about
company profile
Crush Imports is a boutique wine & spirit import agency based in Alberta but operates across Western Canada founded and operated by Mark Kuspira. We partner with family growers from around the world whose values mirror our own. These values include sustainability, integrity, high level of service, and offering a product that is of high quality, yet offering incredible value. We are an enthusiastic, dynamic, and creative team of professionals that are passionate about wine and serious about sales.
SOFT CRUSH:
Sophisticated no-alcohol and low-alcohol (no/low) options have never been more in demand, as people increasingly embrace the sober-curious, moderation, and health-conscious trends. They’re searching out beverage alternatives for a host of reasons whether it’s health, personal, or faith-related, and they don’t want to compromise on experience or great taste.
Young and old, fit and foodies, high-performance and hedonist; we all still want to share a round of drinks with friends, just without the side effects that come from alcohol... because let’s be honest no one likes a hangover.
Our portfolio of brands and products provide you with the refined options you’re craving. No matter what your reasons.
From the curators of crush imports.
mark kuspira
Mark Kuspira, originally from Saskatchewan, is the founder and proprietor of Crush Imports. Mark has always had a passion for excellence in the hospitality industry. After receiving a Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality and Tourism Management at Ryerson University, Toronto, Mark attended the much acclaimed CIA - Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California.
In 2000 Mark completed the International Sommelier Guild, gaining valuable knowledge about the complexity of wine and its industry. After working in the hospitality industry for both big hotel organizations as well as small businesses, Mark gained the insights into how different business models operate, and most importantly, how to best cater to the needs and expectations of the target audiences they serve. On February 7th, 2003, Mark founded Crush Imports in Alberta as a wine and spirits importer. Crush Imports started with only one brand and 3 wines, Schug Carneros Estate Winery, but under Mark’s leadership the company soon gained more opportunities for expansion.
ann spavor
Ann has been working in the wine industry for almost 20 years, and has been with crush imports since 2005. Her background started in primarily restaurants and then made the leap from hospitality into the world of wine. While working for her first wine agency, she called on a prestigious hotel account, where Mark Kuspira was the buyer. In 2005, Mark offered her a position with Crush Imports.
In previous years her position was always sales focused, however currently she is now more office based, being able to stay close to her growing family. She currently manages all the logistics, inventory, marketing, social media, event planning, administration, and sales support for the team.
She has completed her Advanced WSET certificate with distinction, and has had the fortunate opportunity to have traveled to some of the most prestigious wine regions of the world in Europe and North America. Her favourite wine at the end of a busy day or on the golf course is rose, bubbles, or a crispy sauvignon blanc.
dave henderson
Dave first started working in the liquor industry in 2001 while working towards a degree in French History from the University of Calgary. After completing a Master’s in History from the University of Toronto, he made the permanent move to a career in wine sales, first in retail and subsequently in the importing side. After almost a decade in Calgary at the cellar, Dave moved to Vancouver in 2012 and quickly joined crush imports. He has completed the Advanced WSET certificate and has travelled to wine regions in Nova Scotia, BC, Washington, Oregon, California, Australia, France, and Italy. He loves Chardonnay almost unconditionally, and when not working loves complaining about the Blue Jays and the Oilers and eating veggie tacos.
jordan lee
Jordan was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. After attending high school on Vancouver island, he returned to Edmonton where he studied in the faculty of arts at the U of A. In his early 20's he moved around between BC, Southern California, and Northern California pursuing a career in music production. While living outside San Francisco, Jordan visited Napa Valley and that is where his love of wine all began.
In 2007, Jordan moved back to Edmonton where he spent years in the restaurant industry and upgrading his wine education along the way. In the fall of 2014, he began working with crush imports in Northern Alberta. Jordan now resides in Edmonton with his wife Ksenia. Jordan is the sales manager for Edmonton and surrounding area. In addition to his French Wine Scholar programs, he just recently completed with Advanced WSET Certification.
kyla lanctot
Kyla started her career working in the hospitality industry in Manitoba, she has over 25 years of experience in restaurant management, food and wine service. She also has 10 years of direct wine import sales experience and has always been focused on providing exceptional service and building long lasting relationships.
Her love and passion for wine has led her to complete her second level of ISG and learn from her extensive travels to wine regions all over the world. She enjoys great food, wine and traveling. Her favorite way to spend the day is cooking for her family and friends with a glass of rose or bubbles in hand.
sandrina saldanha
A Sommelier Graduate of both the ISG and the WSET, with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in International Business, Sandrina has been in the wine industry for over twenty eight years. Her career started at her family’s Blue Grouse Estate Winery – a pioneering vineyard on Vancouver Island, BC. At 25, she lead the Wine Islands Vintners Association as President and helped develop and execute marketing strategies for the local wine industry.
Sandrina’s wine path took her to Calgary, Alberta where she spent several years as Wine Educator and Events Manager, even hosting the Wine Wednesday radio show for two years. When the West Coast called her back in 2007, Sandrina continued to teach as a WSET instructor, while also managing the restaurant at the Art Institute’s International Culinary School (now LaSalle College).
Since 2010 Sandrina has been handling the complex logistics of importing fine wines and spirits from around the world to BC and Alberta. After having lived in five different countries, and travelled to numerous wine regions, Sandrina is now settled in Vancouver, BC with her husband and two kids – who are all big wine enthusiasts!
