essential vitamins, providing a healthy, high-energy snack without the mess, perfect for on-the-go or with breakfast.

Nuts:

It's time to get crunching! Nuts are some of nature's best snacks. These little powerhouses are loaded with good-for-you fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Surprisingly, nuts are technically fruits, with a tough shell and a seed inside. They're healthy, easy to carry around, and stay fresh for a long time, making them perfect for snacking on the go. And that's where Ayoub’s shines! The aromatic seasonings offer classic "spicy" options as well as inventive gourmet flavors like curry and Greek that'll leave you wanting more.

Signature Mixes:

Mixes make a difference, whether you're hosting a gathering or need a snack for your next hike. Our signature line of mixes offers a balanced variety of fruits and nuts to cover your nutrient needs and provide great taste and texture. From roasted nut kernels to raw energy-packed trail mixes, enjoy all the fun in one.

Ayoub’s Bakery:

Ayoub's Burnaby branch also serves as Ayoub's bakery factory. The bakery produces cookies such as Chickpea Cookies, a simple cookie with a memorable taste, and Jam Cookies, which are soft and simply sweet. These cookies are prepared daily and distributed to other branches.

Seeds:

Ayoub’s offers a variety of popular seeds that can be added to recipes or enjoyed as a snack. They provide numerous health benefits and are an important part of a healthy diet. 

Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence

As Ayoub's Dried Fruits and Nuts celebrates its 15th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the power of dedication, innovation, and community spirit. From its humble beginnings on Lonsdale Avenue to its current presence across Vancouver and beyond, Ayoub's has remained committed to offering high-quality, artisanal products that bridge cultural gaps and delight the senses. The journey of Amir Hosh and his family showcases the blend of tradition and modernity, ensuring that every nut and dried fruit is crafted to perfection. As Ayoub's looks toward further expansion into Canada and the U.S., it continues to honor its roots while embracing the future. Here's to many more years of growth, delicious snacks, and shared success.