Vancouver, BC — September 2, 2020 — Alive Publishing Group (APG), North America’s leading expert in natural health, has announced the acquisition of Canadian Natural Health Retailer (CNHR), Canada’s premier business magazine for health food stores.

Many health food stores across Canada possess a certain intangible: it can’t be explained in a few words.  It is a thing – or group of things – a feeling, a spirit that makes a store unique.  It is woven into the store’s culture, and it is what sets the tone for a happy customer experience.

Curbside pick-up and delivery were two services that were implemented very quickly at Dandelion Foods in Almonte, ON.  And co-owner Meg Pettipas says they are services that are likely to remain.  “These are services that we've considered in the past, but have put off for future consideration. Given our aging demographic, we will likely keep this service available post-COVID.”

As some restrictions have started to relax, Meg has noticed more customers are shopping in-store and has followed up with some new measures.  “We immediately implemented directional signage for aisles and thinned out some of the display shippers for easier movement around the store. As the regulations relax, and more stores open and customers get tired of staying at home, I can see the need for limiting the number of customers in the store. We're keeping a watchful eye and will implement new measures as needed.”  

Looking to business post COVID-19, Meg predicts a lot of change,  much of it positive.  “In the short term, as restaurants remain closed or limited in their serving, I predict that sales of meals-to-go or heat and serve products continue to hold strong. When business returns to normal, I think there will be an impact on our cleaning practices. This crisis has demonstrated the need for a clear procedure on cleaning, for the safety of customers and staff.  My hope is that many of the new customers that we've gained over the last few months will return to the store. As one of the less than a handful of food stores open in our area, we've had a lot of new customers come in to our store for the first time.”

June 1 marked a major transition in the history of The Organic Grocer, Surrey, B.C.  Almost 27 years after founding the store, owners Deb Foote and Garth Owen sold the business.

The Organic Grocer’s new owners are Kristina and Robi Cavallari.   Kristina brings a natural health background to her new venture.  She is a graduate of the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, earning her registered holistic nutritionist designation.  She has worked at Finlandia Natural Pharmacy, Quidditas Health, and most recently at Divine Root Nutrition.  Robi’s background and expertise is in the financial planning and banking sector. They have two young children.

Deb and Garth both have long histories as active participants in the Canadian organic movement.  Deb worked with Wild West Organics  from 1986 to 2006, and she received the CHFA Organic Achievement Award in 2005.  She has served on the boards of the Certified Organic Association of B.C., the Pacific Agricultural Certification Society and the CCEC Credit Union (which helped fund the original store).  She has also been involved with Agriculture Canada’s Organic Value Chain roundtable and the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada in Truro, N.S.     

Garth was primarily on the retail side at Lifestreams store and Woodlands Restaurant in Vancouver.  He also worked with the East End Food Co-op and Famous Foods, a century-old pioneer in bulk food, and spent a decade at Edible Island Whole Food Market in Courtney, B.C.  He served two terms on the CHFA board of directors and headed the organic caucus.  

Naturally, they depart the industry with with mixed emotions. “I guess you could liken the process of selling a business to sending your first born off to college,” explained Deb.   “We are relieved and – at the same time – perhaps a little hesitant. It’s a big change. We have been a part of this industry for more years than we can remember and ridden many a wave along the way. Yet, we have enjoyed every minute of it, challenges and all.”

The Cavallaris are looking forward to carrying the legacy of  the Organic Grocer.  Said Kristina, “The Organic Grocer speaks to us as a family and is the perfect fit for our future.”

Congratulations to Organika CEO Aaron Chin on being named one of the 2020 30 Under 30 winners, as named by BC Business. Aaron joined Organika – a company founded by his father Tom – as a youngster, working around the plant, doing odd jobs. He joined the company fulltime in 2014, and worked in various departments, learning the business from the ground up. Today, Aaron and his brother – company president and COO Jordan – are the second-generation leaders of the organization.

Our retailers coped and conformed during the COVID-19 pandemic.  They hired part-time and temporary staff to help clean and stock the stores, ran extra social media contests for free products, shared baking posts and healthy recipes to encourage grocery shopping in the stores and help keep Canadians healthy. 

Since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been trying to get an accurate gauge for how I felt.  It got more difficult as time went on as the situation changed daily.  This thing has been a moving target since day one.  

Daily use of Active Collagen supports healthy skin, hair, nails and joints. As we get older, our collagen production naturally decreases and drops off significantly after menopause. Sourced from sustainably-sourced and wild caught fish, Active Collagen can help offset this natural decline. This product offers a neutral flavour alternative to the current Organic Raspberry Flavour, a crowd favourite, which can be added to shakes, smoothies or juices.      smartsolutions.com

Here are the people who bring the “why” to life at Quarter Master:  From left, owner Tim MacMillan, Andy Pettifer, Marnie Gray, Aron Barnes, Adam Whitford, Michael Sutherland (manager), Brad McRonald(assistant manager), Jennifer Wilson, Sylvia Squair. Missing from the photo: Joyce Lewis, Jessy Deroneth and Deborah Galardo.

CNHR editor Bruce W. Cole popped in on some members of our natural health community during a recent road trip in the western part of the Greater Toronto Area.

  Organic Garage opened in 2006.  Today, there are five stores. On a visit to the original Organic Garage on Oakville’s Kerr St., we met (from left) cashier supervisor Aliyah Allen, produce manager Gibson Elek, grocery manager Carson Ash and grocery specialist Blanche McCoy.

“The smaller location didn’t allow for such a broad product mix,” says Brad Winsor, Nutters’ regional manager, retail operations. “Since the move, we were able to expand many sections and essentially serve our customers better.”

Build the foundation for a healthy gut and soothe bouts of colic with Organika’s new Baby Probiotic Drops with Vitamin D. Clinically proven probiotic strains help create a balanced gut microbiome, nurtured by prebiotic fibre from beetroot. Plus, vitamin D makes sure bones and teeth grow healthy and strong!   www.organika.com

New look – same libido enhancing formula! 

Ultimate Libido with tongkat ali is an aphrodisiac formula for men and women with naturally sourced ingredients. It combines epimedium extract, used in herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac, along with tongkat ali, damiana powder, niacin, zinc, and BioPerine® black pepper extract, for a comprehensive approach to maintaining a healthy libido. 

888/826-9625  www.assurednatural.com

The power of apples’ polyphenols.  AppleSlim™ is a new supplement featuring the power of apples’ polyphenols. Using wild-crafted, unripe apples for optimal antioxidant activity, the polyphenols contained in AppleSlim™ are clinically proven to assist with weight management, cardiovascular health and healthy blood pressure. Contains the innovative weight loss ingredient ApplePhenon™ – available in Canada for the first time ever!  Visit www.hedleysnutritionals.ca  or call 888/292-5660 to order.

Traumaplant® Comfrey Cream from Terry Naturally CANADA helps to temporarily relieve aches and pains of muscles and ligaments caused by strains and sprains (such as acute ankle distortion and back pain). It also helps soothe sore muscles and is tested PA (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) free. Lastly, it’s safe for children ages three and up!       www.TerryNaturally.ca   855/287-2646

Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Oatmeal Cups feature hearty blends of whole grain oats, flaxseeds, chia seeds, fruits, nuts and spices. Available in four different flavours and ready in three minutes – just add hot water or pop in the microwave.  www.bobsredmill.com

Daiya is proudly unveiling its plant-based vegetable crust pizzas, which feature a crispy gluten-free crust made from cauliflower, spinach and sweet potato, and are topped with Daiya’s acclaimed Cutting Board Mozzarella Shreds. Savoury, saucy, with a perfect cheesy stretch – your new go-to pizza. Pair it with Daiya’s new deliciously dairy-free pints. Made with rich coconut cream and luscious swirls of caramel and fudge, this premium dessert is ultra decadent and creamy.     www.daiyafoods.com

Prairie Naturals MaxOmega-3-Force uses the MaxSimil® enzymatic process that pre-digests Omega3 and delivers a readily absorbable and self-emulsified, monoglyceride-rich oil. MaxSimil® Omega-3 monoglycerides can be directly absorbed into the small intestine with no digestion required. MaxSimil® is clinically shown to increase the absorption of EPA and DHA by three times* Clinical data shows an improvement in the Omega-3 index with just one softgel per day of MaxSimil® patented Omega-3 fish oil.     www.prairienaturals.ca

Mortar & Pesto in Red Deer, AB., is not your traditional pharmacy.  That’s because owner Jennifer Fookes is not your typical pharmacist.

There was an excellent turnout in Edmonton for Deane Parkes’ retailer training tour in Alberta in early November.  He also spoke to retailers in Calgary and Red Deer.  Stores that were represented at the Edmonton talk included  Polar Bear Health, Simply Health, Stony Plain Wellness, Optimum Health, Vitality Health, Planet Organic, Morning Sun, Regent Health, Homegrown Foods, Healthmatters and Sangsters.  Deane’s education tour was a function of his role as an education ambassador for Natural Factors and Assured Natural Distribution.