Toronto-based functional food brand Rawcology is entering a pivotal stage of expansion following a newly announced joint venture with AM Ingredients (AMI), a move designed to significantly increase manufacturing capacity, streamline distribution, and support continued product innovation.
The Rawcology strategic partnership marks what the company describes as a transition from a fast-growing Canadian brand to a scaled, innovation-led player in the better-for-you snack category.
Tara Tomulka, Founder and CEO, Rawcology, said the collaboration represents a major inflection point for the business. She explained that the company had reached a stage where demand required more advanced infrastructure to maintain growth without compromising product integrity.
“We realized we needed to scale quickly to meet demand, but we were not willing to sacrifice ingredient quality or how we manufacture,” Tomulka said. “With AMI, we found a partner that allows us to do both.”
Manufacturing and Distribution Expansion Unlock National Scale
Through the partnership, Rawcology gains access to AMI’s 19,000-square-foot production facility in St. Davids, Niagara-on-the-Lake, alongside a 50,000-square-foot cross-docking and distribution network.
This infrastructure is expected to support coast-to-coast distribution while accelerating speed-to-market for new products. It also enables Rawcology to scale output in response to growing retail demand, including a second rotation with Costco West launching in April.
Megan Loach Tomulka, Co-Founder, Rawcology, emphasized that scaling production has been a priority following strong retail performance.
“Our first Costco rotation performed extremely well, and that confirmed we needed higher capacity,” she said. “This partnership gives us the ability to produce at scale while maintaining the integrity of our products.”
The Rawcology strategic partnership also addresses broader supply chain challenges, including rising ingredient and logistics costs. Coconut, a core ingredient, has seen price increases, while global factors such as fuel costs continue to impact distribution.
However, access to AMI’s logistics network is expected to mitigate some of these pressures.
Niagara Retail Concept Brings Brand Closer to Consumers
As part of the partnership, Rawcology will be featured in the launch of Chocolate & Crunch Market, a new retail and experiential concept located within the St. Davids facility in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The 19,000-square-foot facility combines manufacturing with a consumer-facing retail environment, allowing visitors to observe production processes and purchase products on-site.
The space will showcase Rawcology alongside St. Davids Chocolates and Remix Snacks, creating a curated destination that blends food production, retail, and tourism.
Megan Loach Tomulka noted that the concept provides a valuable opportunity for direct consumer engagement.
“Customer feedback has always been critical for us,” she said. “Having a physical space where people can interact with the brand, taste products, and see how they are made gives us insights that help shape future innovation.”
The location is expected to benefit from Niagara’s strong tourism traffic, particularly bus tours and visitors to nearby attractions, while also serving as a testing ground for new products.
Innovation Pipeline and Product Strategy
With expanded capabilities, Rawcology is also accelerating its product development pipeline. The company plans to introduce new formats and categories while continuing to refine existing offerings based on consumer feedback.
The brand’s approach remains focused on clean-label ingredients and functional nutrition, with an emphasis on taste as a primary driver of consumer adoption.
While high-protein products continue to dominate the market, Rawcology is taking a measured approach.
“There is definitely pressure to add protein to everything,” Megan Loach Tomulka said. “But we already have naturally occurring protein in our products. Our focus is on balance, making sure we deliver fibre, healthy fats, and overall nutrition alongside great taste.”
The company is planning to introduce a protein-focused snack bite later this year, while maintaining its broader philosophy of nutrient-dense, allergen-friendly formulations.
Expanding Retail Footprint Across Canada
Rawcology currently distributes products in more than 1,500 retail locations across North America, including major partners such as Sobeys, Whole Foods, and Bulk Barn.
Recent growth has been particularly strong in Western Canada, where consumer demand for functional and wellness-oriented foods continues to outpace other regions.
Megan Loach Tomulka noted that British Columbia has emerged as a leading market for the brand.
“We saw our strongest performance in B.C. during our Costco rotation, and that translated into increased direct-to-consumer demand as well,” she said. “There is a strong alignment with consumers who are focused on ingredient transparency and overall wellness.”
At the same time, the company is expanding its presence in Ontario, including new product listings and increased distribution across existing retail partners.
Canadian Roots with Global Ambitions
Despite its rapid growth, Rawcology remains a Canadian-owned company headquartered in the Toronto area. The founders emphasized that maintaining local roots is an important part of the brand’s identity, even as it scales internationally.
“This partnership allows us to stay true to our values while growing much faster,” Tara Tomulka said. “We are building something that is proudly Canadian but ready to compete on a global stage.”
With enhanced production capacity, expanded distribution, and a new consumer-facing retail concept, the Rawcology strategic partnership positions the company for what it describes as its most significant growth phase to date.
Impressive growth story. Strategic partnerships that expand production while maintaining product quality are exactly how emerging brands scale successfully. The Niagara retail concept is also a smart move to build stronger direct customer engagement and brand visibility. Excited to see what’s next for Rawcology.