A platform for startups and innovators, CHFA Launch Pad gives award hopefuls the floor to pitch their businesses for a chance to win the title of “Most Innovative Product” and a grand prize pack worth over $50,000.

The big winner of the CHFA NOW Vancouver 2025 Launch Pad was Magic Scoop Nutrition’s Magic Scoop – All-in-One Nutritional Greens.

In this column, Ellen introduces you to Mona Jagota, a dynamic and accomplished business leader with a passion for innovation, community engagement, and empowering others.

 With over two decades of experience at Nature’s Source, Mona has established herself as a trailblazer in her domain, blending entrepreneurial vision with operational expertise to drive success and inspire those around her. Since joining Nature’s Source in 1998, Mona has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success.

It was not so many years ago when our industry was divided and in turmoil—caused primarily by the federal government’s desire to clarify and impose a stricter regulatory standard to our products.

 If you were around back then, you can remember how people were clearly on one side or the other. It was a very unsettling time.

 Today, a different federal government—this one from south of the 49th—has caused confusion and turmoil in our industry and in our country, with its desire to impose tariffs.

The alive editorial team was out in full force at CHFA NOW Vancouver—attending seminars, networking at industry events, and exploring the latest innovations on the show floor.

When I was growing up, local health food stores were the undisputed pioneers of wellness. Long before modern medicine began noticing and discussing the preventative benefits of micronutrients, our local health shops were educating the public about their value, supporting the idea that providing the body with proper nutrition is the key to vibrant living.

Following the acquisition of CanPrev Natural Health Products by Canadian-based global health company Apotex, CanPrev founders Tanya and Franco Salituro see a bright future for the company they founded 20 years ago, and by extension, for natural health retailers.

Jan Janzen, the Natural Factors sales representative for Manitoba and Northwest Ontario, retired at the end of January 2025, after more than two decades of dedicated service.

Canada, the fifth-largest organic market globally, continues to lead the way in environmentally conscious practices. With 66 percent of Canadians purchasing organic products weekly, Organic Month is the perfect opportunity to connect with consumers, support farmers, and showcase a commitment to sustainability.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being integrated into almost every industry, from healthcare to finance. Natural health retailers, take note: it might seem intimidating, but AI presents a huge opportunity for small businesses to succeed. Here’s how you can use AI to grow without needing more resources (yes, really!).

CHFA NOW Toronto is back, and this year’s event promises to be the most exciting yet! From September 19 to 21, 2025, the Enercare Centre in Toronto will transform into the ultimate hub for the natural, organic, and wellness (NOW) industry.

UNFI Canada Innovation Showcase 2025 took place on January 29 in Vaughan, Ontario, bringing together industry leaders and innovators. Ryan Benn, CEO of Alive Publishing Group, kicked off the morning session with a keynote address.

In my previous article, I began to talk about the two ways to grow a business:

• create new customers

• sell more to your current customer base

 To grow further, I recommend you first establish an emotional connection among the people who work in the business.

 The emotional tone of your business—the sales floor ‘vibe’—is determined by the connection the owner, management, and team share. 

For any reader with aspirations of someday owning their own health food store, or for those of you who are starting to think about a succession plan, you might be interested in learning about this Quebec store that planned and then executed a perfect transition.

By supporting a local school garden, you can directly support a healthier generation of young students and contribute to your own community. Your donation of either treasure, time, or talent will not only nurture learners who’ll become leaders, but also deepen your connection to the community.