In today’s business environment, success is no longer measured by profit alone—it is also defined by purpose, impact, and community connection. Partnering with Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation offers retailers a powerful way to align financial performance with meaningful social contribution.

The Healthy Bug, situated in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has been the heart of its thriving natural health community for more than 20 years. But after owning the store for more than two decades, founder Lou Liberatore decided it was time for the store to enter a new era with a new owner. Enter Sandra Wiest.

The UNFI Innovation Showcase, held April 27–28, delivered an electrifying experience as retailers, suppliers, and partners came together for a reimagined, two-day event that was impossible to miss. From the moment doors opened, the show floor pulsed with energy—loud, engaging and truly energizing—fueled by incredible products, meaningful conversations, and a shared excitement for what’s next in natural, organic, and wellness.

Led by Ellen Wheeler, vice president of partnerships for Alive Publishing Group and publisher of CNHR, this column highlights outstanding female leaders and innovators in our natural health community.

In this issue, Ellen converses with Beth Potter, marketing manager, Community Natural Foods & Natural Foods.

For natural health retailers, corporate wellness programs can offer a valuable pathway to expand their impact beyond the store. By educating employees of nearby companies on key wellness strategies and tools, you can make their wellness goals a reality.

My first few months as the publisher of CNHR have been incredibly special. I’ve had the opportunity to visit industry people across Canada and connect face-to-face with those who make our natural health community so vibrant and resilient. These conversations and experiences have reminded me just how community-focused this industry truly is.

Canadian natural health retailers often position themselves as resources that help people in their communities enjoy healthier lives. They provide natural, organic, and wellness products along with trustworthy guidance on natural health solutions. All such efforts are rooted in community values of supporting family, friends, and local health initiatives.

Surprise was the first emotion that washed over Priyanka Sabnani when she heard her store’s name called. Sitting among her peers at the Health First Network (HFN) Conference and Annual General Meeting in 2025, she made her way to the stage to accept the Fueling Growth (Medium) award.

In partnership with CNHR magazine, the Canada Organic Trade Association is proud to offer the national Organic Month Trailblazer Award. This award will honour Canadian independent natural food retailers participating in September’s Organic Month campaign by celebrating the trailblazing community of pioneering retailers who have contributed toward the success of organic.

CHFA NOW Vancouver 2026 was a vibrant and energizing weekend dedicated to strengthening relationships, sparking inspiration, and forging meaningful connection.

Hosted by Lisa Rodrigues, national sales manager at Riverside Natural Foods, the panel opened with a clear statement: “We want natural as the norm, not the niche.”

CHFA NOW Toronto returns in 2026 with a brand-new program designed to help retailers discover the newest in natural, organic, and wellness (NOW). Launching for the first time, this new show floor destination spotlights emerging Canadian brands ready to earn a place on tomorrow’s shelves. 

I recently began working as a stock clerk and cashier in a small, independent natural products store in Hazelton, BC, owned by my friend Rhonda. I’ve noticed several similarities and differences between retailing today and 50 years ago, when I first served customers at a store I co-owned in North Vancouver.

We spend a lot of time talking about protein, fibre, magnesium, omega-3s, and vitamin D—real nutrients that matter, and nutrients that can absolutely move the needle. But there is another daily human need that modern life keeps stripping away, one that may be just as foundational to long-term health and flourishing as anything we put on our plate.

CHFA NOW Vancouver 2026 kicked off at the Vancouver Convention Centre on February 20, with a full day of educational offers, trainings, and seminars.