Our Tucan Holistic Team 2024
Meng Karbach
Certified Holistic Chef & Regenerative Farm Specialist
With over 35+ years of culinary expertise and a passion for innovation in the food industry, Meng Karbach is a distinguished Certified Holistic Chef with a rich tapestry of experiences. Throughout her illustrious career, Meng has left an indelible mark on renowned establishments such as Mövenpick's Marché concept, alongside pivotal roles in leading retailers including Loblaw, Sobeys, and Metro.
Drawing inspiration from her time in Germany, Meng embarked on a transformative journey to establish Food 4 Life Market Garden™ in the heart of the Niagara Region. Here, she pioneered a vision of sustainability and nourishment, cultivating a regenerative farm that produces nutritious and distinctive vegetables.
Meng's commitment to culinary excellence and her dedication to fostering sustainable food practices shine through in every endeavour she undertakes. Furthermore, she partnered with Emmy Suparmin, a certified holistic nutritionist to bring black garlic products to another level with clean ingredients. As she showcases her expertise, prepare to be inspired by her wealth of knowledge, creativity, and unwavering passion for wholesome, farm-fresh ingredients. Meng Karbach is a true trailblazer in the world of gastronomy.
Zied Slimane
Tucan International Inc. Founder & Brand Marketing Coordinator
Zied Slimane grew up in a country renowned for olive oil production but faced unexpected challenges after moving to Canada, including a brain malformation diagnosis in his mid-20s. Enduring numerous surgeries, scans, and seizures, he relied on pharmaceutical medications until meeting his wife, Emmy, a Montessori Educator and Holistic Nutritionist.
Emmy's influence sparked a journey toward holistic healing, leading to reforming his brand, Tucan Holistic, in 2021.
With a newfound mission rooted in personal experience, he aimed to offer food products with clean and sincere ingredients.
By August 2023, he was on the cusp of being medication-free, and by September 2023, he had achieved this milestone.
His journey continued focusing on conquering fears and promoting sustainability as he joined forces with certified regenerative farmer Meng Karbach to the Tucan Holistic team in 2024.
Emmy Suparmin
Certified Holistic Nutritionist & Operational Coordinator
Introducing Emmy Suparmin, a passionate advocate for holistic living and wholesome nutrition. Emmy's journey into the world of holistic foods was ignited by her husband Zied's unwavering determination to combat brain malformation without medication. Witnessing the transformative power of natural foods in Zied's health journey, Emmy embarked on a mission to showcase the profound impact of nourishing foods and a holistic approach to managing severe illnesses.
As the Co-Founder of Tucan Holistic alongside Zied, Emmy spearheaded the creation of Zenolive, the pioneering 100% unadulterated extra virgin olive oil. With an innovative Augmented Reality Label and carefully sourced from Zied's native country, beautiful Tunisia, Zenolive is a testament to Emmy and Zied's commitment to purity and authenticity in food.
Emmy's commitment to fostering wholesome, clean eating goes beyond olive oil. Leveraging her expertise as a Holistic Nutritionist, she developed The Vacuum-dried Fruit Chips and organic coconut blossom syrup—a range of organic, clean-ingredient products. She is further expanding by partnering with Meng Karbach, a regenerative farmer and chef, to introduce sustainable black garlic products.
Join Emmy at Food 4 Life Farm, where she will inspire and educate attendees on incorporating holistic foods into everyday life. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey guided by Emmy's passion for nourishing both the body and the soul through the power of natural, unadulterated ingredients.
Rick De Rosa
Company Controller
Our other team member has an extensive background in fruit farming. His family has been farming for generations, going all the way back to Italy. Rick also has an extensive background in accounting. He manages the company’s administrative affairs and participates in strategic development.
Markus Ticknovich
Regenerative Farm Site Supervisor
The next generation farmer. Markus completed his apprenticeship program with Food 4 Life Regenerative Farm. He has his regenerative garlic farm since 2023 as well as being our site supervisor for our co-op farms..
Otto
Farm Mascot & Product Quality Controller (RIP May 16, 2024)
Our Dachshund, Otto, the daikon radish chomper, who hunts for daikon every chance he gets. He also loves peas. If he eats all of it, pod and all, it means it is very sweet and has passed the extra sweet test by Otto.
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RIP. We miss his presence & QC on the farm.
Ella
Farm Mascot & Head of Security in Training
Our American Bully, Ella, the Head of Farm Security. She loves to romp and play. Trust her to find the biggest stick or branch on the farm.
Meika
Farm Mascot & Supervisor (RIP: Aug. 1st, 2023)
Our other Dachshund, Meika, the Princess, who prefers to lay in her bed all day. Occasionally she will get up to check our progress.
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RIP. We miss her very much.
Meng Karbach
Founder & Regenerative Farm Specialist
Has over 30 years in the food industry as a Certified Chef. Her work experience ranges from being one of the leading pioneers of the Marché concept at Mövenpick restaurant to being a Product Developer Specialist at Loblaw, Sobeys & Metro. Meng was also involved at Knives & Forks Organic Market (founded by Jamie Kennedy and Michael Städtlander) during its early days as a weekly market event on the sidewalk of Mövenpick at York Street, Toronto, ON.
During Meng’s tenure in Hotel Altes Tör, Filsen, Germany, she delved into biodynamic & sustainable farming. Back in Toronto, Meng found it challenging to acquire tasty & unique vegetables on a regular basis. It spurred her to personally grow her own vegetables. This led to the conception of Food 4 Life Market Garden™ the regenerative farm growing nutritious, tasty, healthy, and unique vegetables.
Rick De Rosa
Co - Founder & Company Controller
Our other co-founder has an extensive background in fruit farming. His family has been farming for generations going all the way back to Italy. Rick also has an extensive background in accounting. He manages the company’s administrative affairs and participates in strategic development.
Markus Ticknovich
Regenerative Farm Site Supervisor
The next generation farmer. Markus completed his apprenticeship program with Food 4 Life Regenerative Farm. He has his regenerative garlic farm since 2023 as well as being our site supervisor for our co-op farms..
Miguel Albino
Regenerative Farm Apprentice
An artist at heart whose passion to learn regenerative farming brought him to join our team at Food 4 Life. Besides being an artist, Miguel is also skillful in raising chickens and mushrooms in his own backyard.
Otto
Farm Mascot & Product Quality Controller
Our Dachshund, Otto, the daikon radish chomper, who hunts for daikon every chance he gets. He also loves peas. If he eats all of it, pod and all, it means it is very sweet and has passed the extra sweet test by Otto.
Meika
Farm Mascot & Supervisor (RIP: Aug. 1st, 2023)
Our other Dachshund, Meika, the Princess, who prefers to lay in her bed all day. Occasionally she will get up to check our progress.
​
RIP. We miss her very much.
Ella
Farm Mascot & Head of Security in Training
Our American Bully, Ella, the puppy & future Head of Farm Security in training. She loves to romp and play. Trust her to find the biggest stick or branch on the farm.