CHFA and InspireHealth Remember Dr. Roger Rogers
It is with great honour and respect that CHFA remembers the life and work of Dr. Roger Rogers, who passed away on November 22, 2011 at the age of 83. As co-founder of InspireHealth, Canada's foremost integrated cancer care centre, he was hailed as a physician for whom the healing process included the importance of relationship, caring, compassion and the empowerment of the patient.
As a Clinical Associate Professor at UBC, Dr. Rogers taught his students these same values and inspired a whole generation of physicians to follow his example.
Dr. Rogers was highly esteemed among our industry for his many important accomplishments including founding two non-profit societies, and working to provide alternative and complimentary ways to support health for his patients. As a result, Dr. Rogers was inducted into CHFA’s Hall of Fame during Expo West 2002.
CHFA offers condolences to Dr. Rogers’ family and friends. He will be missed.
The following is shared by Hal Gun, Co-founder & CEO, InspireHealth in remembrance of Dr. Rogers.
It is with sadness and the celebration of a life well lived that I share, with the extended InspireHealth family, that Dr. Roger Rogers, co-founder of InspireHealth and a pioneer of integrative medicine passed away on November 22.
Born in Vancouver in 1928, Dr. Rogers received his BA and BSW from UBC and practiced social work until he entered medicine in 1955. He interned at St. Paul's Hospital and operated a family practice in Vancouver for twenty-five years, with an emphasis on prevention and a holistic approach to health. Gradually, his interests led him into integrative medicine, with a focus on cancer care.
Together, Roger and I co-founded the Centre for Integrated Healing in 1997, which is now known as InspireHealth. Dr. Rogers was also involved in founding and supporting the Association of Complementary & Integrative Physicians of BC (ACIPBC), and the Canadian Complementary Medical Association (CCMA).
Recognized as a pioneer and leader in integrative cancer care - both nationally and internationally - Dr. Rogers was the grateful recipient of many awards and acknowledgements, culminating in the presentation of the Order of British Columbia in 2001. The Hecht Foundation created the Dr. Roger Rogers Prize in 2007, which awards a $250,000 prize to a leader in complementary and alternative medicine.
Roger was a remarkable man with incredible insight. He made a profound impact not only on the health and overall well-being of his patients, but also left his mark on the medical field and community. He leaves the legacy of an extraordinary career that will continue to shape and influence the future of cancer care not only in Canada, but worldwide.
With love,
Hal Gunn, MD
Co-founder & CEO InspireHealth
David Chapman - An Industry Giant Retires
November 18, 2011 - David Chapman is a visionary, industry leader and team player.
As Founder and Past Chair, David spent 23 years building Purity Life and five additional years supporting it from the operational side, after he and his wife Elyse sold it to SunOpta.
David's aim was to help bring health and wellness to Canadians. He has seen the natural health products industry grow and has been an important part of that growth. As a result, David was inducted into the CHFA's Hall of Fame at Expo East 2007 in recognition of his professional accomplishments and his efforts in supporting, encouraging and influencing the course of the natural products industry.
"I am thrilled to be a part of that evolution/revolution," says David. "And I feel that I've contributed to [the industry's] improvement through my time on the CHFA Board, leading our regulatory affairs committee and through my active lobbying with government."
David labored tirelessly while part of the CHFA Board of Directors on NHPD regulations and worked to ensure the industry's voice was heard by the federal government. After 27 years, David has decided to retire and enjoy life in new ways and with new adventures.
CHFA warmly recognizes David Chapman for his 27 years of dedicated work to Purity Life, his commitment to the CHFA, his contributions to supporting the advancement of the natural health products industry in Canada and his desire and commitment to bring products to the market that "make a difference in people's lives." We wish you well David, good luck in this next chapter of your life.
The History Behind Koru Distribution
November 4, 2011 - Koru Distribution was started by two young entrepreneurs who wanted to make a difference by encouraging people to become more eco-conscious consumers.
The name Koru means new life, growth and strength. Its definition is representative of the business, as Koru strives to bring new life and purpose into a marketplace of "stuff."
Their products are eco-conscious with minimal packaging, all natural and have no toxic additives. Many of Koru’s items are novel ideas for green gift-giving.
Lorna Vanderhaeghe Named One of Canada's Top Female Entrepreneurs of 2011
October 21, 2011 - PROFIT W100 magazine profiles the country’s most successful female business owners and ranks Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneurs based on the size, growth rate and profitability of their businesses.
“The PROFIT W100 are a diverse group of entrepreneurs united by their passion, dynamism and smarts,” says Ian Portsmouth, PROFIT’s Editor-in-Chief. They set a tremendous example for business leaders of all kinds, and we are proud to recognize them in our 13th annual ranking of Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneurs.”
Lorna Vanderhaeghe is Canada’s leading women’s natural health expert. She has been helping women for over 30 years through public education seminars, radio and television shows. Lorna has developed a strong relationship with the women she helps through her monthly newsletter that has over 40,000 subscribers.
Lorna Vanderhaeghe Health Solutions, Inc. offers a complete line of women’s nutritional formulas that are sold in quality pharmacies, health food and grocery stores across Canada.
Lorna plans to keep growing by developing new educational programs, expanding her product offerings to the US and globally. “The secret to success is dedication to your business. Know what your customer needs and then give them the best product you can. Loving what you do everyday also helps.” says Lorna.
Lorna has authored or coauthored eleven books including A Smart Woman’s Guide to Hormones, A Smart Woman’s Guide to Weight Loss, A Smart Woman’s Guide to Heart Health, Your 30 Day Heart Smart Solution, An A-Z Woman's Guide to Vibrant Health and Get A Grip on Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Disorders to name a few. With degrees in biochemistry and nutrition she is also an internationally known lecturer who has been educating people on how to combine the best of mainstream medicine with scientifically-backed nutrients and diet changes to achieve optimal wellness.
In 2009, Lorna won the Canadian Health Food Associations’ most prestigious award, the Hall of Fame Award.
The Organic Grocer Celebrates 18 Years
October 7, 2011 - October 2011 marks the The Organic Grocer’s 18th anniversary. Based in Surrey’s Newton district, The Organic Grocer has been recognized as one of Surrey’s best businesses by the readers of the Surrey Now, since 2004. With a core staff of specialists in key positions, The Organic Grocer provides superior customer service and advice to loyal shoppers seven days a week. The Organic Grocer is a proud member of the Canadian Health Food Association.
NutraLab Canada Makes PROFIT Magazine's 12th Annual PROFIT HOT 50 Ranking
September 23, 2011 - CHFA member, NutraLab Canada Ltd, has had its phenomenal, continued growth recognized and has placed 27th in the 12th annual PROFIT HOT 50 ranking of PROFIT magazine. The PROFIT HOT 50 is the definitive ranking of Canada’s Top New Growth Companies. Published in the October Issue of PROFIT magazine and online at PROFITguide.com, the PROFIT HOT 50 ranks young firms by two-year revenue growth.
Since its incorporation in 2007, NutraLab Canada Ltd. has consistently exhibited strong growth and happy, repeat customers as it has expanded its facilities and production capabilities to become one of the premier contract manufacturers of dietary supplements. 
“We are delighted and proud to join the PROFIT HOT 50 ranks,” comments Dr. Peter Ou, founder, president, and CEO of NutraLab Canada Ltd. “I think this is proof of our unwavering dedication to our customers and our service quality, as well as the hard work of our tireless staff. Moving forward, we are confident in NutraLab’s continued growth as we continue our mandate of putting customers first and offering them the best value possible.”
“The PROFIT HOT 50 exhibit all the traits that underpin business success,” says PROFIT editor Ian Portsmouth. “With good products, persistent and focused leaders and motivated teams, Canada’s Top New Growth Companies have achieved enviable growth rates despite a shaky economy.”
Down to Earth Health Shop Awarded Best Green Business
September 9, 2011 - Kevin Friesen and Kym Gillett gave up their jobs in the forest industry several years ago and purchased an existing health food store in Fort Nelson, a community of 5000.
"Our passion and dedication to the environment separate us from the typical small town health food store," says Kym Gillett. They focused on carrying the 'cleanest' lines and educating their customers about quality.
Due to the positive response from the northern community, they quickly outgrew their location and started to plan to build an eco building. They took an asbestos contaminated building located in the centre of town and converted it into a building that was environmentally friendly. They reused the foundation along with using FSC certified wood, soy based insulation, no volatile organic compounds (VOC) paint and caulking, paperstone counters, coconut oil based wood finish and eco tile flooring. They encountered many challenges, such as extreme weather during asbestos abatement and permits for nonconventional construction but their passion and commitment carried them through.
On March 29th, Down To Earth Health Shop tied for first place in the the 'Best Green Business' in 'Small Business BC Successful You Awards'. The judging committee was most impressed by Down To Earth's all-encompassing approach and commitment to grass roots green living, and stewardship in the remote community of Fort Nelson.
Happy 75th Birthday Lionel Pasen
August 26, 2011 - On behalf of the Canadian Health Food Association, we wish you all the best on this special day. The spotlight is on you today as you celebrate your 75th birthday!
Since 1954, Lionel has been an active industry stakeholder engaged in numerous aspects of the natural health industry. He was inducted into CHFA’s Hall of Fame at Expo East in 1999, was a former member of the Board and now serves on the Regulatory Affairs Advisory Committee as well as on Health Canada’s Group on Electronic Regulatory Activities. Over the years, Lionel has worked closely with the federal and provincial governments to voice industry’s position on the NHP regulations and has worked for continued success of the sector.
Lionel - we wish you all the best during this noteworthy lifetime milestone and hope today is filled with much happiness and wonderful memories.
Bio-K+
August 12, 2011 - CHFA Member Bio-K+ have tried to stay true to their mission of manufacturing and selling health products that are clinically proven to improve the health of consumers. Their strategy has been to invest heavily in science and research as opposed to advertising, which may have resulted in slower sales growth but it's a decision that's paying off in the long-term.
The recent Canada-Wide media attention they have received in the wake of the C. difficile outbreaks in Ontario hospitals is directly related to the credibility that they have earned with science, research and a very unique product. While Bio-K+ understands retailers are anxious to have consumers running through their doors asking for products they see advertised, they believe there should be a balance of popularity, value and demonstrated health benefits to sustain the natural health product industry.
Recently, members of the medical community have come out in the media to applaud their efforts for bring a proven, safe, natural and sustainable solution to those at risk of developing deadly infections associated to the use of antibiotics. "We thank each and every one of our customers who has stood by us all these years while we strive to deliver science based quality and proven results above all else" said Michel Sirgent, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bio-K.
Preferred Nutrition Have a Heart Campaign
July 15, 2011 - It just takes one person to make a difference; and that’s all it took for Preferred Nutrition to become a proud sponsor of the Canadian Women’s Foundation (CWF).
The Canadian Women’s foundation is Canada’s only national foundation dedicated to improving lives of women and girls. They work to end violence against women, move low-income women out of poverty and empower girls with confidence. CWF is ranked as one of the ten largest women’s foundations in the world!
After Deane Parkes met with the foundation and heard the statistics on abuse and poverty in Canada, he became very passionate about creating awareness and support for CWF. With the help of retailers in the natural health industry and the Preferred Nutrition Have a Heart Campaign, CWF will be able to support programs across Canada. To further his involvement, Deane was asked to join the Grants Committee where he will help ensure the programs that really need support, get it.
Deane and the rest of the team at Preferred Nutrition would like to give a great big thank you to all of the participating health food stores for helping raise $40,468 to invest in the power of women and the dreams of girls today.
Genuine Health Supports the David Suzuki Foundation
June 30, 2011- Genuine Health staff rolled up their sleeves April 21 planting trees in Rouge Park to raise awareness to the role nature plays in our health and well-being.
In today's highly computerized world, adults and children have lost their connection to the wonders of the nature. According to a University of Maryland study, between 1997 and 2003 the proportion of kids ages 9 to 12 who spent time hiking, walking, fishing, playing on the beach or gardening declined 50 percent. This is not only detrimental to their physical and mental health, but also makes it difficult for them to conceive of the importance of conservation.
"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.
Genuine Health is donating $45,000 to the David Suzuki Foundation's on-going efforts to reconnect Canadians with nature and help build healthy, livable communities. This work will include innovative programs that empower citizens and community leaders to protect and restore nature within and surrounding their communities, and exciting new economic research into how to account for the benefits that nature provides manage and grow our towns and cities.
"As a busy parent living in the city with two young children, I am keenly aware of how important it is to get kids outside to enjoy nature, especially green spaces and parks close to home," said Dr Faisal Moola, Director of Science at the David Suzuki Foundation. "With the generous support of Genuine Health, we intend to ensure that these vital green spaces flourish and that our kids are able to spend time fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.
Genuine Health aims to create a corporate culture of environmental awareness and action. The head office is green-energy powered, they are committed to offsetting carbon emissions for the sales team, there is a strong focus on recycling and education, and they have even taken it a step further by helping animals affected by degraded environments, but there is much more to be done. In fact, Genuine Planet's future commitments include working with their entire supply chain.
Ave Maria Health Foods
June 17, 2011 - Ave Maria Specialties has become a cornerstone of the Prince George landscape and is often a meeting place for people trying to clean up the air, feed the world, broker peace, or get rid of fluoride in Prince George. Started in 1988 by Louis Matte and Dave Fuller, Ave Maria has a huge selection of herbs, vitamins, minerals and much more. This is in combination with an amazing staff that are very well read and in some cases are second generation Ave Maria employees. All of these elements bring an amazing store to the Northern B.C. area.
Dave Fuller and his staff bring a level of health food sophistication to their area. Dave’s weekly radio program, The Health First Show ,educates both the local area on all health-related topics. People can contact their local radio stations to pick up the show as it is available for free to campus and community radio stations across the country. This is a great opportunity for small communities with health foods stores to be more educated about health related topics. The shows can be downloaded by the station or for people to listen to at their convenience.
During a recent trip to Prince George, Helen Sherrard, CHFA President, enjoyed a tour of both Ave Maria locations and met with Dave Fuller and his staff. She also visited the Alive, Homesteader and GNC stores in Prince George.
Beland Organic Foods Becomes Carbon Neutral
June 3, 2011 - Established since 1992, Beland Organic Foods is an organic food broker, wholesaler, as well as producer of Canadian Heritage Organics Maple Products and Karthein’s Organic Unpasteurized Sauerkraut with probiotics, with offices in Vancouver (British Columbia) and Québec. Beland Organic Foods specializes in Canadian certified natural organic healthy products that undergo rigid quality control to ensure the highest quality and freshness. These are distributed to health food stores, supermarkets and processors all across Canada.
Beland Organic Foods aims to do its part in the reduction of Greenhouse Gas emissions (GHG), slowing down global warming and climate change by compensating for the GHG emissions caused by the transportation of its organic lines - Canadian Heritage Organics and Karthein’s Organic Sauerkraut.
Beland Organic Foods bought, from the climate change research program Carbon Boreal, carbon credits from who serve to buy and plant trees and ultimately to offset their GHG emissions linked to all the deliveries made in 2010. This corresponds to the total number of kilometres done on road by truck or train from origin to destination point of all the orders delivered across Canada. The equivalence of 15 tonnes of Co2 was offset by the planting of 107 trees, as can be seen on the Certificate issued by Carbon Boreal.
Beland Organic Foods is proud to be the first company in the Organic Food market to have contributed to the overall success of the Carbon Neutral Boréal program who has so far offset over 9000 GHG emissions by planting 158 000 trees in the Boreal forest of Québec.
They hope to inspire other organic health food companies or individuals to also become carbon neutral.
Health Tree
May 27, 2011 - Over the past 20 years, Health Tree's owner John Brody has had a lot of teams and great people work for him, but the employees he has now and their work dynamic is truly remarkable.
“They are self-motivated, they do their best and they treat the store as if it was their own,” John says.
Treating it as their own is exactly what they did when they proposed some very big changes to John on a train ride back from the 2009 CHFA Expo East in Toronto. Eight of his staff members accompanied him on this trip and the CHFA show truly inspired them. They wanted to take advantage of everything they had seen and heard, including selling and showcasing some of the great new products. So in turn, John’s staff came up with a master plan to change the layout of Health Tree.
In addition to the layout change and new equipment came a new colour scheme, logo and website launch.
Throughout every step in this process, each of John’s staff was involved in one way or another. “It was a bonding moment for an already tight and amazing staff,” says John.
Now, with most of the major changes complete, John is thrilled with the results and says he noticed an increase in sales in the months following the makeover, which shows customers were just as thrilled. “Customer feedback has been phenomenal. They think it’s amazing, and much easier to shop."
But customers aren’t the only ones who have recognized the hard work John and his staff have put in. Recently, Health Tree took home the CHFA Brock Elliott Memorial Award for Excellence in Retailing at CHFA Quebec in Montreal.
This story has been modified and republished. Original credit: Delia Carnide, Associate Editor of CNHR.
Organic Meadow Expands Warehousing Capacity Enhancing Service Delivery
May 20, 2011- Organic Meadow Inc., Canada’s first organic dairy company and one of Canada’s leading organic brands, today announced the opening of its new warehouse at 324 Horner Avenue in Toronto.
The new facility is the first Organic Meadow warehouse and will house the more than 60 products the company distributes coast to coast in Canada all under one roof.
“This certainly enhances our storage capacity and will mean improved service and inventory levels,” said Ted Zettel, General Manager, Organic Meadow. “With greater access to our entire product line, it will ensure that out-of-stock situations at retail should be virtually eliminated -- which is good news for our increasing number of valued customers.”
At more than 22,000 sq. ft. of usable space, the new warehouse is the first facility of its kind for the company. It will feature three separate areas with bulk and rack storage, a cooler section plus a freezer section.
Organic Meadow Inc. is the administration and marketing organization owned by Organic Meadow Co-operative Inc. As a co-op, Organic Meadow shares profits with the 100 family farms that have invested in it and lead it.
Organic Meadow has a strong social mission and actively supports a number of charities including The Stop/Green Barn, Farmers Helpline, a co-op development in Gambia (Africa), the Guelph Family Shelter, Second Harvest and others. Organic Meadow has also funded and helped create organic farmers' co-operatives in Nova Scotia and Manitoba.
Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods & Oils
May 13, 2011 - Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods & Oils is the world’s largest vertically-integrated hemp food manufacturer. The company was founded on a desire to provide real nutrition and educate people on healthy lifestyle choices. Those founding principles have remained. Manitoba Harvest’s mission is simple – “manufacture and market the highest quality hemp food products, educate on the nutritional and environmental benefits of hemp, and support sustainability in all that we do.”
Manitoba Harvest prides itself on top quality, fresh products produced on-site under the highest operational standards. Products must be functional, nutritionally dense and innovative to fall under the Manitoba Harvest brand. In addition to their own popular brand of hemp foods, Manitoba Harvest is a preferred supplier for many other leading consumer brands.
Manitoba Harvest was founded in 1998 by the same people who helped legalize hemp in Canada. Since that time Manitoba Harvest co-founders have built both an industry, and one of the fastest growing Canadian companies. Education is a large part of what the company does – and will continue to do. Manitoba Harvest partners with farmers and the trade to educate and share information. Marketing initiatives are focused around educational opportunities and grassroots efforts.
Sustainability is also a strong principle for the company. The company partners with Renewable Choice Energy to offset 100% of the production facility’s electricity with renewable energy credits (RECs). Natural gas usage is counteracted with carbon offsets. And the offices were updated to energy efficient windows and utilities.
Foodsmiths' 10th Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser a ‘Sunny’ Success for 2011
May 6, 2011 - Foodsmiths organizers, volunteers and guests were thrilled to see sunny skies for the Foodsmiths 10th Anniversary Empty Bowls Fundraiser Saturday, April 9th. Guests purchased hand-crafted pottery bowls for a $20 donation which were then filled with a delicious Quinoa Salad. Ingredients for the salad were donated by Foodsmiths and their valued suppliers Eden Foods and Mountain Path Organic & Natural Foods.
Foodsmiths' 10th Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser and BYOB program raised a total of $5,071 for local sustainable food programs administered by Perth & District Foodbank, YAK Youth Centre and Food for Thought Breakfast and Snack programs in Lanark County Schools.
The BYOB program was developed by Foodsmiths to encourage the re-use of grocery bags and to provide a source of funds for charitable organizations in our community like Empty Bowls. For every bag a customer brings in that saves the use of a new plastic bag, Foodsmiths donates 10 cents to the designated charity that month. During the month of April, Foodsmiths customers brought in 5,813 of their own bags which equates to a $581.30 donation included in the Empty Bowls fundraising total.
Sisu Transitions to 100% Recyclable Metal Lids
April 29, 2011 - SISU has become an industry leader known for unique formulations and consistent quality with more than 160 products in ten wellness categories. Quality is prevalent in every element of a SISU product, from research and development, through manufacturing and distribution, to retailer’s shelves. SISU’s commitment to quality is further supported with Natural Product Numbers (NPNs) on over 86% of their products and ENs on the remaining 14%.
As announced at the recent CHFA Expo West, SISU is transitioning from plastic to metal lids that are 100% recyclable. The new metal lids are the perfect compliment to SISU’s 100% recyclable, cobalt blue glass bottles that launched in 2008. This change further reflects SISU’s mission, vision, and values as a premium brand, and supports the company’s commitment to quality, the protection of the environment, and a greener future for everyone.
The new packaging offers many benefits that SISU values, most importantly, they are better for the environment and they maintain product quality. SISU’s metal lids are made in part from recycled material, offer a recycled seal versus foam, and are made from tin-plated steel.
The transition to metal lids will happen over the next few months so that SISU uses up their current inventory of plastic lids, ensuring that no waste is generated by the transition. Metal lids will first appear in May 2011 on SISU Supreme Multivitamin bonus sizes.
Profile Communications Limited Launches The Natural Health Show on AM650 Vancouver
April 14, 2011 -- Broadcast veteran Steve Herringer and natural health industry marketer Donna Herringer are thrilled to announce the launch of their new program, The Natural Health Show.
The Natural Health Show is a weekly one-hour program of insightful interviews with scientists and practitioners in the natural health industry. The Herringers’ objective for the show is to bring an understanding of natural health products to new consumers who don’t necessarily shop in the natural products stores.
Donna feels important programming like this show can help listeners become more knowledgeable about the natural health field as a whole.
“Education and awareness of natural health products is the key for this program,” Donna says."
Their show slogan sums it up nicely: “real health for real people” and that is what they promise to deliver to their listeners.
The official launch date for the show is September 3, 2011. It will air every Saturday from 11am to 12pm on AM650 Vancouver.
Profile Communications Limited has been in business for over 25 years providing quality broadcast media services and specialized business strategies to national and international markets.
Hakeem Herbal Ltd.
April 8, 2011 -- Hakeem Herbal is the continuation of a centuries old house of Hakeems (also known as herbalists) established by the owners forefathers in Hyderabad Deccan, India. As grandson of Hakeem Syed Samoom Alishah (1857-1964), owner Mohammed Qadir is a true testament to the benefits of his grandfather’s formulas. Qadir felt it was his duty to spread his family’s recipes to other parts of the world.
Hence, the journey started from Hyderabad, India to Toronto, Canada. They incorporated Hakeem Herbal Ltd. in Toronto with the primary objective to offer their ancestral formulas to Canadian society.
“Hakeem Herbals is my passion as I am continuing the work of my ancestors who contributed to the world by discovering herbs and their uses,” Qadir says. “I am motivated by service to humanity.”
The word “Hakeem” itself means wise and in the Indian Subcontinent, it is known as an individual who treats people with Ayurvedic medicines and herbs a.k.a. Herbalists.
Qadir learned the art of making herbal preparations for various human ailments directly from his grandfather and inherited the unique herbal formulas from him.
“I am a retired Civil engineer and have a desire to contribute in a small way to alleviate people from health issues,” Qadir says.
Hakeem Herbals Ltd. was incorporated in Toronto in 2004 and has recently launched in the US market. To date, Qadir has innovated and introduced 13 new products and has been very successful in the field because of the uniqueness and effectiveness of the products.
The Peanut Mill Natural Foods Market Celebrates 35 Years
April 1, 2011 -- The Peanut Mill celebrates its 35th year in business. Their week-long anniversary event begins April 11 and features different specials every week including Vegan doughnuts on Thursday and Super Supplements on Saturday.
The Peanut Mill is a one-stop shop for the finest natural and organic foods, vitamins and dietary supplements, personal care products and health information. The idea behind The Peanut Mill started back in 1976 with Founder Antje Wirth, whose desire was to help people lead a more health conscious lifestyle. At the time she had been working part-time at a local health food store, but wanted to branch out on her own, so that is exactly what she did.
She launched The Peanut Mill in Niagara-on-the-Lake. In the early days, they were famous for grinding peanuts into fresh peanut butter (thus the store’s name), fresh carrot and apple juice, health sandwiches and a few bulk food basics.
Wirth’s son, Jason Sebeslav began working in the store as a teenager and is now the Owner and General Manager of The Peanut Mill. He recognized the tremendous influence his mother and grandmother had on the community and wanted to carry on that tradition.
"I've grown up with The Peanut Mill and for me there's a sense of pride in carrying on an enterprise that both my mother and grandmother helped build.” Sebeslav says. I'm also proud to be working alongside such great people who share the vision of our store's positive influence in our community."
Swiss Natural
March 25, 2011 -- CHFA Staff had the pleasure of visiting Swiss Natural’s new manufacturing facility yesterday. President & CEO of Swiss Natural, John Ferris welcomed the CHFA team with a valuable presentation about the company, followed by an informative and interactive tour of their facility.
Swiss Natural employs over 120 people, all with the singular focus to ensure that the consumer’s experience with a Swiss Natural product is positive and worth repeating. The CHFA team had the opportunity to witness Swiss Natural employees in action utilizing their state-of-the-art machinery to manufacture, run quality assurance tests, and finally package the finished product, with all activities taking place in a highly controlled GMP environment. Their 72,000 sq. ft. facility houses research, regulatory, quality assurance, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, marketing, sales and all administration functions.
Swiss Natural is 100% committed to providing the consumer with quality products. Ferris says that “quality starts with our people, it is evident in our processes, apparent in our services, and guaranteed in our products”.
Swiss Natural’s passion is shown through their dedication to product and process innovation, with a singular focus of helping consumer’s live healthier and more fulfilled lives.
Swiss Natural even went so far as giving consumers the opportunity to design a sub brand called, “Solutions”. “Innovation can be defined as unique products or products designed uniquely for consumers,” Ferris says. The consumers wanted an all-in-one product that was a simple solution, and Swiss Natural delivered.
Ferris stresses that Swiss Natural “is all about producing the highest quality products by ensuring we deliver perfection in every step of our process”. This was very evident during our tour of Swiss Natural.
Vita Health Fresh Market Celebrates 75 years
Feb. 11, 2011 -- As a company, Vita Health has been a long, valued, active and contributing member of the CHFA. John Holtmann has personally made numerous contributions to the CHFA and our industry and was the recent recipient of the CHFA Hall of Fame Award.
Vita Health understands their customers' needs and the importance of their goals for better health. Perhaps most important of all, Vita Health has remained true to the practices of its founder, G.W. Seier and has remained a family business dedicated to the natural health industry.
This year, Vita Health Natural Food Stores of Manitoba celebrates 75 years and continues to lead the pace in Manitoba's highly competitive natural health market.
Nature Village Opens New Store
Jan. 28, 2011 -- New retail member Nature Village, opened a new store right in the heart of Streetsville, Mississauga. Store owners, Charlene and Michael are committed to offering quality products to suit an ever increasing awareness towards healthier lifestyles in their local community and beyond.
In keeping with your New Year’s resolutions, Nature Village offers a variety of tasty healthy snacks, sports supplements, and weight loss products, just to name a few.
Nature Village carries the highest quality brands of nutritional products in our industry as well as natural health and beauty products and organic and gluten-free items, making it your one-stop shop for healthy living.