Pura Sweeteners: A story of courage and entrepreneurship

Supporting entrepreneurship in Vancouver (and elsewhere, as it turns out) is important for me, because I recognize that it isn’t government who creates jobs: it’s entrepreneurial activity. So when I was informed about the work of Themis Velgis and how he and his wife rebuilt after losing everything to a shady business proposition, including their boutique chocolate shop, Chocoatl. I remember visiting Chocoatl when it started, but I never got to chat with Themis or his wife.

You should check out The Gastown Project interview with Themis and Danila, it’s a really sweet story of courage and entrepreneurship.

AfterAfter years of rebuilding, and rounding up a few trustful business partners, Themis created Pura Agave™ Syrups alongside Bryan Kim and SFU undergraduate student Shahab Samimi. Pura Foods Ltd. provides raw agave sweeteners and is an emerging company of USDA, Canadian Organic, and Vegan friendly Blue Agave syrups from Mexico.

In the words of Chef Velgis, “Pura was developed to provide a healthy alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners,” Pura Raw Agave is made with 100% natural ingredients, providing a delicious range of 15 certified organic flavoured agave syrups.

Used for thousands of years in Mexico and prized by the Aztecs, agave syrup is 25% sweeter than sugar allowing consumers to use less and consequently reduce the amount of calories and carbohydrates consumed. Pura flavoured agave syrups contain the lowest glycemic index of Blue Agave, 17, a feat achieved by the unique processing style of the syrup. All of Pura Raw Agave Syrups are raw, meaning the syrup has not been heated above 46o Celsius, maintaining its enzymes and natural properties that may otherwise be affected by high temperatures. Its light viscosity allows the last drip to drop as easily as the first, dissolving quickly in hot and cold beverages.

I love agave syrup, to be quite honest, not only because (like Themis), I’m Mexican, but also because I know that agave syrup is extremely good for your health (this is oral tradition passed on for generations of Mexicans, and I was raised enjoying pretty much anything cooked with agave). And I’m thrilled to see that Blenz is supporting Pura Sweeteners by using them on their drinks (those drinks must be REALLY tasty!).

Launching July 13th, for the first time ever, Blenz will serve its customers tea and coffee sweetened with a natural sweetener. From Strawberry and Mango, to Caramel and Vanilla, there are 15 different flavours to choose from. Blenz is serving up some refreshing and chilled Hibiscus Tea sweetened with Pura Raw Agave, and the Pura Team wants you to be the first to taste these creations before the beverage goes live in your city!

You can check out more of Pura Sweeteners on their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter at @PuraSweet.