A little taste of Brazil has made its way to Collingwood, and we’re very happy about it. Tropicalia Sweets, founded by 2026 Starter Company Plus participant Mariane Nogueira, brings authentic Brazilian and Peruvian treats to South Georgian Bay, with recipes rooted in tradition and plenty of personality. From creamy brigadeiros and savoury pão de queijo to alfajors made from her husband’s family recipe, there’s something seriously delicious coming out of Mariane’s kitchen. We’ve sampled our fair share of Tropicalia Sweets and can personally vouch for just how good they are.
Beyond the baking, Mariane has embraced every opportunity to learn, network and introduce her business to the community. You can find her at the Collingwood Farmers Market and local events throughout the year, and of course order directly through Mariane.
Read the Q+A below to learn more about Mariane and Tropicalia Sweets.
Tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur. What sparked the idea to start your business?
The idea came to me as I made Brazilian sweets to friends in Canada throughout the 10 years we’ve been here and they always loved it and commented on how unique and delicious these desserts were. As there was nothing of this kind around our region, I decided to try out the concept in 2024 and start participating at vendor events with this side-hustle. The response was so great that I then joined the Collingwood Farmers Market in 2025 and again in 2026. Now we have lots of loyal customers who come to our booth every Saturday, plus new customers who are always intrigued by the idea of trying something new!
What products or services do you offer, and how do they solve a problem or meet a need?
We offer treats that cannot be found anywhere else in our region, including delicious gluten-free items, making us a big hit amongst the celiac community. Here’s what you can find at our booth:
Brigadeiros – Brazilian creamy truffles, over 25 different flavours – gluten-free
Queijadinhas – Brazilian creamy coconut tarts – gluten-free
Pão de Queijo – Brazilian cheese bread – gluten-free
Bolo Famoso – a variety of Brazil’s most popular cakes, new flavour every week
Alfajors – Peruvian shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche, a family recipe
Why did you apply for the Starter Company Plus program, and what are you hoping to gain from it? What have you gained so far?
I applied for Starter Company Plus to learn more about starting a business and how to expand beyond the vendor booth someday. I understand the importance of mentorship and SC+ offered that as a way to learn more from well-established business owners in the area, from whom I’ve gained so much insight already! I hope to obtain the knowledge on how to take my offerings to more customers and to partner with other businesses to make Brazilian & Peruvian treats a staple for celebrations and a delicious option for those who seek gluten-free items.
What do you love most about serving your community? How has being part of a local business community shaped your journey?
What I love most about serving our community is the connection that I get to make with customers when they are interested in the products. Talking about each item and sharing the cultural significance of it and how unique and delicious they are brings me so much joy and gratefulness. Moving to Canada and becoming a part of a local business community helped shape the way I shop today. I always prefer to shop local to help grow the local economy and support people who, like myself, once had a dream of creating something unique and from the heart to share with others and now thrive in our region.
What’s something you’ve learned about yourself since starting your business?
Since starting Tropicalia Sweets, I’ve learned that I am capable and can create brand new things, more than I realized. I envision, I research, I experiment, and I’m always open to learning new things every day.
What’s your favourite product or service that you offer?
I absolutely love when a custom order inquiry comes through. When a client reaches out looking for something special for their celebration or event, it brings me joy knowing that I get to provide something delicious for their birthday party, book club meeting, or Christmas celebration!
What are your favourite local spots to visit on a day off?
When I need fresh ideas or have a problem to solve, I like walking along Sunset Point Park, which has a soothing power on me. You could say that it instantly takes the brain fog away and inspires me. I feel so lucky to live in such a beautiful town!
What’s the most memorable feedback you’ve received from a client?
One of the most memorable testimonials I’ve ever received was from a regular during an extremely cold Christmas Market. They shared that they weren’t sure they wanted to leave home on such a cold day, but our sweets were worth braving the elements. It meant a lot.
What quote or mantra keeps you inspired?
If I’m ever looking for inspiration, I turn to a quote by Walt Disney that says “If you can dream it, you can do it!”
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Are you curious to find out what joy tastes like? Come visit us at the Collingwood Farmers Market until October 10th or order for your Thanksgiving, Christmas or any celebration directly from us at tropicaliasweets@gmail.com.
Email: tropicaliasweets@gmail.com | Instagram: @tropicaliasweets | Facebook: facebook.com/tropicaliasweets
Photos: Victoria Mae Photography