CHFA NOW Toronto 2025 celebrated “what makes our industry extraordinary”

“CHFA NOW 2025 was a powerful reminder of what makes our industry extraordinary.” These are the words used by Lynsey Walker, vice president, marketing and communications, for the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA), to describe the industry conference and trade show that took place September 18 to 21.

 “The energy on the floor was unstoppable,” said Lynsey, “radiating excitement and enthusiasm. Retailers came out in record numbers, innovation was everywhere, and established brands rallied behind the new disruptors shaping tomorrow.

 “Saturday night marked a highlight with the CHFA Industry Awards, a true celebration of community and excellence,” Lynsey says. “We honoured leaders like Randy Whitteker (ONFC), Jewels Under the Kilt, Linda Biggs (Joni), and Melinda Zoccoli (UNFI), who embody the best of what our industry represents.

 “The weekend was also about advocacy in action,” Lynsey adds. “Together, we showcased the strength of our collective voice—from the success of our Save Our Supplements campaign to the inclusion of Natural Health Products in Health Canada’s Red Tape Reduction report. These wins prove what’s possible when we stand united.

 “These milestones are a credit to all of us, but they are also a call to action, to keep building, keep advancing, and keep showing Canada that the natural, organic, and wellness industry is a force for good. I’m energized by this momentum and look forward to carrying it into CHFA NOW Vancouver in February 2026.”

 Winners of CHFA Industry Awards

  • Willie Pelzer Memorial Hall of Fame Award

    • Randy Whitteker, ONFC

  •  Brand Excellence Award

    • A.Vogel/Echinaforce

  •  Trailblazer Small Business Award

    • Hive Retail Solutions

  •  CHFA Excellence in Retail Sales Award

    • Chris Siabanis, Longo’s

  •  Best Large Broker Award

    • LeBeau Excel 

  •  CHFA John Holtmann Leadership Award

    • Matt Breech, TallGrass Natural Health

  •  Best in Retail Award

    • Healthy Planet

  •  Woman of Influence Award

    • Melinda Zoccoli, UNFI Canada 

  •  Excellence in Sales

    • Kathy Banks, Indigo Natural Products

  •  Best Small Broker Award

    • iLevel Management 

  •  Distributor of Distinction

    • Jonluca Neal 

  •  Industry Voice Award

    • Benjamin Walker, BNQ Management 

  •  Equity & Impact Award

    • Jewels Under the Kilt 

  •  Agent of Change in Regulatory Affairs Award

    • Linda Biggs, Joni

 People on the show floor at CHFA NOW Toronto 2025


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