Prime Roots slices into Canada with nationwide distribution deal through Dot Foods

Prime Roots has launched its mycelium-based deli meats in Canada through a nationwide distribution partnership with Dot Foods Canada, marking the company’s first commercial rollout in the country.

The partnership allows retail and foodservice operators across Canada to access Prime Roots products through their existing distributor relationships with Dot Foods, one of North America’s largest food industry redistributors.

Prime Roots has launched its mycelium-based deli meats in Canada through a nationwide distribution partnership with Dot Foods Canada.

The company described its fungi-based products as the first allergen-free plant-based deli meats available in the Canadian market.

Prime Roots products will be available to retail and foodservice operators through existing distributor networks.

Prime Roots confirmed that its product range is now available nationwide through Dot Foods Canada, which operates distribution hubs in Ontario and Alberta and supplies foodservice distributors and retailers across the country.

The move represents a homecoming of sorts for the company. Prime Roots was originally founded by Canadian entrepreneur Kimberlie Le before expanding operations in the USA.

“As a Canadian-founded company, I’m excited to bring Prime Roots home to tens of thousands of operators and consumers in Canada who have been demanding it, and we’re excited to finally be here,” said Le, Co-founder of Prime Roots.

The company’s deli products are made from mycelium, the root-like structure of fungi, which can be cultivated through fermentation to produce protein-rich foods with meat-like textures.

Prime Roots said its approach focuses on producing minimally processed deli alternatives designed to replicate the taste and functionality of traditional sliced meats while avoiding allergens and highly processed ingredients.

According to the company, its products are free from common allergens and do not contain soy or gluten, positioning them as an option for consumers seeking cleaner-label plant-based proteins.

The company also described its products as nitrate- and preservative-free, targeting both meat eaters and plant-forward consumers who want alternatives that retain familiar flavor and texture profiles.

The Canadian launch comes as interest in plant-based foods continues to expand across the country. Nearly one-third of Canadians identify as flexitarian, vegetarian, or vegan, according to market estimates cited by the company.

Prime Roots said its products have already delivered incremental sales growth for partners in other markets across a range of foodservice channels, including sandwich shops, pizza restaurants, breakfast outlets, schools, healthcare providers, and hospitality venues.

By partnering with Dot Foods, the company aims to simplify access for distributors and operators that want to add plant-based deli options to their existing menus or retail offerings.

The redistributor model allows manufacturers to reach a broad network of distributors without needing to establish direct relationships with each operator.

Prime Roots’ product lineup includes several varieties of deli-style meats designed for slicing at deli counters or use in foodservice applications.

The range includes Black Forest Roast, a German-inspired product featuring juniper notes, Classic Smoked Roast with smoky umami flavor, and Cracked Pepper Roast seasoned with cracked pepper.

Other offerings include Pizzeria Spiced Slices designed to 'cup and char' when cooked, Italian Roast with peppercorn and spice seasoning, and an Applewood Smoked Slab intended for use either crispy or chewy.

The company has built its brand around the idea that alternative proteins can move beyond imitation and offer improved nutritional and ingredient profiles.

Founded in 2017, Prime Roots describes its mission as delivering products that maintain the flavor and texture of traditional deli meats while removing ingredients such as nitrates, preservatives, and cholesterol.

The company has focused particularly on the deli and charcuterie category, which has historically been difficult for plant-based alternatives to replicate convincingly.

By using mycelium as the core ingredient, Prime Roots aims to produce whole-food protein products that can be freshly sliced at deli counters, rather than relying on highly processed plant protein blends.

As part of its Canadian market entry, the company showcased its products at the Restaurant Canada show in Mississauga, Ontario, which is taking place from March 8 to March 10.

The event will provide foodservice operators an opportunity to sample the company’s mycelium-based deli meats and evaluate their performance in foodservice applications.

With the Dot Foods distribution agreement now in place, Prime Roots said it expects the Canadian market to become a key growth area as demand continues to grow for alternative protein options in both retail and foodservice channels.