COCHRANE— From humble beginnings at the Cochrane Farmers’ Market to recognition on the global stage, a local cookie company is gaining international recognition for their hand-crafted treats.
Jacqueline Day launched Real Treat in 2014. At the time it was challenging to find a treat that was delicious and organic, she said, explaining how she was inspired to create a company that embraced both.
“My brand is an expression of myself— I genuinely love cookies but I also really care about organics," Day said. “If we can make crave-worthy organic food then we can really help compel more people to make that choice. There is still a misconception that organic means you’re giving up something … I really wanted to contribute something to the organic and natural food space that was delicious.”
Real Treat recently reached an epic milestone taking home the Sofi gold award for their Lemon Sablés cookies from the Specialty Food Association and the NEXTY for Best New Sweet Snack for its Pantry Line of cookies. To her knowledge, this feat has never been accomplished by a Canadian cookie brand, and Real Treat is the first company to take home both awards in the same year.
“The Sofi is something that has been on my bucket list since the inception of Real Treat,” Day said.
The award first popped up on her radar when she was working for the Calgary-based Cookbook Company. At the time she was exposed to Sofi winning products from the United States and it was always exciting getting to try these amazing gourmet foods.
“I always thought, ‘How cool is that to make a product that is the best in the world in this category,” Day said.
When she started Real Treat and began exhibiting alongside brands winning the gold and silver Sofi awards, she dreamed of one day taking home the trophy.
Day said she was in disbelief when she found out Real Treat would be taking home gold in May.
Finding out Real Treat had won the NEXTY in June was the icing on the cake for the year.
“The NEXTY is the biggest award when it comes to organics and naturals,” Day said.
While she knew Real Treat was a finalist for the NEXTY, Day said, she did not expect to take home the NEXTY and considered the win a long shot.
“Winning the top award from people that only care about delicious … The Sofis that are all about the yummiest thing and the NEXTYs that are all about the products that have the most integrity as far as our health and the health of the planet tells me that we’re on the right track,” she said. “It was a strong validation— It’s the industry saying we want this.”
Day first launched her products at the Cochrane Farmers’ Market in the summer of 2014. The Market served as an opportunity to test out different flavours and packaging styles to refine her products.
“Nothing is as good as those face-to-face interactions when you’re starting to help you formulate the initial product offering,” Day said.
After spending time at the market, she knew she had something special and was able to grow Real Treat into a specialty cookie company that serves both Canada and the United States.
Real Treat offers two cookie lines— The Top Shelf line that is designed to be cookies for special occasions to enjoy when you need a treat and their Pantry Line which features more traditional flavours like chocolate chunk, oatmeal raisin and brown sugar shortbread.
“It’s been quite a journey. For the first five years we were growing fairly steadily,” Day said.
One of the most important aspects of Real Treat was ensuring the company was able to expand sustainability, while taking every opportunity to build and learn as they developed their place in the food industry.
The cookies are proving to be a popular product and Real Treat can be sent to anyone who wants them, Day said, explaining some items have even been shipped to Africa.
Seeing the expansion of their product has been a dream come true.
“There is really no one else doing what we are doing. Mainly making organic cookies that are genuinely indulgent and delicious,” Day said. “We are as committed to being decadent and indulgent and delicious as we are to making a product that is clean label, organic and supports organic agriculture.”
Day originally hails from Toronto, but has been proud to call Cochrane home with her husband and daughter for many years.
The town has proven to be a great place to bake cookies.
“At this stage, we’re very happy to stay in Cochrane and grow in Cochrane. I’m proud to chat about being a local Cochrane brand whether were selling our cookies here or in the Calgary market or in Edmonton or in Los Angeles,” Day said. “We’re based in the Foothills and the Rockies that’s a fun thing to talk about.”
Real Treat is based out of a small commercial kitchen that has been able to expand as the cookie company grows. The kitchen has served as their home since 2014.
The kitchen allows them to continue to make and package their cookies by hand. During the busy season, they can bake anywhere from 8,000 to 12,000 cookies in a day.
Real Treat faced adversity when COVID-19 first hit the world, she said, and the virus arrived right as they were expanding their place in the United States. The market quickly constricted and they lost significant shelf space with their retailers.
“Small artisan brands like mine really lost a lot of ground,” Day said.
As things begin to reopen, they have gained that space back, and in some areas, they have even been able to grow.
Day said they are especially excited because they will be expanding into Whole Foods across Canada in July and expanding their selection of offerings in California.
“The pandemic hit and the contraction happened. It was a case of two steps back and three steps forward, which is a relief,” Day said with a smile.
Real Treat cookies can be delivered free in Cochrane or found at Safeway.
