VFM Spotlight: Jerky Baron offers premium handmade beef jerky

In this series, the Georgia Straight visits different vendors at the Vancouver Farmers Markets to learn about their business, products, and why they love being at the weekly markets.

Vendor Profile: Jerky Baron owned by Joel Arsenault.

What do you sell? Beef Jerky.

How did you get into your business? Beef jerky has always been my favourite snack ever since I was young. When other kids had their candy and ice cream, I was always attracted to deli and meat and beef jerky.

I started making it for fun as a teenager, but began producing it commercially in 2010. The business has slowly but surely been trickling forward. Also, Vancouver just wouldn't have me unless I found a way to contribute.

What’s your specialty? Flavour forward organic beef jerky. Our best seller is the Mount Pleasant, which is the mild original jerky with a delicious premium Angus beef taste. We also offer gluten-free beef jerky that comes in two flavours.

Favourite item you sell? I like the Nick Rivers, which is a gluten-free jerky. It’s named after an old character in a movie. The jerky is just salt and pepper flavoured—it’s the simplest but tastes great.

Favourite thing about the city’s farmers markets? It’s a well-organized event with premium offerings from around the province. I love having face-to-face contact with all my customers and clients, as well as meeting other producers and vendors. They’re kind of like colleagues, and a nice community arises out of it.