Rhodiola is a versatile herb supporting several body systems, especially endocrine and central nervous system and cognitive functions. Vitanica’s Rhodiola includes the standardized extract of Rhodiola rosea root, the most researched species, plus the whole root of the same species, offering a synergistic blend of the compounds in this tonic herb. For a complete product list and pricing for Vitanica products available in Canada, visit ecotrend.ca   For detailed product information visit vitanica.com

Come the warmer weather – late spring until Thanksgiving – Huntsville, Ontario is a pretty happening place.  Come the warmer weather – late spring until Thanksgiving – Huntsville, Ontario is a pretty happening place.

Located slightly more than 200 kilometres north of Toronto, it is situated in the municipality of Muskoka, a district that boasts over 1,600 lakes.  The district has a legitimate claim as Canada’s most popular summer vacation haven, when the population more than doubles.

Experience the double action antioxidant benefits of Wasabi! Unlike other antioxidants (Vitamin C), Wasabi combines both a direct and indirect antioxidant benefit, providing extended antioxidant support. Health Canada’s only 100% certified Wasabi Capsules are available through the HUB DC. For more information, please visit www.yourwasabi.com  Contact us at 855/314-3411 or orderdesk@hubdc.ca

Homeocan launches HomeoVet, a new vet line of fourteen remedies pharmaceuticaly formulated. This HomeoVet line takes care of any health concerns of our furry friends, such as RescueVet. RescueVet helps maintain general physical and emotional balance.

homeocan.ca

Do you have customers who are feeling fatigued, exhausted, anxious, run down and are struggling to sleep and easily becoming ill? They may be suffering adrenal fatigue, due to a long period of emotional stress. Help them to strengthen and restore their adrenal glands in just one 6-week course with Harmony Restore.

Martinandpleasance.ca info@orionsam.com

How does OcuBlue protect against blue light? Healthy eyes have their own protective layer of pigment-saturated cells called the retinal pigment epithelium. These pigmented cells are naturally rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, and other carotenoids provided by an antioxidant-rich diet. Recent scientific research shows that daily supplementation with the specific antioxidant phyto-nutrients used to formulate OcuBlue prevents and mitigates the damaging effects of blue light.     www.prairienaturals.ca

Carlson has introduced a new product for women. Women’s Iron Restore provides 28mg of iron to promote healthy blood production, B complex vitamins to support red blood cell formation, and vitamin C and copper for optimal iron absorption.  

carlsonlabs.com

Ghee & MCT – only from St. Francis Herb Farm.

The only form of liquid ghee on the market. A unique combination of short and medium chain fatty acids. It's the ideal "fuel" to add to your morning coffee or tea. Available in 500mL glass bottles.  

stfrancisherbfarm.com

Since 1991, the Canadian Women’s Foundation (CWF) has funded programs that work to change the lives of women and girls in more than 1,500 communities across Canada. The CWF is one of the ten largest women’s foundations in the world.

This year in particular, women and girls are raising their voices against abuse and for fair and equal treatment.

In its seventh year supporting the CWF, WomenSense – along with Assured Natural Distribution – has announced its spring 2018 campaign. The funds raised through this campaign contribute to ground-breaking programs and services for women and girls in your local areas, creating safer families, stronger communitie, and a more prosperous society for all. When retailers participate in the spring campaign by recommending WomenSense products throughout the year, you are helping to empower women and girls to move out of violence, out of poverty and into confidence and leadership.

Ask your account manager how you can be involved. Assured Natural Distribution thanks retailers for their continued support of its commitment to the CWF. 888/826-9625

The Guelph Organic Conference continues to focus on Canada's rapid organic sector growth. “The show was great with lots of new energy,” said conference manager Tomas Nimmo, in reference to the event which took place Jan 25-28. “We had plenty of new exhibitors join our regulars.

‘Lots of exceptional sales’ is what I heard from many of them. Trade show shoppers are already convinced and knowledgeable about the benefits of organics, which our vendors love.”

The conference is also known as a hub for organic sector networking. "It's the place where many future organic marketing projects get their start and then take flight in the following months," Tomas added.

As interest in organics continues to increase, the conference saw workshop attendance grow and strong interest in the trade show.

Planning for next year’s event has begun. If you are interested in exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities, contact Tomas at 705/444-0923 or organix@auracom.com

Taslim and Hanif Jamal – the owners of Toronto’s The Wholesome Market – just celebrated 20 years of working with Community Builders Youth Leadership. This not-for-profit organization was founded in 1994 by a committed group of educators with extensive experience in teaching, counselling, and working through the arts with children.

Community Builders’ mission and passion is to help create inclusive school communities by developing the leadership capacity of young people and adults. They train elementary students, teachers and parents in anti-bullying, social inclusion, equity and conflict resolution, while raising their awareness of racism, sexism, classism and other forms of oppression.

The Wholesome Market donates $2,000 annually to the group and is planning something big in May: a community event based at the store with the goal of raising awareness of the important issues Community Builders addresses, and $5,000 in donations to support this work. The funds will go toward the recruiting and training of volunteers, as well as additional staff. This will enable the organization to go into more school communities to teach students and raise awareness of the issues.

“What we are doing through the store is trying to get much more involved in the community,” explained Hanif, who recalls being bullied as a youngster when his family was new to Canada. “Community Builders helps kids understand racism, homophobia, classism, ableism and the many other ways that people get hurt. They’re teaching the kids the right words and the most effective approach to dealing with tough situations. This type of community program is something I encourage all business owners to consider supporting.”

Community Builders’ co-founder Jerry Brodey says stepping in to help someone who is being bullied, excluded or targeted by oppression isn't easy for anyone – children or adults. “We’re giving them the skills and tools to be pro-active. Young people believe they can make a difference, and we need to support them to do that. These are skills that will help them to have healthy relationships now when they’re young, and as they go through the rest of their lives. Community Builders is definitely an antidote for hopelessness.”

The Wholesome Market has had support from some of its suppliers, including Mike and Mike’s, Indigo, Purity Life, Sunflower Kitchen, Gordian Health First and Little Stream Bakery. Hanif is hoping more suppliers as well as his customers will join the effort. “This is about helping kids deal with bullying and show caring to others,” says Hanif. “The more people who stand up to bullying and exclusion, the less power it has.”

For more information, visit cbyouthleadership.org or contact Hanif at 647/500-3474 or hanif647@yahoo.ca.

The Good Health Mart group of stores celebrates its 25th anniversary July 1.   It was 1993 when Eunice and Murray McMahon bought a health food store in Woodbridge, ON. Within two years, they built a second store in Belleville, ON and by the next year, they were franchising their concept.

Through franchising and acquiring existing stores, GHM grew to a 12-store organization.   “Some of our staff and franchisees have been with us for over 20 years,” said Murray. “Many more have been with us for over five years and counting. We give heartfelt thanks to our loyal staff and customers and long-time suppliers who have been on this journey with us.”   CNHR will be featuring Good Health Mart in the next issue.

Foodsmiths – the “good food store” in Perth, ON. – raised $2,255.75 in November for the Perth Royal Canadian Legion with its third annual Poppy Project.

The Poppy Project, which is based on the sale of hand-knit poppies, was introduced by Foodsmiths co-owner Claire Smith after seeing an appeal for fundraising ideas put out by the Perth Legion. "It was based on the successful British Legion hand-knit poppy project." says Claire. "I asked our cashier and enthusiastic knitter Linda Anderson to tweak the pattern. She did, and our poppy project was born."

Foodsmiths supplies all materials to a core of volunteer knitters, including staff and customers of Foodsmiths. Since starting the project three years ago, Foodsmiths has raised $8,798.45.

One hundred per cent of all proceeds are donated to the Perth Royal Canadian Legion.

Aliments Naturels Pleine Lune sits in a very prominent location in the city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.  Perched confidently on the southeast corner of two busy roads, it presents a very impressive visual to passersby and customers alike. 

Pleine Lune (“Full Moon” in English) may not have always had such a high profile physical location, but it has always held an important position in the hearts and minds of its customers since it founding.  Its longevity is proof of that.  In 2018, Pleine Lune celebrates a major milestone: 40 years of serving the people of this city of 100,000, located roughly 40 kilometres to the south of Montreal’s south shore. 

It’s been a busy holiday season. Now that you’ve taken a moment to enjoy reading the latest issue of CNHR, please also take a few minutes to visit chfa.ca/west for the most up-to-date information on this year’s CHFA West.  The show is being held at the Vancouver Convention Centre on February 22 to 25 and there’s no question the event will live up to its theme, Connecting the Industry.

More opportunities

What can retailers expect? We’ve created even more opportunities for you to network both on and off the trade show floor.  And, we’ve developed one of the most comprehensive conference programs to-date.  One of the sessions that will be of interest is titled Death by Amazon. It’s a jarring headline that was published in the Financial Post. The article led with “Amazon.com Inc.’s purchase of Whole Foods Market Inc. last month has pushed an already nervous retail sector into a collective panic not seen since the great recession.” But the real headline according to Bruce Winder should be “how retailers can withstand the onslaught.”  Bruce (co-founder and partner at the Retail Advisors Network), is often interviewed by leading TV media outlets such as BNN, CBC, CTV News, CP24, Global News and has contributed to the Globe & Mail, the Financial Post, The Toronto Star, Reuters, Bloomberg, Adweek, The Calgary Herald and the Ottawa Citizen just to name a few. We’re excited to be able to bring his expertise to the program.

Sharing insights, solutions

Another highlight for 2018 is the Retail Leader Round Table where retailers will share challenges, insights and solutions. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to make connections with retailers who share the same experiences.  There are a whole host of other great topics including trends and global influences, marketing to millennials, organics vs. “x-ponics” and more.  Check it out at chfa.ca/west and register today.  •

Conference:

February 22 & 23, 2018

Trade Show:

February 24 & 25, 2018

10:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m. daily

Vancouver Convention Centre

Two in three Canadians (66 per cent) are spending at least some of their weekly grocery budget on organic items, up a staggering 10 points from 56 per cent in 2016.  This is according to a September 2017 report from the Canada Organic Trade Association.

And with that increased spending comes the challenge of staying on top of research and trends related to organics. 

“Information these days is delivered and digested in quick takeaways and bullet points,” says Kate McMurray, outreach coordinator at The Big Carrot in Toronto.  “It’s important to open up the conversation with consumers beyond ‘how does organics impact me’ to the value of the broader organic system that is providing positive economic, social, nutritional and environmental impact.”

At The Big Carrot, a number of different initiatives are undertaken to prepare staff for these conversations.  A team of nutritionists provide customer service.  Staff play active roles in industry organizations such as the Canada Organic Trade Association, CBAN, the Non-GMO Project, and the Organic Council of Ontario.  Initiatives such as Nature’s Finest Fund and Retail Organic Certification are a priority.

All of these activities ensure staff training, constant learning and knowledge transfer are a priority at The Big Carrot. 

As part of their industry involvement priorities, The Big Carrot will once again play a key role in the Guelph Organic Conference.  A Platinum Patron of the event, The Big Carrot will be exhibiting, and Kate will present “Current & Relevant Organic Research” – a free workshop on Sunday, January 28. 

Kate’s workshop will be one of 43 program offerings covering topics from organic crop and livestock production to organic gardening. “This is a dynamic, leading event in the Canadian organic sector,” says Tomas Nimmo, conference manager.  “Our conference offers excellent opportunities to network and learn about different features of the organic value chain.  We draw a diverse audience including farmers, grain traders, manufacturers and many others.”

The free trade show Jan 27 and 28 will showcase over 150 exhibitors, including Pfenning’s Organic Farm,  Booch Organic Kombucha, GoBio and Harmony Organic Dairy.   Many exhibitors will be offering samples to attendees.

“Not only do we stay connected through industry involvement, but we then have these networks as resources,” adds Kate.  “Part of our brand and success is the trust customers place in us, and by being involved in various initiatives, including the conference, we have been successful as an organization.”

To learn more about the Guelph Organic Conference (Jan 25 to 28), visit  www.guelphorganicconf.ca. 

For more information about The Big Carrot visit  wwww.thebigcarrot.ca 

Flora launches new Elderberry Crystals.  Don’t let seasonal issues leave you feeling under the weather. Flora’s new Elderberry Crystals are bursting with antioxidants and help provide relief from cold and flu symptoms. Blend them in with your favourite juice or smoothie for a healthful, convenient and delicious boost daily, or when you feel the symptoms of seasonal issues coming on. Gluten-free, non-GMO, organic, raw and vegan. For more information, speak to your Flora account manager. 

Call 888/436-6697, or visit www.florahealth.com.

Not all CoQ10 is created equally.  INNO-Q-NOL starts with the scientifically validated Kaneka QH CoQ10 Ubiquinol.  Exceptionally stable. Sourced from yeast fermentation for the highest purity. Backed by over 30 years of clinical research.  INNO-Q-NOL is further enhanced with our exclusive Q-Gel Technology featuring Triple Protected Stability.  The additions of MCT Oil and Vitamin C further boosts Ubiquinol stabilization and protects against oxidation.  www.InnoviteHealth.com  888/220-3853

Introducing Natural Calm Calmful Sleep, a naturally relaxing nighttime drink. Specifically formulated and licensed to promote a healthy sleep.  This formula features a blend of sleep promoting ingredients, including award winning Natural Calm magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, gabba, L-theanine and melatonin.  Calmful Sleep goes to work right away, creating the conditions for restorative sleep.  Available where supplements are sold or go to www.naturalcalm.ca.

Introducing Genuine Health’s NEW fermented organic gut superfoods+! Made with 22 fully-fermented plant-based superfoods and prebiotics to nourish healthy gut flora, it’s the ultimate prebiotic superfood! Plus, it’s fermented to provide amplified nutrients for your gut – and overall health! www.genuinehealth.com