With more than 3 million followers across social media, content creator Émilie Lafortune is already a familiar face to many Canadians. But in Episode 7 of Dragons' Den Canada, she and business partner Jeff Alcidor stepped into the den with a different goal: securing investment for their fast-growing Caribbean food brand, Le Goût de Ça.

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Seeking $50,000 in exchange for 10% of their company, the couple presented a business built around Haitian-inspired marinades, hot sauces, and flavor-packed culinary products. What followed led to multiple offers, a surprising loan proposal, and a final decision that caught the attention of viewers.

What Is Le Goût de Ça?

Founded by Émilie Lafortune and Jeff Alcidor, Le Goût de Ça was born from a passion for Caribbean cuisine and a desire to make authentic flavors more accessible. The company's products are made from vegetables, fresh herbs, garlic, and spices, without preservatives, allowing home cooks to create flavorful meals quickly and easily.

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The brand draws inspiration from both Haitian culture and the couple's experience living in Argentina, creating a unique blend of Caribbean and Latin influences. Beyond food, their mission is also cultural: introducing more people to Haitian flavors while celebrating the richness and diversity of Caribbean cuisine.

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Today, the company is growing rapidly, with products already available in multiple retail locations and expansion opportunities emerging in both Canada, France and the United States.

Why Were They Looking for $50,000?

During their pitch, Lafortune and Alcidor explained that the requested investment would primarily help increase production capacity.

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One of their biggest opportunities comes from the United States, where a distributor already works with roughly 400 retail locations. At the time of filming, Le Goût de Ça products were available in only about 20 of those stores, leaving significant room for expansion.

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The entrepreneurs believed additional capital would allow them to scale operations faster and meet growing demand. Their combination of strong brand awareness, a loyal online community, and a clear growth strategy quickly attracted attention from the Dragons.

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Anne Martel notably highlighted Lafortune's massive online following, asking how the company planned to transform that audience into long-term sales growth.

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Which Deal Did They Accept?

Several Dragons expressed interest in the business, but each approached the opportunity differently.

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Georges Karam offered the full $50,000 requested, but in exchange for 15% of the company rather than the 10% initially proposed. David Côté presented a different approach, combining business education through the Big Bang Academy with financial support designed to help accelerate growth.

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The most unexpected proposal came from Luc Poirier. Rather than taking equity in the company, he suggested that Émilie Lafortune and Jeff Alcidor maintain full ownership of their business and instead accept financing through a loan structure. Poirier believed the company did not necessarily need an investor and encouraged the founders to preserve control of what remained a highly family-driven venture.

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After considering their options, Lafortune and Alcidor ultimately chose Luc Poirier's proposal, allowing them to secure funding while keeping ownership of Le Goût de Ça entirely in their hands.

A Defining Moment for Le Goût de Ça

Their appearance on Dragons' Den Canada highlighted more than just a growing food business. It showcased a brand built around culture, authenticity, and entrepreneurship, supported by a strong community both online and offline.

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By choosing financing over dilution, Émilie Lafortune and Jeff Alcidor demonstrated confidence in the future of Le Goût de Ça. As demand continues to grow across Canada and the United States, their Dragons' Den appearance may ultimately be remembered as a major turning point in the company's expansion journey.

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