The Canada Organic logo on your favourite foods did not appear until June 2009. Until then, producers and farmers did not have a federal standard to indicate how organic their products were. There were no harmonized national guidelines along the organic supply chain, no national criteria for audits, and limited access to international markets.

CNHR talked to Joe D’Addario, Nature’s Emporium co-founder and CEO, about the importance of store lighting. Joe has been in natural health retailing since 1993. During this time, he discovered the role his store’s lighting played: how it highlighted products and set the atmosphere for different parts of the store. In this article, Joe shares some of his thoughts on helping you present your store in a better “light.”

Pura Vida Nutrition Store, located in the heart of Renfrew, Ontario, and owned by Kathy Lofthouse, is a haven for natural health enthusiasts seeking alternatives to the mainstream. One thing that sets Pura Vida apart from other natural health stores is its charming location—nestled within a 150-year-old house, Pura Vida is a nostalgic encounter for most Renfrew residents.

The Health First Network (HFN) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The group—made up of 108 members, representing 147 independent health food stores across Canada—has a great deal to celebrate.

In today's competitive market, consumers are looking for more than products; they are seeking a deeper connection with the brands they support. This trend is particularly prominent in the natural health products industry, where consumers aren’t just hoping—but expecting—companies to have a strong mission and values.

In an era where health consciousness is on the rise, many of us are turning towards natural supplements as an approach and pathway to a holistic life and well-being. However, as we navigate this green wellness wave, it's crucial to consider the broader impact of our choices, particularly on this planet that sustains us.

One beautiful day in early February, my wife and I took our dog Nico to a nearby park for a bit of fetch and exploration. It was so nice I couldn’t help but think, “February hasn’t been this mild in years.”

 Except it was ... the previous year! February 2023 set a record high in my area, and I had already forgotten. Thinking about this brought a few marketing lessons to mind.

Marketing to Millennials. Winning with Boomers. Selling to Gen Zs.

You’ve heard them named and defined countless times. But when you stop to consider them, what do these generational labels really mean?

Get ready for an exciting change in organic promotion this fall. While Organic Week might ring a bell, brace yourself for the organic extravaganza that is Organic Month, happening this September! Participate to drive organic sales and build public trust in organic.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This observation was offered by American anthropologist Margaret Mead.

 A compelling example of this is taking place in the heart of Carleton Place, Ontario. There, a thriving initiative known as the Carleton Place and District Youth Centre’s community garden project is sowing seeds of change, nurturing both minds and bodies.

CHFA is turning 60! “We have a lot to celebrate,” says Randi Ptolemy, content and public relations manager for the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA). “Join us to honour the growth of the natural, organic and wellness (NOW) industry at CHFA NOW Vancouver, April 2-5, 2024. We’re gearing up for this to be the best show yet.

After being unable to travel during the pandemic, Sofia Constantinou and Callie Farrell were excited to hit the road again in 2023 visiting Health First Network (HFN) member stores across Canada.

The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) Industry Night Out in Montreal on November 7, 2023, was a chance for Quebec-based CHFA and industry members to gather, reconnect, and network.

While in Montreal and Ottawa recently, I had the opportunity to visit some stores with three very good industry friends: my colleague Ellen Wheeler of Alive Publishing Group, and Joanne McDonald and Deb Larocque of Preferred Nutrition and Natural Factors. In total, it was 10 stores over a couple of days. These visits will result in larger feature stories on a couple of the stores later in the year.

Welcome to the captivating world of alive magazine, where wellness meets wisdom, and every issue is a symphony of natural health. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the making of your favourite periodical—the one that graces your shelves and entices your customers—join me. It’s a journey filled with collaboration, research, and a sprinkle of editorial magic.