Frustrated with the lack of plant-based options to fuel their workouts, Edan Wolk and Melissa L’Heureux-Haché knew it was time to act. As athletes and fitness enthusiasts who value the importance of fueling their bodies with high-quality ingredients, the entrepreneurial duo took this as an opportunity to fill a major gap in the market.
Launched in Nanaimo, BC, in 2023, VEGAIN Nutrition Inc. is a plant-based, sports nutrition company with clean products to meet the needs of both elite athletes and everyday consumers. Driven by innovation, VEGAIN recently launched North America’s first clear vegan protein, SURGE, in both a powder and ready-to-drink can. SURGE is nominated for both Product of the Year and Innovation of the Year at the 2025 BC Food and Beverage Rise Awards.
Since working with Export Navigator, VEGAIN has begun exporting their product to US warehouses, while accessing critical financing and building strategic relationships to continue expanding with confidence. While currently working on direct-to-consumer fulfilment in the US, the team is gearing up for future growth in new international markets.
Finding the fuel
With a small but mighty team, the company operates with big ambitions and bold goals to make VEGAIN a global leader in sports nutrition.
Reflecting on the company’s success in Canada, and the growth in demand for plant-based sports nutrition globally, expanding into international markets was a critical next phase.
The first step to scaling was to begin exporting into the US, which proved to be incredibly challenging. The team was facing complex regulatory requirements, shipping and logistical barriers, and the financial strain of managing large inventory volumes.
“On top of that, navigating the sheer scale of the US market, with its regional differences, entrenched competition, and high cost of entry, presented barriers we knew we couldn’t overcome alone,” reflects Melissa.
Expertise was needed for VEGAIN to enter this new territory successfully. Export Navigator was there to help.
Bulking up
The team was connected with Export Advisor, Jason Seed through the Trade Accelerator Program and worked closely together to prepare for the US expansion.
Jason’s strategic input allowed VEGAIN to identify the right opportunities, connect with funding programs to offset costs, and build the strategic relationships to export with confidence. Since working with Export Navigator, VEGAIN has successfully exported their product to US warehouses and is gearing up for future expansions.
When faced with changing economic markets and trade regulations, Export Navigator had the expertise to help VEGAIN pivot quickly. Increased adaptability has strengthened operations and positioned the company to scale efficiently, regardless of regulatory changes and disruptions.
“Beyond tangible wins, Jason has been a constant source of knowledge and support,” says Melissa. “His guidance has not only accelerated our growth but also given us the confidence to pursue larger opportunities.”
Ready to scale up
The value of the Export Navigator program will have a lasting impact on VEGAIN’s global growth.
“My advice is simple, take full advantage of the knowledge and network available through the program,” encourages Melissa. “It can save you years of trial and error. Today, we’re far better positioned to scale internationally than we would have been on our own.”
