Conference brings retailers from 15 Good Health Mart Stores

It worked the first time. So, why would it not work again? 

The “it” is the Good Health Mart Annual Supplier Conference. And the first time was in 2010.

Kitchener store wins in Carlson contest

Basic Bulk in Kitchener, ON, was one of the winners in the Carlson Laboratories 2011 Heart Month End-Cap Contest. Basic Bulk was a second-place finisher, earning itself $250 in Carlson products. It was the only Canadian store to win, as all other winners were in the U.S.

Retailer wins iPad from SISU

 As part of its 2010-2011 Cold & Flu campaign, SISU held both a consumer and a retailer contest. Retailers could enter a few different ways, including submitting a testimonial online or by participating with an in-store Cold & Flu product display. SISU received many wonderful testimonials and pictures of some fantastic displays.

In a random draw, Donna Hagel of Herbs n’ Health in Saskatoon was selected as the winner of an Apple iPad. In a release, the company called Donna “a great supporter of SISU who works hard to educate her customers on the many virtues of Ester-C.”

November/December 2011

In the next issue of CNHR…

CHFA Expo East Review

Awards follow-up, new products and events at the show.

Special Feature - Food

Store Features:   

Foodsmiths, Perth, Ontario celebrates its 35th year as a leader in natural health retailing

San Tai's in Virden, Manitoba is a unique, thriving health food store in a rural corner of the province

Karma Marketplace, Penetang, ON, is at the centre of many community initiatives, including a community garden

Deadlines:

Rising Stars training event

Rising Stars is coming to Ontario. Rising Stars seminars are renowned three-day leadership development programs specific to natural food retailers to help stores improve operations, strengthen sales and achieve their potential.

The seminar will be held July 13-15 at the Hilton Garden Inn City Centre in Toronto. Ontario Natural Food Co-op (ONFC) will be sponsoring the seminar.

More than 1,000 natural food store and department managers have attended a three-day Rising Stars Leadership Development Seminar over the past decade. This July’s seminar in Toronto will be the second time the group has presented in Canada, after an appearance last year in Calgary sponsored by Community Natural Foods (CNF). Bruce Martin, CNF general manager, says, “The Community management searched for the educational tools to fuel our growth, and we found it in Rising Stars. Since sending our team of managers, our growth has accelerated to double-digit rates, with no end in sight for more. And most of my managers said they were inspired. That is what sets this course apart from others.”

The seminars are produced and presented by a team of Canadian and American natural food consultants, each of whom bring more than 20 years of industry experience: CNHR contributing writer Carolee Colter of Nelson, BC; Mark Mulcahy of Glen Ellen, Calif.; and Allen Seidner of San Rafael, Calif. All three work as full-time natural food operations consultants, and are practiced at creating and delivering engaging seminar content.

This July’s seminar in Toronto is known as the Original Seminar Experience, and is an intensive introduction to natural food store and department excellence. The group also has a second Advanced Seminar Experience that’s offered to graduates of the Original seminar.

A full description of the seminar content and more details are at: www.risingstarsseminar.com •

CHFA West Review

CHFA Expo West People of Excellence Awards 2011

Natural Factors Nutritional Products Ltd. was a double winner: receiving the CHFA Supplier of Excellence Award and the CHFA Spotlight Award in the category of Innovation – Supplier

Winnipeg’s Vita Health Fresh Markets won the Brock Elliott Retailer of Excellence Award. From left, store managers Ryan Labonté and Rose Castro, vice-president Mathew Holtmann, president John Holtmann, general manager Brenda Comte, marketing manager Kendra Delichte, purchasing coordinator Ashley Chornopyski and marketing and communications coordinator Chandra Rempel

Ryan Litovitch of Vita Health Fresh Market was the winner of the Gordon Storie Memorial Bursary

Nicole Oakes of TallGrass was presented with the Jack Gahler Memorial Award For Excellence in Field Sales

Tammy Gomes of Prairie Naturals won the Jack Gahler Memorial Award For Excellence in Inside Sales

Deane Parkes presented Suzi Oberkirsch of Nature’s Fare Markets with the Preferred Nutrition Award for Excellence in Retail Sales

Helen Sherrard named CHFA president

Helen Sherrard named CHFA president - The board of directors of the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) has appointed Helen Sherrard as president effective January 1, 2011.

“Helen brings a strong set of leadership skills to the association at a time when the sector faces many challenges,” said CHFA board chair Deborah Callbreath. “Her consensus-building skills and wealth of experience with CHFA members will take the association to new levels of achievement.”

“I am looking forward to taking on the coming member challenges and ensuring that the CHFA team is focused on solving member problems,” commented Helen. She has had a leading career in the association field, and in the natural health products and organics sectors. For the past year, Helen has served as CHFA director of operations and has been acting president since October 2010.

In addition, over the past 10 years, Helen has served as a senior advisor to the CHFA board of directors, including the role of board secretary. She also oversaw the development of CHFA’s awards program. •

Annual Info Book

Great exposure, great value

July/August is our annual Info Book.  This once-a-year issue is a comprehensive listing of companies who supply products to natural health retailers.  The Info Book is broken down into several categories to make it easy for retailers to find distributors, manufacturers, brokers, raw material suppliers, associations, etc. by classification, region, product category and brand names. 

All advertisers in the Info Book receive a free full listing in all sections.  When you purchase a 1/2 page ad (or larger)  in the Info Book, you get the equivalent space for free to tell retailers your story with a Supplier Profile.  As an added bonus, your company profile will be posted on our website until next year's Info Book!  It’s a two-for-one offer that lets retailers learn about your company, your products, your people and your values. See examples of last year's supplier profiles.  

For $300, you can have a full listing in all sections and a company logo.

Non-advertisers can post a free basic listing in the Info Book.  This will include contact information only. 

Make sure your company is included in this annual listing for retailers. 

Please contact your account manager or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to receive your electronic Info Book form or fax form.

Deadline to return all forms is May 9, 2011.

Supplements for Spring

Everyone knows the following: “April showers bring May flowers.” However, that’s not the only thing the spring season brings. The warmer weather brings people outside – gardening, cycling and just being more active. Many will have a desire to refresh with a cleanse. And don’t forget spring allergies! Over the next few pages, you will find suggestions to help your customers with their spring

Supplement needs, plus some key products for the season!

As the dark days of winter will soon be a cold memory, your customers’ habits and health challenges are changing. Spring is the time for being more active, revitalizing our bodies and preparing for pollen.

Ever notice that the runners seem to come out of the woodwork at this time of year? Warmer weather invites getting out and about, weather that means walking, jogging or gardening. Unfortunately it can also mean sore muscles for those who don’t ease into it – and even for those that do. Remind your customers to keep some magnesium supplements close at hand for aching backs and some arnica or homeopathic trauma remedies for times when they’ve really overdone it.

Spring is Mother Nature’s season for renewal and regeneration. Encourage your customers to align themselves with this natural rhythm by trying a gentle, effective spring cleanse. A prominent display of items that support detox can include skin brushes and castor oil packs, liver-loving herbal combos in capsule or tinctures and more comprehensive cleansing kits.

Sneezing, snuffling and itchy, watery eyes can put a damper on our enthusiasm for this lovely time of year. To prevent allergic rhinitis, start taking daily probiotics with a quercitin complex and/or bee pollen while snow is still on the ground. By prepping the immune system well before it is challenged by airborne allergens, your customers may be able to avoid seasonal allergies altogether.

Vitamin D supplementation should continue

More than one in six Canadians suffer from hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis. Depending on what a person is allergic to, allergy season can start in the early spring and last right through to the first frost of autumn. In some parts of the country, you could suffer from March to November. Prevention is one of the key ways to help with symptoms, duration and onset of seasonal allergies. Flavonoids, such as quercetin, luteolin and rosmarinic acid, help to stabilize mast cells that secrete histamine and cause allergic reactions. These compounds, along with other botanicals like butterbur and perilla, cannot only help prevent, but reduce symptoms of allergies when they are already present.

How much vitamin D to take and when it is most essential is of much debate. It takes about 18 minutes of midday sun exposure for your body to absorb the equivalent of 3000IUs of vitamin D. This is dependant on the time of the year, skin-type and how far north or south you live, here in North America. It is still a good idea to continue your vitamin D supplementation during the summer months, even though many of us actually spend at least 20 minutes a day during peak hours in the sun. The Mayo Clinic, in 2006, suggested that one in three young adults are vitamin D deficient which is why a healthy balance between sun exposure, dietary sources and supplementation of vitamin D during the summer months is the best way to prevent a possible deficiency.    by Dr. Jonothon Mainland, N.D. AOR’s medical advisor.

Potent anti-allergy, antioxidant, and anti-aging support

Natural Factors new Quercetin Complex is an exceptional antioxidant formula that provides relief from the symptoms of allergies, fights free radical damage, and combats accelerated aging. It contains quercetin, grape seed extract, blood orange extract, turmeric extract, and CoQ10 for advanced anti-inflammatory, circulatory, and cardiovascular support. 1-800-663-8900

Immune System Support

ImmunoSense is a highly effective, specialized formula, designed to support and enhance the immune system with natural ingredients including: Astralagus, Ganopoly™ Reishi Mushroom Extract, Zinc Citrate and Selenium. By actively supporting the immune system, the body is better equipped to fight off infections and viruses that may compromise overall health.

Rich in Omega-3’s EPA & DHA

Elite Omega 3 Gems contain fish body oils from deep, cold water fish which are especially rich in the important omega-3’s EPA and DHA. This professional strength formula contains 800 mg of omega-3’s per soft gel. www.carlsonlabs.com

Sexy Legs for Summer

Spring might be here, but you can bet that most people are already thinking about bathing suit season. When the weather warms, your legs are bound to be on full display. Proactive marketing now aimed at sexy legs in time for summer will get results, as one in two North Americans suffers from varicose veins, spider veins and swollen ankles. People often seek surgery, laser or topical treatments for vein problems but, as we all know, safe, nutritional treatments offer effective and long-term solutions. Large clinical trials on herbal formulas containing diosmin, butcher’s broom, horse chestnut and hesperidin have found that, in as little as 60 days, veins dramatically diminish in size. Swelling around the ankles is also reduced or eliminated. You cannot go wrong with promoting to your customers vein-support products that offer a money-back guarantee.   by Lorna Vanderhaeghe, president and CEO Lorna Vanderhaeghe Health Solutions, Inc.

Fish Oils All Year Round

The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, found in fish oil, are helpful in maintaining histamine levels before and during allergy season. Histamines are neurotransmitters that deliver messages to the body when allergy promoting pollens are in the air. Histamines trigger eyes to water, noses to run and sneeze, and other general inflammatory reactions to take place in an effort to rid the body of the allergen. EPA and DHA work on anti-inflammatory pathways and are great to pre-load with before allergy season and to take throughout that time of year. Fish oils have so many wonderful benefits that most choose to take them all year round. Creating end caps with the herbs for allergies and supplements before and during spring allows the customer to see the type of items you have available. Promoting fish oil along with these allergy supplements educates the consumer about yet another benefit to taking fish oil.

Cleanses are also popular this time of year and two important nutrients to include on your cleanse are fish oil and probiotics. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids which are essential fatty acids that should be consumed daily to support health and well being. Even when cleansing, omega-3 fatty acids should be included as a part of your chosen program. Probiotics are usually included as well to support gut and colon health. Cleanses rid the body of toxins and it is important they are moved through the colon quickly, and probiotics support this process. Get customers thinking about spring cleanses with some free in-store lectures and simple education pieces about the types of cleanses you offer. by Stuart Tomc, CNHP, national educator, Nordic Naturals

Immune System Support

Quercetin is a dietary flavonoid with many health benefits. It alleviates allergies by preventing certain immune cells from releasing histamines. It also blocks the enzymes responsible for producing inflammatory molecules that sensitize the body’s pain receptors. www.aor.ca

High-Quality Passionflower

Chosen by German pharmacists as top natural product of 2010! PASCOE® Calm contains a high-quality special extract of passionflower. Passionflower has a long history of use and much research in treating stress, anxiety and sleep disturbances. It is also one of the safest herbs.

D3, the Preferred Source of Vitamin D

Natural Factors new Vitamin D3 Drops 400 IU is perfect for kids. It provides the recommended daily intake for children in just one drop. Provided in a base of organic olive oil and flaxseed oil, it has a pleasant, neutral taste that makes it easy to take directly, or add to any food or beverage. Vitamin E and olive oil act as natural preservatives to ensure freshness and stability.    800/663-8900 www.naturalfactors.com

Heart healthy combination

Omega LDL combines the concentrated fish oil found in our Ultimate Omega formula with the important heart nutrients Red Yeast Rice and Coenzyme Q10. By combining these nutrients, this formula synergistically enhances cardiovascular function and supports healthy cholesterol levels. www.nordicnaturals.com

Reduces the risk of CVD

Kyolic Extra Strength One A Day contains 1000mg of the proprietary Aged Garlic Extract™. Kyolic Extra Strength is among a leading line of Health Canada-approved cardiovascular supplements by Kyolic. Kyolic A.G.E. is research-proven and has been trusted by Canadians for over 30 years. www.kyolic.ca

Fights Belly Fat & More

Glucosmart – containing Chirositol – in more than 30 studies at the Virginia Medical School, was shown to normalize insulin, control diabetes, stop skin tags, lower cholesterol and enhance serotonin, thereby halting sugar cravings and reducing appetite. In women, Glucosmart halts male facial hair growth, acne and PCOS. But where Glucosmart really shines is in helping to fight belly fat in both men and women.

Essential Vitamins for Optimal Health

Spring is in the air!   With the first signs of spring and the warmer weather comes seasonal allergies, cleansing diets and outdoor activities. The following supplements are important for supporting vitality and wellbeing during the coming months:

1.) Vitamin C – An essential antioxidant for any immune dysfunction, injury repair and detoxification protocol.

2.) Quercitin - Inhibits the release of histamines and other inflammatory compounds from mast cells, thus reducing the allergic/inflammatory response.

3.) Omega 3’s – Essential anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and cardio protective properties.

4.) Curcumin - This spice is cancer protective, a potent antioxidant, supports liver function and is anti-inflammatory.

5.) Milk Thistle – An essential detoxifying agent that supports liver function, and acts as an antioxidant, too.

by Dr. Marita Schauch BSc ND. Dr. Schauch’s health articles educate the public about health and wellness and have been featured in numerous print media.  She resides and has her clinical practice in Victoria B.C.

EPA, natural inflammation fighter

Spring and summer are just around the corner. This means more and more Canadians will be getting outside, enjoying the warm weather and all the physical activities this brings: cycling, gardening, yard work, etc. Some people will be doing their annual internal spring cleanse; others will have to face the challenges of spring allergies.

Omega-3’s are an important consideration for people getting back into the great outdoors. Sardines, salmon and mackerel provide beneficial fats that may help protect your body against allergies. One of the Omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), is a natural inflammation fighter.

Eating more of these cold-water fish or taking a fish oil supplement is especially important if allergies affect breathing, such as in those who suffer from allergic asthma. The natural inflammation-balancing actions of EPA ease the irritation in our nasal passages and lungs, therefore reducing the likelihood of an allergic response.

Keep reference articles on hand that illustrate the benefits of nutrients. While health claims are an area that retailers want to avoid, there are many educational articles available to articulate and reinforce the benefits of natural approaches to better health.  by Jolie Root, LPN, LNC, Carlson’s nutritionist/educator

Sequel Naturals wins seven Alive awards

Sequel Naturals calls superior customer service and product innovation “a winning strategy” and the major reason the company recently took home seven Alive top product awards for 2010.

Retailers from coast-to-coast voted for the best consumer products in a variety of natural health categories for the annual awards showcase which were developed to recognize outstanding product innovation while enhancing the credibility of natural health products.

Capturing gold medals were Vega Whole Food Health Optimizer in the Multivitamins & Supplements category, Vega Sport Performance Optimizer in the Fitness & Weight Management category and Vega Sport Performance Protein, the successful sport-focused follow-up launched in 2010, in the New Supplements section.

Silver medal winners were Vega Antioxidant EFA Oil Blend in the Healthy Oils & EFAS category, Vega Whole Food Vibrancy Bars in the Natural Food, Bars & Beverages category and MacaSure Chocolat in the Functional Foods category.

MacaSure captured a bronze medal in the Men’s Products category.

“We are flattered and thankful that the health food retailers, who have many products to choose from, chose ours to be best-in-class in so many categories. It is a great honour and we take great pride in these awards,” said Charles Chang, Sequel president and founder. The seven awards represents the most Sequel has won in its five-year participation in the Alive awards program.

For more information, please visit sequelnaturals.com. •