CHFA is turning 60! “We have a lot to celebrate,” says Randi Ptolemy, content and public relations manager for the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA). “Join us to honour the growth of the natural, organic and wellness (NOW) industry at CHFA NOW Vancouver, April 2-5, 2024. We’re gearing up for this to be the best show yet.

After being unable to travel during the pandemic, Sofia Constantinou and Callie Farrell were excited to hit the road again in 2023 visiting Health First Network (HFN) member stores across Canada.

The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) Industry Night Out in Montreal on November 7, 2023, was a chance for Quebec-based CHFA and industry members to gather, reconnect, and network.

While in Montreal and Ottawa recently, I had the opportunity to visit some stores with three very good industry friends: my colleague Ellen Wheeler of Alive Publishing Group, and Joanne McDonald and Deb Larocque of Preferred Nutrition and Natural Factors. In total, it was 10 stores over a couple of days. These visits will result in larger feature stories on a couple of the stores later in the year.

Welcome to the captivating world of alive magazine, where wellness meets wisdom, and every issue is a symphony of natural health. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the making of your favourite periodical—the one that graces your shelves and entices your customers—join me. It’s a journey filled with collaboration, research, and a sprinkle of editorial magic.

With multiple stores in Calgary and Edmonton, Amaranth is preparing for its 30th anniversary. Co-owner Brendan Klatt recently spoke with CNHR, reflecting on how Amaranth has been successful in steadily growing and strengthening its base in Alberta despite the increasingly competitive marketplace.

The “better for you” product movement continues to see traction, driven by evolving consumer preferences for healthier, more sustainable, and transparent products. But what does “better for you” really mean to natural health shoppers? We spoke to the alive Listens community to gain insights into what your shoppers think.

In the previous issue of CNHR, I introduced the topic of empathetic leadership.

 The COVID-19 pandemic marked a pivotal turning point in how we lead our teams. Now, more than ever, I feel leading with empathy must come first and foremost.

In today’s fast-paced world, stress is more than just a passing feeling; it deeply impacts our physical health through something called allostatic load.

The organic sector recently unveiled bold plans to accelerate growth: a robust organic action plan is taking shape through a coalition of the national associations—Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA), Canadian Organic Growers, and Organic Federation of Canada—working together. The National Organic Action Plan for Canada is positioned as an engine for accelerated advancement. This comprehensive strategy acknowledges the pivotal role of organic practices, underscored by benchmarks, objectives, and strategies designed to fortify the organic supply chain and amplify the global appetite for organic products.

In August 2022, Nutters Everyday Naturals introduced the first annual Mental Health Golf Classic in Medicine Hat, Alberta, home of Nutters flagship store.

The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) is gearing up for its annual Organic Leadership Awards and evening gala this April in Vancouver, celebrating the remarkable achievements of organic leaders. 

Nature’s Emporium, founded in 1993, opened its first store in Toronto on September 7, 2023. The 25,000 sq. ft. store is located at 1 York Street in Toronto’s South Core, just steps from Union Station. In addition to the new Toronto location, Nature’s Emporium has stores in Newmarket, Maple, Burlington, and Woodbridge, Ontario.

Jenn Slattery has joined the NOW Health Group/Puresource team as national sales manager.

Over the years, many natural retailers have had the chance to experience the Natural Factors Farm and plant tour in BC’s Okanagan Valley.