XpBonaire IslandLife Feature Story
As the holiday season approaches, Canarbo has become a go-to destination for Bonaire’s food lovers and professional chefs. Specializing in high-quality meats, seafood, cheeses, and gourmet products, Canarbo brings the best ingredients from Canada, USA and Europe to the island. Co-founded by Indira Charles and Brian Battah, the business is a trusted supplier for restaurants and individuals alike, offering the kind of premium products that make holiday meals truly special.
The Story Behind Canarbo
Brian’s journey to Bonaire is one of chance and passion. Originally from Montreal, he had a successful career in the fashion business, but a vacation in 2012 opened his eyes to new possibilities. After meeting local entrepreneurs, including Indira, and realizing the potential for high-quality food imports, he slowly grew into this new world of food. Brian began by importing Canadian salmon and soon expanded Canarbo’s offerings to include Alberta AAA-grade beef, fresh seafood, and gourmet cheeses. By 2014, he had fully relocated to Bonaire to grow the business with Indira.
Meet Zachary – The Next Generation
Zachary, Brian’s son, plays a key role in the day-to-day operations of Canarbo. Born in Montreal, Canada, Zach grew up speaking French, with Lebanese and German roots. He first visited Bonaire at 17, where he immediately connected with the island and his father’s new venture. Zach worked in restaurants back in Canada and had a natural passion for hospitality, which made his transition into the family business a smooth one.
After periodically helping with shipments and working remotely from Montreal, Zach finally made the decision to move to Bonaire full-time. Now at 28, Zach runs Canarbo’s newly opened retail shop. Known for his friendly, hands-on approach, Zach enjoys helping customers find unique ingredients and sharing his love of food. Whether it’s recommending a top-notch cheese or explaining the nuances of Canadian beef, he’s dedicated to making every visit a memorable one.
Holiday Specials at Canarbo
With the festive season just around the corner, Canarbo is the perfect place to source those special ingredients for holiday meals. The shop is offering pre-orders for turkeys and hams (place your order by the end of November!). Additionally, Canarbo’s extensive catalogue includes gourmet holiday staples like duck, rabbit, and game meats, alongside oysters, salmon caviar, and fresh seafood.
Vegetarians and vegans aren’t left out either. Canarbo offers a range of artisanal vegan cheeses and many other plant-based options. Fresh fruits like kumquats, peaches, are also available to add a vibrant touch to holiday dishes.
What Makes Canarbo Unique?
What sets Canarbo apart is its commitment to quality and the wide variety of premium products it offers. From Canadian AAA beef to Dutch, Italian and French cheeses, everything is sourced from the best suppliers. Canarbo also imports fresh vegetables from the Netherlands via weekly shipments, ensuring that Bonaire’s restaurants and home chefs have access to the freshest ingredients available. Whether you're a professional chef or just want to impress your holiday guests, Canarbo has what you need.
For a personal touch, Canarbo’s duo of Chef Marie and Zachary are always happy to help customers navigate the wide selection of products. From maple syrup straight from Canada to fine European wines, the shop is full of treasures for foodies and holiday hosts alike.
So, whether you're planning a large holiday dinner or simply want to elevate your meals with gourmet ingredients, stop by Canarbo for everything you need to make this season delicious. From turkeys and caviar to vegan delicacies and cheeses, Canarbo has you covered.
Coming Next Month!
Zachary and Chef Marie, will work out some great recipes for you to try!
Info
Canarbo
Address: Kaya Industria #23, Unit L1, Kralendijk, Bonaire
Hours:
Monday – Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM; Closed Sundays
Contact:
Phone: +599 701 0527
Email: info@canarbo.com
Website: canarbofoods.com
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