Great Lakes Cruise Association mounts 'galley supply' initiative

This Great Lakes Cruise Association 'galley supply' economic initiative spearheaded by Executive Director Stephen Burnett is focused on local growers and producers.

Nearly 70 suppliers and counting

It includes award-winning wines, cheeses, maple syrup, honey, olive oils, a vast variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, and fresh fish and game. Products are listed under the 'galley supplies' tab on the Great Lakes Cruise Association website with nearly 70 suppliers initially listed, all from Ontario so far.

Craft breweries, bakeries, farms, orchards, butchers, smoke houses, fish markets, dairy purveyors, a gelateria, spirits companies, wineries, chocolatiers and even a kombucha supplier are included.

'Buy local' opportunity

Burnett has been working with economic development officers in Great Lakes ports that cruise ships are likely to visit — ranging from Cornwall and Thunder Bay — including Kingston, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, Little Current and numerous others. As the 'galley supplies' list matures, he plans to approach cruise line purchasing officers to make them aware of this opportunity to 'buy local.'

'Like any new initiative this will take time to gather momentum,' Burnett said, adding 'the freshness of the ingredients should be appealing to chefs and guests alike.'

He expects well over 100' suppliers to be listed by early spring, ahead of the 2024 cruise season.