CHFA visits Parliament Hill, calls for creation of new natural health products act

The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) hosted its second annual Natural Health Products Awareness Day on Parliament Hill on November 15. CHFA members and staff attended strategic private meetings with Members of Parliament (MPs), distributed Educational Awareness Day kits, conducted a press conference, and participated in various media interviews, including an appearance on CTV Morning Live by CHFA president Helen Sherrard.

"The purpose of these activities was to promote CHFA's key message that the time is now for Parliament to create the new Natural Health Products Act," explained Helen. "We continue to educate MPs on the important role NHPs play in our economy and in the lives of millions of Canadians."?

In addition to MP meetings, CHFA staff secured a key meeting with the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) where Helen and Carl Carter – CHFA's director of Regulatory Affairs & Policy Development – spoke with Phil Harwood, PMO Policy Advisor. Meetings were also held with the Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition (New Democratic Party of Canada) and the Office of the Liberal Leader. To round out the meetings, Helen and Carl, along with CHFA board chair, Matthew James and government relations oversight committee chair Matt Breech met with David Lee, director, Office of Legislative and Regulatory Modernization.

The day of meetings was concluded with a CHFA evening reception to further support MP engagement efforts. The reception was attended by 32 MPs and Senators. CHFA reports it is pleased with the quality of conversations held and believes its message of creating the new Natural Health Products Act was well received. CHFA continues to work with MPs both in Ottawa and in member ridings and looks forward to its next bilateral meeting in January of 2012.

The association also released the results of a national Ipsos Reid Omnibus survey that clearly indicates the public is in support of the creation of an Act specifically for NHPs, with seven in 10 Canadians supporting this initiative. •

The Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine has announced it is opening a retail outlet: Boucher Naturals - Natural Health Products, Dispensary, Books & More. It is the newest addition to the New Westminster, BC-based graduate-level naturopathic medical college.

Currently under construction, this street-level retail space will feature a fully-stocked natural dispensary, a comprehensive range of natural health products for purchase, as well as a wide selection of healthy snacks and juices.

Managing the store will be William (Bill) Reynolds, the former executive director of the Canadian Health Food Association. He brings nearly 40 years of experience in the natural products industry, ranging from managing retail spaces to the importation, manufacturing and distribution of natural health products in Canada.

The 1,400 square foot retail space is set to open its doors in early December 2011. Its dispensary will serve the Boucher Naturopathic Medical Clinic, located on the third floor of the Boucher Centre, while the retail space will feature the highest-quality natural health products and offer educational services, such as lectures and seminars, to the public. For more info, please go to www.binm.org. •

Preferred Nutrition, with the help of participating Health Food Stores, raised $40,468 through its Have a Heart campaign. This money will be used across Canada by the Canadian Women's Foundation (CWF) to support programs that invest in the power of women and the future of girls. These programs focus on stopping violence, helping to end poverty and empowering girls.

Deane Parkes was privileged to sit on the CWF grants committee. He was extremely moved by the programs the CWF supports. "I have to admit, it was a heart wrenching experience – especially since the money from donations was enough to support only about 20 per cent of the applications. I can assure you, the money we raised will be put to very good use! ...My hope is that we can continue this kind of support, on both the national and local levels, for many years to come." •

by Melissa Chapman

Hats off to Foodsmiths in Perth, ON, for reaching the magic 35th year in business. Started on the back porch of a log house in 1976, Foodsmiths survived a catastrophic flood in its early years, which nearly wiped out the fledgling business.  From that point, things have only continued to get better for owners Claire and Don Smith. On-going success has prompted five moves, each to a bigger and better location than the last.

 

True Hope introduced True Hope EMP in January 2011. They went to court with Health Canada and won the right to sell it in Canada.

Clef Des Champs introduced new packaging to its line, including cough syrup, cold & flu and organic baby care products.

Raw Elements; represented by BioResource, introduced several new products including Olive Oil, Hemp Pea, RawTella, and Dandy Blend, a dandelion coffee substitute.

Madhava Natural Sweeteners introduced Coconut Sugar with two flavours: regular and blonde at the show. The product came straight from coconut trees.

Zen Soy introduced a line of pudding and jello without extra sugar, that is completely vegan and organic. It comes in a pack of 4 with 108g each.

Suncoat introduced Nail Polish Remover Gel that is alcohol-free, vegan, and corn and soy based at the show, with currently a patent pending. It comes in a travel pack size of 30mL.

AOR introduced a new line called Axioma Health with products including OsteoNOx, RejuveNOx, CardioNOx, ImmuNO, AntioxidantNOx, and InflaNOx.

Hain Celestial Canada introduced the Greek Gods Yogurt, all natural Yogurt, Spectrum Oils such as Asian Stir Fry and Coconut Dream in a cream, milk, and water form.

ProBar introduced Halo Bars with vegan marshmallows and only 150 calories per bar.

Stortz & Associates Inc introduced a new line of Eco-Friendly toys called Begin-Again, "Soil not Oil."

Living Naturally introduced the iHealthKiosk, a online touch-screen health book for consumers.

Stealth Health Foods Inc introduced a new Salba product: Banana Powder in January 2011.

Adeeva introduced Clinical Weight Loss.

Camino introduced a new line of juices and bars.

SISU introduced Ester-C Energy Boost, a daily vitamin drink mix. "Bring water to your life!"

Peak Performace Products introduced a New Zealand Whey Protein Isolate, unflavoured in a bag.

Natracare introduced re-designed and re-named Natural Panty Liners with 30 in a box.

Organika introduced Instant C Orange Flavour in one-a-day packages.

Pascoe introduced Pascoe Agil for joint pain

Soladey introduced a toothbrush called the Ionic J3X. This model uses the same technology as the Soladey Eco with the added efficiency an integrated solar panel.

Lorna Vanderhaeghe introduced GLA Skin Oil with Borage Oil.

Maison Orphee introduced a new type of dijon mustard and Quatuor blend of oils.

MacKellar Farms launched 100 per cent all-natural Canadian edamame, grown on a Canadian family farm.

Ecover launched both Zero Natural Dishwashing Powder, a phosphate-free formulation and Zero Natural Laundry Powder without fragrances, optical brighteners, phosphates, dyes, colouring agents or chlorine.

Raincoast is offering five different flavours of canned sardines. Rich in omega-3's and one of the ten best eco fish.

Steaz introduced zero-calorie sparkling fair trade organic green tea, naturally sweetened with stevia.

Manitoba Harvest introduced a new and refreshed package.

Amy's Kitchen launched hearty soups, light & lean pastas and rice crust pizzas.

The Winning Combination launched Abrexin, as well as Vitamints: easy mints on the go.

Allergic Solutions introduced a great tasting, versatile baking mix that meets all your allergic needs.

Greeniche introduced stevia, containing premium quality natural stevia extract with 97 per cent purity of Reb-A.

Heart Chocolate has been infused with CM-X extract, a unique proprietary formulation of cinnamon cassia.

Silver Hills introduced Mack's Flax Bread with delicious, high fibre, and omega 3 flax seeds.

Natusoy Foods Ltd launched Sea Veggies in three flavours: Sea Salt, Hot

Chili and Black Pepper. Healthy seaweed snacks.

Nature's Path sampled Love Crunch premium organic granola, which has three new flavours: Aloha Blend, Carrot Cake and Apple Crumble.

Genuine Health has launched three new products just in time for CHFA Expo East. Vegan proteins+ in natural strawberry flavour is a complete protein with a balance of all essential amino acids and is made from a unique combination of vegan proteins including non-GMO pea, cranberry, organic sprouted brown rice, alfalfa and hemp. It provides 36g (20g dietary) of protein per serving.

 

T.A. Sciences of New York, NY, has named Core Natural Limited, Newmarket ON, to be the Canadian distributor of TA-65 MD. According to TA Sciences, TA-65 is the only patented and double blind tested extract of astragalus that promotes telomerase activity in the DNA of the cells.

Carlson Laboratories has won the Natural Products Association's (NPA) Diamond Manufacturer Award. The award, which represents 75 years of the NPA's existence, was given to three manufacturers who have been highly involved with the Association throughout the years.

Carlson Laboratories was founded by John and Susan Carlson 46 years ago with a single vitamin E formula. Carlson Laboratories exhibited at the very first NPA show in 1972 (when it was still known as NNFA).

"Our parents were involved in the NPA almost from the very beginning," Carlson president Carilyn Anderson said after receiving the award along with her sister, Kirsten Carlson, at the NPA Marketplace 2011 Convention in Las Vegas last month. "Their involvement in such an ethical and forward-thinking organization undoubtedly played no small part in our family's success."

With recent advancements in science, the ubiquinol form of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is now available as a nutritional supplement from Natural Factors. The latest research shows ubiquinol CoQ10 is much more absorbable than the standard ubiquinone form previously used as a nutritional supplement, making it more effective for supporting heart health, increasing energy, providing antioxidant protection, and maintaining health as we age. Ubiquinol CoQ10 is quickly becoming the preferred choice of doctors, nutritionists, and consumers. Daily supplementation with Ubiquinol QH Active CoQ10, with superior bioavailability, enhances blood levels of CoQ10, provides sustained, natural energy to fight age-related fatigue, supports heart health, and provides antioxidant protection to cells. naturalfactors.com •

Genuine Health staff rolled up their sleeves April 21, planting trees in Rouge Park (on the eastern border of Toronto) to raise awareness of the role nature plays in our health and well-being.

"At Genuine Health, we believe everyone deserves a healthy, vibrant life, and time spent in nature is fundamental to human health," says Stewart Brown, founder of Genuine Health.

 

Lisa Live, "health radio that walks the talk," (hosted by CNHR columnist Lisa Petty) has moved to NewsTalk 610 CKTB in St. Catharines, Ontario - Niagara's heritage talk station.

The show will continue to air live at 10 AM at 610AM on the radio dial, and stream live online at LisaLive.ca. The shows will also be podcast on 610 CKTB, K-lite FM, Oldies 1150, 820 CHAM, LisaLive.ca and, very soon, iTunes. Free downloads of shows are also available to retailers to broadcast in their stores. Look for new retailer-specific offerings in the near future.

Lisa invites everyone to join her each week as guest experts provide education, inspiration and motivation. •

SISU challenges cold and flu season with trip to NYC

Have a happy flu season and take the SISU Ester-C Challenge. From October to February, retailers can sign up to participate in SISU's Cold & Flu Season Challenge. Each month that is successfully completed qualifies the participant for another entry into the grand prize draw – a trip to New York City. Contact your SISU Account Manager for more details.

Reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of colds or flu with SISU Cold & Flu Rescue with Ester-C (formerly known as Ester-C Cold & Flu). Cold & Flu Rescue is a potent combination of Ester-C, echinacea, andrographis and NAC to effectively relieve cold and flu symptoms and respiratory tract infections – without the side effects that are common with over-the-counter drugs. For more information, call 800/663-4163 or visit sisu.com •

Natural health food store owners and managers who want to be better at their jobs should consider attending a Rising Stars seminar. Rising Stars sessions are natural foods leadership development seminars devoted to department and store managers. And for people who live and breathe natural health retailing, Rising Stars is everything you could hope for. It’s a combination of Heaven, Nirvana and Eutopia, with a little US Marine boot camp thrown in to provide structure over the intense three-day training session.

Vega has created the first, 100 per cent plant-based, comprehensive three stage sports nutrition system – Vega Sport Nutrition System – formulated specifically with purposeful ingredients to help athletes during some of the crucial stages in their training regime.

by Helen Sherrard

Like many of you, we were happy to enjoy the great weather in Ontario this summer. While things seemed as busy as usual over the summer, I hope you were able to enjoy some time off wherever in Canada you are.

As I write this, it’s difficult to say how things will look on the regulatory front by the time you read it. CHFA continues to work to bring about change that will ensure that our innovative and successful industry continues to thrive and our members continue to do what they love to do.

Here are just a few of the exciting initiatives lined up for the rest of 2011:

CHFA Expo East

Expo East is the industry trade show not to be missed and takes place this year on Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16 with a two day conference program on Thursday, October 13 and Friday, October 14. Please be sure to join us at our Welcome Reception on Friday evening at Expo East so we can say hello.

Regulatory affairs

CHFA continues to advocate for changes that will enhance our members’ ability to provide Canadians with access and choice to safe, high quality and effective natural health and organic products. Make a note to attend our popular Regulatory Forum on Thursday morning at Expo East when NHPD and other key Health Canada staff will be on hand. In November, CHFA returns to Ottawa for NHP Awareness Day as we continue in our efforts to educate members of parliament and advocate on behalf of our members.

Organic Week

CHFA will once again be a national champion supporter of this event and is working with the Canada Organic Trade Association to officially kick off the week at Expo East. Planning is underway to participate in some of the week’s main events including the Globe & Mail Special Report, as well as the Parliament Day Conference and Reception in Ottawa.

National Health Food Month

November is, of course National Health Food Month, an annual initiative organized by CHFA that shines a spotlight on the demonstrated benefits of natural health and organic products. This is a great opportunity for dedicated manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, growers and importers of natural and organic products to showcase their high-quality products.

Communications

CHFA is committed to keeping members informed and up to date on all the latest news. We provide a wide range of communications that keep you updated and informed. With the recent hire of Michelle Book, our new director of communications, CHFA will continue to strengthen and develop our member and consumer communications. Stay tuned for some exciting developments in our consumer campaign early this fall.

Membership that matters

Along with all the above initiatives, as part of your CHFA membership, you have the opportunity to receive a free listing in the Natural Health Products Canada Industry Guide, an essential networking and sourcing guide for NHP retailers, manufacturers, distributors and importers. We also offer the Certified Natural Products Advisor (CNPA) course, a one year distance-learning program which will ensure retail staff and supplier sales reps are properly trained in core skills. Contact us today for more information.

There’s more work ahead as we move into autumn and we’re looking forward to keeping things moving. We’ve also got a few special projects in the works internally that will help us serve you better in the future.

There really has never been a better time to be a member of CHFA - we invite you to join the conversation by friending us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or visiting our website at www.chfa.ca. If you’re interested in becoming a member, call us today at 800/661-4510 or drop by our booth at Expo East. If you’re already a member of CHFA, we’d love to say hello, so be sure to stop by and see us during the show. •

Helen Sherrard is the President of the Canadian Health Food Association and can be reached at president@chfa.ca.

Retailers and ONFC share many traits and values

This fall, Ontario Natural Food Co-op (ONFC) is celebrating 35 years of bringing Ontarians and Eastern Canadians the best in natural and organic foods.

Eden’s Organic Concord Grape Juice and Organic Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice have each received a Sofi Award from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) in the category of ‘Outstanding Cold Beverage.’ The Sofi Awards are the highest, most coveted honour in the specialty food and beverage industry. “The competition was intense, with a record 1,657 entries across 31 award categories. A panel of nine judges, specialty food experts, spent three busy days tasting and evaluating all entries,” NASFT reported.

Carlson Laboratories has announced a new partnership with the Natural Products Foundation to support research and education. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each specially labelled Carlson Super Omega-3 Gems supplement will benefit Foundation programs. The promotion began in June and will continue for a limited time, while quantities last.

The mission of the Natural Products Foundation is to promote and facilitate research and education related to natural products for the benefit of consumers and industry. Since Carlson also highly values the education of its consumers, the partnership was a natural decision. “We are so excited to be able to work with the Natural Products Foundation,” said Carilyn Anderson, president of Carlson Laboratories. “We have many common goals, including the wellness and education of our customers, so this was the perfect choice for us at this time.” www.carlsonlabs.com

Mont Echo Naturels 100 per cent Canadian grown sea buckthorn skincare line has been added to CLM’s product mix. Mont Echo produces an exclusive line of 100 per cent natural, hand-crafted sea buckthorn skincare products featuring 100 per cent Canadian sea buckthorn oils and floral waters. Mont Echo sea buckthorn is grown in accordance with organic standards.

Genuine Health combines stable probiotic with Omega 3 fish oil in newest product

Genuine Health has a patent pending (U.S. Application No. 61/426,605) for a high performance, stable probiotic combined with high quality omega-3 fish oil.