Health First Network conference and AGM draw 210 industry members to Montreal

The Health First Network (HFN) conference and annual general meeting (AGM), held in Montreal, Quebec, from May 28 to May 31, brought 210 retail members, vendor suppliers, and HFN staff together for three days of meetings, awards, and networking.

“It was a successful event, with great attendance by members, brand partners, and affiliates, such as CHFA and CFIB,” said Sofia Constantinou, HFN’s associate director of business and member development. “The trade show on Friday was incredible—members and vendors alike were raving about it and wanted more.”

Annual general meeting

This year’s annual general meeting welcomed two new board members and acknowledged the retirement of one member.

New directors are David Forde, Vita Health Fresh Market’s director of finance and technology (Winnipeg, Manitoba), and Jeffrey Zietlow, Jeffrey Zietlow Advisory’s director at large. Retiring board member Tori Kelcey, Kelcey’s Nutrition Centre (Peterborough, Ontario), was recognized for her contributions.

 The continuing directors are:

• Yvan Bourgault, Naterro (Quebec City, Quebec) (re-elected)

• Jason Sebeslav, The Peanut Mill Natural Foods Market (St. Catharines, Ontario)

• Alex Ovies, Natural Focus Foods (Surrey, BC)

• Rheanne Haines, New Outlook Health Centre (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) (re-elected)

• Barb Brennan, Honey & Ginger (Bedford, Nova Scotia)

• Steven Golden, L’Amie de la santé (Hawkesbury, Ontario)

Member awards

The HFN member award ceremony took place on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

 The Spirit of HFN Award went to Ki Nature & Santé (Montreal, Quebec).

 The Peanut Mill (St. Catharines, Ontario) won the Oliver Award. The second and third place stores were L'Amie de la Santé (Hawkesbury, Ontario) and Saskatoon Herbs ‘N’ Health (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan). L'Amie de la Santé won the HFN Academy Award.

Fueling Growth Awards

• Fueling Growth (Small) – Northern Natural Health & Wellness (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario)

• Fueling Growth (Medium) – Nature's Way Select Foods (Kemptville, Ontario)

• Fueling Growth (Large) – Hedley's Health Hut (Brandon, Manitoba)

• Fueling Growth (Multi) – Health Service Centre (Toronto, Ontario)

 Vendor awards

The 2025 HFN Vendor Awards were presented on Friday, May 30, 2025, during the AGM.

 The category winners were:

• Product innovation:

  • Gold – CanPrev’s TUDCA

  • Silver – Prairie Natural’s men’s health line

  • Bronze – Preferred Nutrition’ gummies  

• Best promotion: Natural Factors for Earth Day

• Vendor Growth award: St. Francis Herb Farm

• Leading Edge award: New Roots Herbal Inc. 

• Key account manager of the year: Joanne Aldridge, Natural Factors

• Vendor partner of the year: Assured Natural Distribution Inc.

• Warehouse partner of the year: Genuine Health

During the Montreal event, the date and location of the 2026 HFN conference and AGM was announced: May 28 to 31, Whistler, BC.

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