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Hamilton Spectator

BD Mart in Sudbury a gateway to foods of South Asian subcontinent

Meet Mohammed Ahmed and you have to smile. He is engaging and clearly delighted with how Sudbury has welcomed his business venture. His service and selection of products at BD Mart saves many the down-and-back trip to Toronto's Danforth Avenue for cultural-specific prepared foods and essential ingredients. BD Mart's mission is to provide high-quality, halal-certified meats and groceries. This one-off supply site is sure to grow to other Northern Ontario locations. 'Yes, it's my first store,' said Ahmed, but you can discern a twinkle in his eyes as he describes the future. 'I have a dream. I am business thirsty. I aggressively looked for a location to establish a store. 'I believe where there is a will, there is a way. I was born a businessman always, before I came to Canada.' Here in Sudbury, he saw an opportunity and a need. 'I am a poor man, but my heart is big. I have good intentions. I believe if you have faith, God will help you. I am here to serve. I have determination.' His market is for everyone who needs specialty halal meat in Sudbury. 'I'm from Bangladesh, so, yes, definitely there is an extra focus on the demand of Bangladeshi food items, along with fish, halal meat, Bangladeshi vegetables and Bangladeshi imported sweets too.' Halal food is food that is permissible to consume according to Islamic dietary laws. Ahmed offers me a selection of desserts that remind me of my years as a student at the University of Toronto, when Gerrard Street was my go-to for affordable eats. The extensive selection of confectionery include fudge-like, milk-based Burfi, and Gulab Jamun. 'I'm offering pure, fresh Ontario halal beef, goat, lamb, chicken and frozen goat and lamb, and fish,' said Ahmed. 'We have white shrimp and sought-after Hilsha, and Tilapia. It's a very prospective market here as there is a university and two colleges … where many South Asian students are studying.' Is Ahmed's store exclusively for Bangladeshi and Muslim people? 'No. I am here for everyone in Sudbury.' All basic daily needs can be met when you examine the shelves and freezers. 'We work with the best partners to ensure top-quality products,' he said. 'Our trusted suppliers share our commitment to excellence and sustainability. Together, we bring fresh, reliable and affordable goods to your doorstep.' Ahmed has fresh mangoes by the case, mango chutney, jars and bags of savoury and fragrant condiments, and soon Kulfi (an ice cream-like dessert). There are large bags of rice and other staples. Ahmed also sees Sudbury as very diverse: 'It's as multicultural city as I have seen. I have got customers from at least 19 counties so far.' His list includes Benin, Togo, Jamaica, Tunisia, Indonesia and Malaysia. Ahmed came to Canada in 1999 and quickly noted how the country was changing, even in Northern Ontario. He says advertising is not necessary to promote his business; word-of-mouth brings customers. 'Sudbury is a central point, too, for Ste. Sault Mary, North Bay … Longlac and the Highway 11 corridor. Yes, the location is very important for this type of business I believe. 'Here at BD Mart they not only find the things they need but meet others. There is friendship here. I want to win your heart. I think I have met most of my customers.' Go to this site for more information and there are links to the full product profile. Visit the store at 7 Elgin St. from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Note the store is closed Friday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. for worship. The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible through funding from the federal government. Bluesky: @ X: @SudburyStar