The Health First Network (HFN) annual general meeting (AGM) in Toronto this year was special as it marked the 25th anniversary of the founding of this retailer organization.

In 2022, Health Canada announced that starting January 1, 2026, pre-packaged foods and beverages that exceed certain levels of saturated fat, sugars, and sodium must feature a front-of-package (FOP) nutrition symbol. While similar initiatives in Chile and Mexico have led to smaller shopping basket sizes, there are ways for Canadian retailers to navigate this change effectively.

Chelan Wilkins has joined Better Basics as business development manager.

The Canada Organic Trade Association’s (COTA) 2024 Organic Market Report reveals that the organic market held strong despite various economic and political challenges. The market has grown by 11% since 2020 and reached $9 billion CAD at the end of 2023, maintaining Canada’s position as fifth largest organic market in the world.

Lifestyle Naturals, Vernon, BC, and The Stone Store, Guelph, Ontario, are the grand prize winners in the Factors Farm Whole Earth And Sea (WES) display contest. Both stores have won a trip to the Natural Factors Farm in the Okanagan Valley, BC.

Attendees of the 10^th annual Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) John Holtmann Memorial Golf Tournament could not have asked for a better day to hit the links with industry colleagues and raise funds for a worthwhile cause. It was sunny and warm as 114 golfers gathered on June 12 at the spectacular and challenging Lionhead Golf Club in Brampton, Ontario.

New Chapter held a brand re-launch at The Drake Hotel in Toronto on May 9, 2024. They reintroduced their iconic line of New Chapter vitamins, minerals, and more into the Canadian market.

For the past six years, the students, staff, and community of Witset Elementary School, Witset, BC, have been cultivating more than just plants. What began as a modest garden project on a hillside behind the school has blossomed into a vibrant space for education, community building, and sustainable living.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest health food trends. From mushroom smoothies to turmeric lattes, there’s no shortage of buzzworthy items making their rounds on social media. However, it’s crucial to recognize that health food is more than just a fleeting trend; it represents a culture of preventative and holistic approaches to wellness.

Thanks to Alyssa Laing, an independent account manager who represents CanPrev and Orange Naturals in lower mainland BC, for taking me and Christina Barrett, medical director, Orange Naturals, to some stores just prior to CHFA NOW Vancouver.

Whether it’s the newest flavour of mocktails or the best green beauty product all the influencers are touting, ensuring your shelves are stocked with the latest trending products is critical to remaining competitive in this market.

CanPrev has announced Cristina Guglielmi’s promotion to national director, health food.

In April 2024, CHFA NOW Vancouver acknowledged excellence in the Canadian natural health industry with the CHFA Industry Achievement Awards for individuals and organizations.

After earning my degree from the University of British Columbia (UBC), I landed my dream job in management consulting where I lasted only 90 days. It was 2008, and Occupy Wall Street was in full swing. I found myself questioning my contributions to the world around me. After quitting, I worked in the non-profit sector for a while. But I had a desire for something more.

Healthology and Alive Publishing Group hosted a casual retailer dinner during CHFA NOW Vancouver 2024