In this column, Ellen introduces you to Brenda Kirk, senior vice president of operations and merchandising at Pattison Food Group. During her 45 years in the grocery industry, Brenda has honed her reputation as a dynamic, strategic and committed leader who’s focused on achieving results and doing what’s right for her team and customers.

The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) hosted a Parliamentary Day on November 19, 2024, garnering strong support from Members of Parliament (MPs) and senators to advance the organic sector.

Trade show season is the perfect opportunity to discover new trends, connect with key partners, and fine-tune your store’s strategy. Are you prepared to make the most of it?

Canada’s largest trade show dedicated to natural, organic, and wellness (NOW) products is back in Vancouver, BC, this year from April 25 to 27.

During the 2024 CHFA NOW in Toronto, two very successful natural health retailers told me that they wished they were making more sales in their stores. I guess all retailers feel this way—who doesn’t want more sales? What made this different, however, was that these two are among the most astute retailers I know. If they are having concerns, it’s likely that many, or most, or all even others are too.

We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat.” Ongoing research in food and nutrition is giving us deeper insights into how profoundly our food choices affect not just our physical health but also our mental well-being. The foods we consume daily have the power to influence our mood, cognition, and overall mental state in significant ways.

Natural product distributor Puresource launched its new website and introduced its new logo at CHFA NOW Toronto in September 2024. 

CNHR is pleased to introduce a new column this year. “In Her Own Words” will appear each issue, and it will introduce you to outstanding female leaders and innovators in our natural health community.

CNHR was on the ground at CHFA NOW Toronto 2024, capturing the exciting tradeshow. Held on September 21-22, 2024, this year’s tradeshow brought together more than 1,200 exhibitors and 8,000+ natural health industry professionals.

In today’s socially responsible market, cause marketing is a strategic choice where a for-profit business and a charity or nonprofit organization enter into a mutually beneficial collaboration.

At the 2024 CHFA NOW, held in Vancouver, retailers were encouraged to participate and share their experiences in an idea exchange during a retailer roundtable.

Attending retailers were split into five groups and each group was asked a question about a pressing issue impacting the natural health retail industry—rent inflation, vendor relations, supply chain, consumer education, and ethical practices and sustainability initiatives.

On the surface, it appeared to be a simple lunch. In reality, it was an opportunity to gather some of our industry’s most influential women to connect, network, and share.

 The “Sushi & Sparkle” lunch during CHFA NOW in Toronto in September 2024 was organized by Alive Publishing Group’s vice president of partnerships, Ellen Wheeler. This was the second time she organized this gathering.

In Sherbrooke, in Quebec’s spectacular Eastern Townships, you will find A Fleur de Vie.

 A Fleur de Vie, a natural health store that prides itself on a deep commitment to personal customer service, is one of the beacons of natural health in this city located in the province’s southeast corner.

Retailers Dana Simpson and Neelum Shahi were among the industry professionals recognized during the CHFA Awards of Excellence in Toronto on September 21, 2024.

The biggest consumer trends affecting natural health retailers in 2025 may not be wellness fads like chlorophyll or gut health (Though those are still going strong on TikTok!). Instead, perceptions of corporate excess are poised to drive more consumers to community-driven stores.