Opening: From Attic Dreams to Local Grocer Legacy
Imagine arriving in Canada with nothing but hope, renting an attic, working odd jobs—and then building one of BC’s most beloved produce empires. That’s Kin’s Farm Market, where roots run deep and freshness is a family tradition.
1. A Humble Beginning in Granville Island Market
Kin’s story began in 1983 at Granville Island Public Market with a simple 8-foot produce table and under 20 items. The Leung family personally drove to local farms to hand-pick produce—a practice that anchors their commitment to freshness to this day.
2. Growth Rooted in Purpose and Community
They opened their first brick-and-mortar store in Richmond in 1987, followed by Ladner in 1990. Today, Kin’s has grown into 23+ stores across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, all while maintaining their ethos: “to inspire a better quality of life in our communities.”
3. The Values That Keep Growing
Kin Wah Leung and his family didn’t just build a business—they built a legacy. Their immigrant journey fuels their dedication to mentorship, helping other newcomers launch careers and entrepreneurial paths. Many employees have grown into store managers and business partners—true evidence of their guiding values.
4. Recognition Blossoms Along the Way
Kin’s hasn’t just grown—it’s been honored. From local readers’ choice awards to national recognition, their accolades include the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2009) and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal awarded to Kin Wah Leung in 2013.
5. Community at the Core
Kin’s focus goes beyond produce. Their initiatives—like contributions to BC Children’s Hospital, UBC food-science research, and immigrant settlement programs—highlight their commitment to wellness and giving back.
6. What Locals Love
One fond reviewer called Kin’s a “neighborhood grocery that feels like a hyper-local corner store” (West End Journal). It’s that homely atmosphere—vast reach, but personal touch—that keeps shoppers coming back.