Become a Lions Creek Direct Partner
Become a Partner
Introducing Lions Creek Direct
Where Strength, Pride, and Integrity are infused into every drop.
Our Heritage
Nestled in the heart of South Africa, at the confluence of the Leeu and Gamka rivers, lies the Lions Creek Olive Estate. This unique terroir, where "Leeu" and "Gamka" both mean "lion" in Afrikaans and Khoisan respectively, provides the perfect environment for cultivating olives of unparalleled quality.
Our Products
Extra Virgin Olive Oils
Crafted from premium cultivars—including Coratina, Frantoio, Barnea, Koroneika, Abequina and Favoloza—our extra virgin olive oils are cold-extracted to preserve their superior fruity and fresh olive taste.
Balsamic Vinegars
Our balsamic vinegars are created in the South African wine district. Made from cooked grape must of Italian varieties like Lambrusco, Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Albana, Ancellotta, Fortana, and Montuni, they offer a sweet, sour, and slightly fruity aroma.
Our Commitment to Quality
At Lions Creek Direct, we believe that making healthy lifestyle dietary choices should be easy and flavorful. We are passionate about the quality of our world-class products and focus on providing education on how they can be used to make healthy lifestyle choices a reality. When you engage with us, you become a member of our Pride. We succeed when You succeed!
Partnership Opportunities
We invite gourmet retailers, independent delicatessens, premium grocers, and farm-to-table chefs to join us in delivering excellence to discerning customers. As a partner, you'll receive access to our premium product range, comprehensive training, marketing support, and a commitment to mutual success.
Contact Us
Explore wholesale and distribution opportunities with Lions Creek Direct. Visit our website at lionscreekdirect.ca or contact us at direct@lionscreek.ca.
Join us in bringing the gold standard of extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars to those who refuse to compromise on quality.
- Introduction to Business Engagement Models:
- Lions Creek offers four progressive engagement models to suit various business opportunities and levels of commitment. Each model is designed to provide a customized partnership experience, with different levels of support, pricing, and access to revenue streams. The engagement models include Deli, Retail, Dedicated Store, and Multi-Store.
- Deli Model:
- This model is ideal for businesses with a focus on brick-and-mortar sales of core products only. It includes product introduction training and mentions in Lions Creek's online media as a partner. Deli partners purchase products at a tiered price + $2.00 per unit and sell at the list price + $2.00 per unit. There is no commitment to Lions Creek branding, other than the exclusive sale of EVOOs and vinegars from Lions Creek.
- Retail Model:
- The Retail model is designed for businesses looking to sell a full suite of primary EVOO and vinegar products through brick-and-mortar locations, as well as through restaurants and corporate gifting. This model includes approximately 30 hours of training, including product introduction, sales process introduction, in-store training, and annual refresher training. Retail partners are mentioned in Lions Creek's online and printed media as partners and have no commitment to Lions Creek branding, other than exclusively selling EVOOs and vinegars from Lions Creek.
- Dedicated Store Model:
- The Dedicated Store model is suitable for businesses looking to establish a Lions Creek store location, offering a full suite of primary EVOO and vinegar products, specialized products, and seasonal products. This model includes approximately 50 hours of training, access to various revenue streams (brick-and-mortar, corporate gifting, restaurants, trade shows, and online sales allocation), and a branding commitment to Lions Creek. Dedicated Store partners receive tiered pricing with one volume tier advantage and are required to sell at the list price.
- Multi-Store Model:
- The Multi-Store model is designed for businesses looking to establish multiple Lions Creek store locations, offering a full suite of primary EVOO and vinegar products, specialized products, seasonal products, and trial and once-off products. This model includes approximately 20 hours of training per store per year, access to various revenue streams (brick-and-mortar, corporate gifting, restaurants, trade shows, and online sales allocation), and a branding commitment to Lions Creek. Multi-Store partners receive tiered pricing with one volume tier advantage calculated as the total across stores and are required to sell at the list price.
For a more detailed breakdown of each business engagement model, including pricing structure, product lines, training and support, marketing and website, branding, and technology, please refer to the provided chart.
Engagement ModelRequirementsBenefitsPotential Revenue StreamsDeliSmall footprintLower startup costsBrick and MortarBasic equipmentEasier to find suitable locationsLimited menuQuicker setup and openingRetailRetail spaceAccess to higher foot trafficBrick and Mortar, Restaurants, Corporate GiftingExpanded menuBroader range of productsStaff trainingIncreased brand exposure in retail storesDedicated StoreStandalone storeFull Product and Service OfferingBrick and Mortar, Restaurants, Corporate Gifting, Trade Shows, Online Sales Allocation, Deli ServicingFull menuGreater control over store environment
- Introduction to Training and Support:
- Lions Creek is committed to providing comprehensive training and support to its partners. Each business engagement model includes a tailored training program to ensure that partners have the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully operate their businesses and provide exceptional customer experiences.
- Deli Model Training and Support:
- Deli partners receive product introduction training to familiarize them with the core products offered by Lions Creek. Additional training options are available as priced.
- Retail Model Training and Support:
- Retail partners receive approximately 30 hours of training, which includes product introduction, sales process introduction, in-store training, and annual refresher training. Additional training options are available as priced.
- Dedicated Store Model Training and Support:
- Dedicated Store partners receive approximately 50 hours of training, covering product introduction, sales process introduction, in-store training, annual refresher training, monthly check-in and support, from the farm training, trade show training and support, and optional training as priced.
- Multi-Store Model Training and Support:
- Multi-Store partners receive approximately 20 hours of training per store per year, covering from the farm training and certified training. Additional training options are available as priced.
In addition to training, Lions Creek offers ongoing support to its partners, including marketing materials, branding assistance, technology consulting, and assistance with sourcing consumables. This ensures that partners are well-equipped to maintain the quality and consistency of the Lions Creek brand, while optimizing their businesses for success.
- Introduction to Financials and Investment:
- Understanding the financial aspects and investment requirements is crucial for potential partners. The following section outlines the financial expectations and initial investments needed for each Lions Creek business engagement model.
- Deli Model Financials and Investment:
- Initial investment: Low
- Estimated set-up cost: $1,000 to $3,000
- Ongoing costs: Product purchases at tiered price + $2.00 per unit, marketing materials at cost + 5%
- Expected payback period: 3 to 6 months
- Retail Model Financials and Investment:
- Initial investment: Medium
- Estimated set-up cost: $2,000 to $5,000
- Ongoing costs: Product purchases at regular tiered price, marketing materials at cost + 5%
- Expected payback period: 6 to 9 months
- Dedicated Store Model Financials and Investment:
- Initial investment: High
- Estimated set-up cost: $10,000 to $20,000
- Ongoing costs: Product purchases at tiered price with one volume tier advantage, marketing materials at cost + 5%
- Expected payback period: 1 to 2 years
- Multi-Store Model Financials and Investment:
- Initial investment: High
- Estimated set-up cost per store: $20,000 to $80,000
- Ongoing costs: Product purchases at tiered price with one volume tier advantage (calculated at multi-store total combined volume), marketing materials at cost + 5%
- Expected payback period: 2 to 3 years
Lions Creek offers a range of business engagement models, each with its own financial expectations and investment requirements. Potential partners should carefully consider their financial resources and commitments before choosing a model that best aligns with their business goals and objectives. By providing transparent financial information, we aim to help our partners make informed decisions about their involvement with Lions Creek.
- Introduction to Marketing and Branding:
- A strong marketing and branding strategy is essential for the growth and success of Lions Creek and its partners. Lions Creek provides marketing and branding support tailored to each business engagement model, ensuring that partners have access to the necessary tools and resources to effectively promote their businesses and maintain brand consistency.
- Deli Model Marketing and Branding:
- Deli partners are mentioned in Lions Creek's online media as a partner. There is no commitment to Lions Creek branding beyond exclusively selling EVOOs and Vinegars from Lions Creek unless otherwise approved.
- Retail Model Marketing and Branding:
- Retail partners are mentioned in Lions Creek's online and printed media as a partner. There is no commitment to Lions Creek branding beyond exclusively selling EVOOs and Vinegars from Lions Creek unless otherwise approved.
- Dedicated Store Model Marketing and Branding:
- Dedicated Store partners receive branding in Lions Creek's online and printed media as an official Lions Creek store location. They also receive sales allocation income for online sales from postal codes in their immediate area (30km or otherwise agreed). These partners are required to commit to Lions Creek branding, with minimum branding requirements that include layout signoff and area layout signoff to maintain the Lions Creek brand look and feel.
- Multi-Store Model Marketing and Branding:
- Multi-Store partners receive branding in Lions Creek's online and printed media as official Lions Creek store locations. They also receive sales allocation income for online sales from postal codes in each store's immediate area (30km or otherwise agreed). These partners are required to commit to Lions Creek branding, with minimum branding requirements that include layout signoff and area layout signoff to maintain the Lions Creek brand look and feel.
Lions Creek is dedicated to ensuring that partners have the necessary marketing materials and resources, such as brochures, branded packaging, rack cards, recipe cards, banners, posters, and more. These materials are provided to partners at cost +5%, with rental options available for short-term events such as trade shows. This support allows partners to effectively promote their businesses while maintaining a consistent and recognizable brand presence.
- Introduction to Steps to Become a Partner:
- We've designed a streamlined process to help you join Lions Creek as a partner. Below, we outline the step-by-step guide for each engagement model, along with the application process and the typical timeline from application to opening.
- Deli Model:
- Complete the online inquiry form.
- Receive an information package and introductory call.
- Submit a formal application.
- Sign a Confidentiality Agreement.
- Complete product introduction training.
- Place initial order and start selling Lions Creek products.
* Timeline: 1-2 months
- Retail Model:
- Complete the online inquiry form.
- Receive an information package and introductory call.
- Submit a formal application.
- Sign a Confidentiality Agreement.
- Attend comprehensive training (30 hours).
- Identify and secure a suitable retail location.
- Set up and brand the retail space.
- Place initial order and start selling Lions Creek products.
* Timeline: 3-6 months
- Dedicated Store Model:
- Complete the online inquiry form.
- Receive an information package and introductory call.
- Submit a formal application.
- Sign a Confidentiality Agreement.
- Attend comprehensive training (50 hours).
- Work with Lions Creek to design store layout and branding.
- Identify and secure a suitable retail location.
- Set up and brand the dedicated store.
- Place initial order and start selling Lions Creek products.
* Timeline: 4-8 months
- Multi-Store Model:
- Complete the online inquiry form.
- Receive an information package and introductory call.
- Submit a formal application.
- Sign a Confidentiality Agreement.
- Attend comprehensive training (20 hours per store).
- Work with Lions Creek to design store layout and branding for each location.
- Identify and secure suitable retail locations.
- Set up and brand each store.
- Place initial orders and start selling Lions Creek products in all locations.
* Timeline: 6-12 months
By following these steps, you will be well on your way to becoming a Lions Creek partner. We are committed to supporting you throughout the entire process to ensure your success and the consistent representation of the Lions Creek brand.
For inquiries and further information regarding partnership opportunities with Lions Creek, please don't hesitate to reach out to us using the contact details below:
- General Inquiries:
Email: distribution@lionscreek.com
Phone: +1 (306) 972-3545
- Partnership Opportunities:
Email: partnerships@lionscreek.com
Phone: +1 (306) 972-3545
- Partner Support:
Email: support@lionscreek.com
Phone: +1 (306) 972-3545
- Headquarters:
Lions Creek
330 Main Street North
Moose Jaw, SK S7J 1N9,
Canada
Alternatively, you can visit our websites at either www.lionscreek.ca or www.lionscreekdirect.ca and navigate to the "Contact Us" page to send us a message directly. Our team is eager to assist you and answer any questions you may have about joining the Lions Creek family.