The Merridale Ethos:

A Purpose-Driven Social Enterprise

The Merridale Ethos:
A Purpose-Driven Social Enterprise

Committed to the Environment, People, Economic and Cultural Sustainability

Committed to the Environment, People, Economic and Cultural Sustainability

Building a Business For Good

Our philosophy has always been about taking care of the land, the people and the local community that we’re a part of. These core values are embedded in how we operate, how we make decisions, and how we treat everyone we cross paths with.

As a Biosphere Certified business, we are now part of a world-changing movement of enterprises committed to sustainable business practices.

Leading the Way as a Social Enterprise

Caring for the land and the people of Cowichan Valley has been a guiding force in how we do business for the past 30 years. From the little decisions to the big ones, we’ve always embedded sustainable practices that are good for the land, the community and our business.

By adopting a social enterprise approach to business, over and over again we’ve seen that a sustainable approach produces a better product and contributes to the local economy of Cowichan Valley and Vancouver Island, today and for future generations.

Measuring Our Impact as a Biosphere Certified Business

In 2023 we officially received our Biosphere Certified designation, a key step in our journey to make an even bigger impact.

With help and guidance from 4TVI along with Synergy Enterprises, we enrolled in a Biosphere Certification Program. Biosphere is an internationally recognized program that helps companies and tourism destinations align their business decision with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

We’re proud to be a part of a global initiative to make business more sustainable for present and future generations. It’s not just about Merridale in Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. It’s about being a part of a world-changing movement of business owners committed to the reduction of climate change and poverty, and the improvement of education, health and economic growth.

We’ve had the opportunity to acknowledge the important work that we’ve done toward sustainability while bringing to light new ways that we can improve year after year. It’s a journey we’re committed to in perpetuity, and it’s possibly only through the support of our incredible customers, team and partners.

A For-Profit Social Enterprise is committed to more than just the bottom line.

This holistic model ensures that business is a force for good in the world.

Each of the four pillars is codependent and influences the other areas. A social enterprise model ensures that environmental sustainability, social sustainability, economic sustainability, and cultural sustainability are all being considered in the decision-making process of the business. This is our goal.

It all starts in the orchard.

We take care of the environment.
We create environmental sustainability.

Every single thing we produce at Merridale is deeply connected to the land we call home. Our farm, the apple trees, the unique microclimate that we live in, are all important pieces that make Merridale possible. We follow nature’s lead and make decisions that respect and care for the land, not just for today but for generations to come.

Regenerative Farming Practices

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  • We don’t use any chemicals, herbicides or pesticides on our farm or in the orchard. We use eco-friendly farming practices to support nature and produce cider apples that showcase the flavours of Cowichan Valley.

  • By maintaining bee hives in our orchard, we foster a sustainable ecosystem where both bees and apple trees mutually benefit, safeguarding the future of our farm and ensuring the bountiful harvest of delicious, nutritious apples for years to come.

  • We’ve planted thousands of trees on our farm and in other orchards throughout Cowichan Valley and Okanagan. We’ve deliberately left greenspaces with large maples and indigenous plants around the perimeter of our orchard and properties which help reduce our carbon footprint.

Committed to Sustainable Manufacturing and Recyclable Packaging

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  • Our entire farm, cellar, distillery, and Farmhouse Eatery are physically in one location which helps to reduce our carbon footprint. 
  • Our packaging is selected with the environment in mind and is completely recyclable.

Chemical Free, All Natural Products

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  • Merridale’s all-natural ciders and spirits are made from 100% pure juice from apples grown in our orchards. Our approach is all about guiding nature’s process to develop high-quality, all-natural products that are gluten-free, chemical-free and crafted using sustainable farming practices.

Opportunities to Connect with Nature

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  • We aim to create an immersive experience that allows our guests to not only savour our exceptional products but also cultivate an appreciation for the wonders of the natural world that sustain us. Through our self-guided tours of the orchard, guests are invited to spend some time exploring the diverse ecosystem found on the Merridale Farm.

Regenerative Farming Practices

hover to learn more
  • We don’t use any chemicals, herbicides or pesticides on our farm or in the orchard. We use eco-friendly farming practices to support nature and produce cider apples that showcase the flavours of Cowichan Valley. 

Committed to Sustainable Manufacturing and Recyclable Packaging

hover to learn more
  • Our entire farm, cellar, distillery, and Farmhouse Eatery are physically in one location which helps to reduce our carbon footprint. 
  • Our packaging is selected with the environment in mind and is completely recyclable.

Chemical Free, All Natural Products

hover to learn more
  • Merridale’s all-natural ciders and spirits are made from 100% pure juice from apples grown in our orchards. Our approach is all about guiding nature’s process to develop high-quality, all-natural products that are gluten-free, chemical-free and crafted using sustainable farming practices.

Opportunities to Connect with Nature

hover to learn more
  • We aim to create an immersive experience that allows our guests to not only savour our exceptional products but also cultivate an appreciation for the wonders of the natural world that sustain us. Through our self-guided tours of the orchard, guests are invited to spend some time exploring the diverse ecosystem found on the Merridale Farm.

People Matter.
We take care of our people.  We work towards social sustainability.

  • At Merridale, we believe in working with people to help them find their strengths and the positions that are the best fit for them. We work with staff to help them discover where they want to grow and we foster our talented staff with mentoring and opportunities for growth. This is the ultimate leadership – giving people to be a part of the decision so they can get behind the ideas, support them and drive them.
  • We work with staff to provide flexible schedules that allow them to balance life and work and encourage a healthy lifestyle. We even offer yoga in the orchard for our staff.

  • We create an environment where our staff enjoy being here and enjoy the people they work with. They understand what Merridale is about and want to offer amazing experiences and products to our guests. We create a place of belonging that allows individuals to excel in their positions, which ultimately drives Merridale’s impact forward. 

  • Through prioritized accessible parking and washrooms, we provide designated spaces that ensure all customers, regardless of their physical abilities, can easily access our establishment and enjoy the experience we offer. 
  • Embracing diversity and inclusivity is at the heart of what we do, making sure all guests feel valued and welcomed.

A Well-Balanced Approach to Business.
We contribute to economic sustainability.

  • It has always been our approach that to become a successful business, we need to approach all four pillars at the same time. But that being said, in the early days, we worked at a loss and we worked 24/7 for years. We believed that eventually, we would turn a profit, so we continued to feed the business from other sources. It took a long time but we got there.
  • We can now make a profit; however, you never stop looking at the bottom line. And we balance this with the other factors because making money is good, it allows us all to prosper and thrive. This is the goal.

  • Merridale’s farm-to-table ethos ensures that every plate we serve tells a story of seasonality and community, creating a dining experience that is as authentic as it is delicious.
  • By prioritizing locally sourced items in our farmhouse store, we foster connections between consumers and local producers, strengthening the fabric of our community and supporting local commerce.
  • Each product on our shelves tells a story of responsible production, reduced carbon footprint, and ethical practices. As we offer these conscientiously crafted goods, we offer our customers an opportunity to make choices that resonate with their values and contribute positively to the local economy and the planet.
  • Additionally, we work regularly with the following partners who are committed to sustainability. Tourism Cowichan, 4VI, Destination Greater Victoria, Craft Distillers Guild of BC, BC Farm Crafted Cider Association, Duncan Chambers of Commerce and the Craft Distillers Guild of BC.

Celebrating the Culture of Vancouver Island.
We all grow together. We contribute to cultural sustainability.

  • Whether it’s sharing a cider or craft cocktail around the campfire, at a dinner party with friends or at the Merridale farm, we believe life is meant to be celebrated with the people you love. This is the culture and lifestyle of Vancouver Island. We take the time to slow down, connect and spend quality time enjoying craft products from local producers.

  • Throughout the years, we’ve continued to partner with local and talented entrepreneurs who share a similar mindset and value high-quality products. Whether highlighting other Cideries and Distilleries at our Craft Cider Festival and the Craft Spirit and Cocktail Festival, sitting on sustainable tourism boards, or collaborating with local entrepreneurs such as our Merridale Makes line of wellness products, we love celebrating the ingenuity of local entrepreneurs.

  • Our live music series that runs various times throughout the year, also brings attention to local musicians on Vancouver Island, while providing our guests with a feast for their senses with live music on the patio, farm-to-table culinary delights and a craft cider or cocktail in hand.

  • At Merridale, we recognize that not all success comes simply from working hard, but also from being in the right place at the right time and the many privileges that exist in our world.
  • We believe that it’s important for us to recognize what we have and give back where we can. This might be financially or by our actions. This is the culture we foster – give back in some form or shape.

This project is supported by the BC Government’s Buy BC Partnership Program; delivered by MNP LLP with funding from the Government of British Columbia.