Published Date: January 6th, 2024
Today is Women’s Christmas – or Nollaig na mBan if you prefer. We’re taking this opportunity again this year to shine a light on a dynamic member of the ICCC Montreal community. Meet Karen Bright!
Karen is President of Halford Lewis Ltd., a food sector company founded in 1943. Karen had worked with the previous owner, Herb Lewis, for many years through the other company she owns, Werner Phillips. Karen purchased Halford Lewis in 2019.
The company’s early focus was on coffee, tea, and the spice industry. Today, Halford-Lewis is a spice and herb broker, arranging sales between suppliers and clients in the food industry. Halford-Lewis represents suppliers in Egypt, India, China, Morocco, Indonesia and many other countries. It is the exclusive agent in Canada for US-based essential oil and aroma chemical supplier Citrus and Allied, and its sister company, Trilogy Flavors. Halford-Lewis also has an exclusive agency with Caribbean island Grenada, handling that country’s nutmeg and mace sales in Canada and the USA.
Karen continues to expand Werner Phillips, the existing family salvage business. Her team of 5 continues to grow the company, managing a warehouse that is shared between both her companies
Why be a member of the Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce in Montreal?
I joined the ICCC many years ago largely to get more involved with the Irish community but since then I have genuinely enjoyed meeting with the other members. There is often much of interest to learn from people in business and I have always enjoyed the networking opportunities.
What’s on the horizon
Over the course of her many travels, Karen has experienced the effect of climate change and water scarcity on general growing conditions around the world. While agriculture uses 75% of the world’s water supply, 90% of that consumption is typically lost to evaporation. Karen is currently working on another project, a water conservation technology called Water Pearls, that will reduce the evaporation of water from the soil by up to 75%. She recently showcased this technology in the Middle East. Karen’s company is in the process of preparing presentations for interested parties, and she is confident of the potential for business development. Working directly with the inventor and manufacturer of this technology, Karen and her team will be developing markets and sales through Halford-Lewis, in its capacity as agent.
Karen deserves a restful Nollaig na mBan, don’t you agree? We invite you to come meet Karen at one of the Chamber’s upcoming events. See you there!