Latin America is home to a rich and varied culinary landscape, yet it also faces significant challenges in ensuring food safety across restaurants, hotels, cafés and convenience outlets. In response to growing consumer concerns, NSF International—an independent global public health and safety organization headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan—has rolled out its Checked by NSF™ seal across Latin America, providing a transparent, third-party verification of food safety and hygiene practices.

Each year, unsafe food accounts for an estimated 600 million cases of foodborne illness and 420 000 deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. That equates to nearly one in ten people falling ill from contaminated food, with children under five particularly vulnerable, accounting for roughly 30 percent of these fatalities. Such statistics underscore the critical need for reliable indicators that consumers can trust when choosing where to dine or purchase prepared foods. World Health OrganizationWorld Health Organization

Bridging the Transparency Gap

Traditionally, finding credible food-safety information about a given establishment can be cumbersome for Latin American consumers. While some jurisdictions publish inspection reports, the data may be outdated or hard to access. The Checked by NSF mark addresses this gap by signalling, at a glance, that an independent audit was conducted on a specific date, and that the venue meets rigorous hygiene and handling standards derived from the U.S. FDA Food Code 2022, adapted to align with local regulations.

“Displaying the Checked by NSF seal, whether on-site or online, represents a competitive advantage for food service operators,” explains Ronald Gonzalez, Director of NSF’s Food Services division for Latin America. “It demonstrates an establishment’s commitment to consumer safety and elevates confidence in brand quality, setting certified venues apart from their peers.”

A Three-Phase Verification Process

The Checked by NSF certification unfolds in three distinct stages:

1. Policy Review
   NSF experts examine the business’s existing food-safety and hygiene policies, ensuring they meet the standards specified by both the FDA Food Code and applicable local laws.
2. On-Site Facility Audit
   Trained auditors visit the premises to verify that written policies are properly implemented in practice. They inspect food handling, storage, preparation areas and overall facility cleanliness.
3. Routine Monitoring
   To maintain integrity, NSF conducts follow-up visits at frequencies determined by risk factors and local requirements, confirming ongoing compliance with hygiene and safety protocols.

Impact on the Foodservice Industry

By offering a clear, recognizable seal of approval, Checked by NSF empowers consumers to make informed choices and fosters a culture of accountability among food operators. For multi-unit chains and independent establishments alike, the programme can drive operational improvements, reducing the risk of foodborne incidents, minimizing reputational damage, and potentially lowering insurance premiums.

Moreover, this initiative aligns with broader One Health and Global Food Safety efforts, which emphasize the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. Transparent certification schemes like Checked by NSF complement public-sector inspection regimes, reinforcing best practices at every step of the food chain.

Looking Ahead

NSF International plans to expand the programme’s reach across major urban centres in Latin America over the coming year, targeting high-traffic hospitality and retail outlets. As demand for reliable food-safety assurances grows, hotels, restaurants and food-service chains that adopt Checked by NSF early will be well-positioned to capture discerning customers and demonstrate leadership in public health stewardship.

In a region where culinary tradition is a point of pride, Checked by NSF offers both consumers and businesses a simple yet powerful tool: a seal that speaks volumes about safety, quality and trust. By raising the bar for hygiene transparency, NSF’s latest programme represents a meaningful step toward safer, more resilient food systems throughout Latin America.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, Walmart Inc. reported revenue of US $165.6 billion, a 2.5% increase year over year and a 4.0% gain on a constant-currency basis. This growth occurred despite a roughly 100-basis-point headwind from last year’s leap day. Operating income rose by US $0.3 billion, or 4.3% year over year (3.0% on a constant-currency basis), reflecting higher gross margins and stronger performance in membership and digital channels.

Revenue Drivers and Currency Impact
Walmart overcame the leap-year timing issue through resilient demand for its core everyday-low-price offerings and continued international expansion. Excluding currency effects, sales climbed 4.0%, while the reported 2.5% increase reflected a 100-basis-point negative impact from currency translation.

eCommerce and Fulfillment Advances
Global eCommerce revenue grew by 22%, led by expanded store-fulfilled pickup and delivery services and an increased contribution from the online marketplace. These gains underscore Walmart’s progress in integrating its physical store network with its digital operations.

Advertising and Membership Income
The company’s advertising division, Walmart Connect, recorded a 50% rise in global revenue, driven in part by its partnership with VIZIO; U.S. advertising revenues increased 31%. Membership and other non-merchandise income rose 3.7%, including a 14.8% increase in membership fees. Together, these higher-margin businesses helped diversify Walmart’s revenue streams.

Margin Improvement and Profitability Metrics
Walmart U.S. gross margins improved by 12 basis points as the company enhanced cost efficiencies. Operating income increased 4.3% (3.0% adjusted for currency), despite a 250-basis-point leap-year comparability headwind. Return on assets reached 7.5%, and return on invested capital rose to 15.3%, a 30-basis-point improvement.

Earnings and Capital Actions
GAAP earnings per share (EPS) were US $0.56, while adjusted EPS was US $0.61 after excluding a net US $0.05 loss on equity and other investments. During the quarter, Walmart issued US $4 billion in long-term debt at favourable rates to support general corporate initiatives, reflecting its strong credit profile.

Outlook and Guidance
Walmart provided guidance for the second quarter and reaffirmed its full-year FY 26 targets. The company expects net sales to grow 3%–4% and adjusted operating income to increase 3.5%–5.5% on a constant-currency basis, assumptions that include approximately 150 basis points of leap-year comparability headwinds and the impact of the VIZIO acquisition. Management held a conference call on May 15, 2025, to review these results and projections.

Overall, Walmart’s Q1 results reflected a balanced mix of stable core retail performance, rapid digital growth, and expanding higher-margin services, positioning the company to meet its full-year objectives.

TORONTO, May 2025 – This month, Nature’s Source celebrates its 27th anniversary, reflecting on a quarter-century of steady growth and unwavering commitment to natural health. What began in 1998 as a single dispensary in the Greater Toronto Area has evolved into a 17-store network—branded as Nature’s Source and Nature’s Signature—with an e-commerce platform serving customers across Canada and the U.S.

From Humble Beginnings to National Footprint

Founded by naturopathy enthusiast Sanjiv Jagota in Oakville, Ont., Nature’s Source opened its doors with a simple mission: “to inspire natural, healthy living.” In the years since, the company has expanded to 11 standalone stores and six in-grocery dispensaries within Metro locations, making quality supplements and expert advice more accessible to Canadians. Last summer, the brand marked a milestone with its 17th location, nestled in north Whitby, Ont.

Award-Winning Expertise and Professional Partnerships

Nature’s Source’s dedication to service has been recognized by industry peers. The company is a recipient of the Brock Elliot Award—the highest accolade in Canadian natural health retail—for excellence in product quality and customer education. Its expert staff are trained in naturopathy, homeopathy and nutrition, and the brand maintains close ties with the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) and the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA).

“Our customers trust us to guide their wellness journeys,” says Jagota. “Reaching 27 years is a testament not only to our team’s passion but to the growing demand for natural, evidence-based health solutions.”

Embracing Digital and Community Engagement

Beyond bricks-and-mortar growth, Nature’s Source has invested heavily in its digital presence. Its online store offers nationwide shipping, live chat support and a comprehensive resource centre featuring expert-led webinars and articles. Locally, each store hosts workshops and product demonstrations led by certified practitioners, strengthening ties with community partners and health-focused organizations.

Looking Ahead: Innovation and Accessibility

As it enters its 28th year, Nature’s Source plans to broaden its product portfolio with cutting-edge nutraceuticals and expand Nature’s Signature kiosks into new grocery partners. Continued investment in digital tools—such as personalized supplement recommendations—aims to streamline the customer experience.

“We’re poised for further growth,” Jagota adds. “Our focus remains on empowering Canadians with trustworthy guidance and the highest-quality natural health products.”Title

Nature’s Source Celebrates 27 Years Empowering Canadian Wellness

Natural Health Trends Corp. (NASDAQ: NHTC) held its 2025 Annual Meeting on May 6 in Rowland Heights, California, with a 72.9% shareholder turnout. Shareholders re-elected directors Yiu T. Chan, Randall A. Mason, Lucy N. Nduati, Chris T. Sharng, and Ching C. Wong, and ratified CBIZ CPAs P.C. as the independent auditor for fiscal year 2025.

In Q1 2025, NHTC reported revenue of $10.7 million, a 2% decrease from the previous year, and net income of $122,000 ($0.01 per diluted share). The company maintained a strong gross profit margin of 73.6% and generated $484,000 in operating cash flow. Despite a 5% year-over-year decline in active members to 30,180, sequential order volume increased by 9% from Q4 2024. Direct Selling News+4Stock Titan+4Nasdaq+4

NHTC continues to focus on supply chain optimization to mitigate trade uncertainties and improve efficiency. The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, reinforcing its commitment to returning capital to shareholders.

With revenue climbing 4.1% to $14.1 billion and adjusted diluted earnings per share up 9.3%, the company hasn’t just maintained its footing — it has nudged itself forward with quiet authority. But what’s most revealing about these results isn’t what they say at a glance; it’s how they reflect a company deep in tune with the shifting rhythms of Canadian retail.

At the heart of this performance is a clear understanding of what consumers are after in 2025. Not flash, not novelty — just reliability. Food inflation may be cooling, but household budgets are still tight. Loblaw has responded not with sweeping transformations but with a series of smart, calibrated moves: tailored promotions, loyalty-driven incentives, and measured investment in physical and digital infrastructure.

The PC Optimum™ programme continues to be a jewel in the crown. It’s no longer just a rewards system; it’s a behavioural insight engine, nudging spending habits and anchoring customer loyalty. That loyalty, in turn, translated into a 2.2% rise in same-store sales for food retail — not a spike, but a steady pulse that reflects both consistency and trust. More importantly, while store traffic held steady, shoppers spent more per visit — a telling detail that underpins much of Loblaw’s sales momentum.

In its drug retail division, anchored by Shoppers Drug Mart, same-store sales rose 3.8%, with pharmacy and healthcare services seeing 6.4% growth. These are encouraging signs in a sector where access, convenience, and trust now matter more than ever. Loblaw’s quiet expansion of in-store clinics and pharmacy services — four opened this quarter alone — reflects a deeper shift from transactional retail towards embedded community health provision.

Meanwhile, beauty products and over-the-counter remedies enjoyed a seasonal tailwind thanks to an extended flu season, but not all categories contributed equally. The company has made the deliberate move to exit low-margin electronics lines — a decision that might trim revenue in the short term but frees up space for better-performing categories. This kind of portfolio pruning is emblematic of a more mature retail strategy, one that’s less concerned with size for its own sake and more focused on margin-rich resilience.

There’s also a physical expansion story unfolding in parallel. Ten new food and drug stores opened during the quarter, alongside the second T&T Supermarket in downtown Toronto — a savvy move that caters to a growing demand for culturally specific offerings in urban centres. The company’s Hard Discount banners are quietly expanding into new communities, reaching shoppers who are far more sensitive to pricing pressures.

Financially, the company has kept its balance sheet tidy. Operating income rose 5.2% to $906 million, and adjusted EBITDA ticked up to $1.59 billion. Gross profit grew 3.7%, and while gross margin was slightly lower, down 10 basis points, it remained firm at 31.5%. These aren’t show-stopping figures, but they suggest operational control in an inflationary environment.

Loblaw’s financial services arm delivered a more subdued performance. Revenue was up 3.3%, largely due to gains at The Mobile Shop™ and interchange income, but earnings before income tax dipped 31.8%. This was largely due to reduced marketing support compared to the prior year, and rising loyalty costs — the trade-off of building a stickier ecosystem around its PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard®. It’s a hit to the short-term bottom line, but arguably an investment in long-term customer lifetime value.

One theme that quietly underpins the entire quarter is capital allocation. Loblaw repurchased 2.49 million shares at a cost of $457 million and raised its quarterly dividend by 10% — the fourteenth consecutive annual increase. This is a company that not only generates cash but also knows how to return it strategically.

Then there’s ESG — an increasingly central metric for long-term performance. In its latest Live Life Well® report, Loblaw detailed a 16% reduction in enterprise emissions since 2020 and the diversion of over 80,000 tonnes of food waste from landfill. These aren’t headline-grabbing stats, but they’re tangible. More impressively, the company contributed more than $212 million to community initiatives, with its President’s Choice Children’s Charity reaching nearly one million students this school year.

None of this is accidental. It reflects a retailer that sees prosperity not just in profit margins but in social equity and environmental stewardship. And that matters — not just because consumers are demanding it, but because it increasingly defines what a “future-proof” business looks like.

Looking ahead, Loblaw has every intention of sticking to its knitting. The company expects high single-digit EPS growth for the full year and plans to invest a net $1.9 billion in its store network and distribution centres. It’s also expecting a mild accounting tailwind from a 53rd week in the fiscal calendar — a bonus rather than a strategy, but one that will pad results nonetheless.

What’s refreshing about Loblaw’s Q1 performance is that it doesn’t pretend to be revolutionary. There’s no dramatic pivot, no reinvention-of-the-wheel rhetoric. Just solid fundamentals, well-executed priorities, and a long-term vision that doesn’t lose its focus chasing quarterly spikes. In today’s retail world, that’s not playing it safe — it’s playing it smart.

Dr. Kelly McGuire officially opened The Health Practice at 229 Broadway, Unit #2, in Orangeville. The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew friends, family, patients and local officials, marking the first dedicated naturopathic clinic in the town’s downtown core.Dr. McGuire, an Orangeville native with 13 years of naturopathic experience, described the opening as the culmination of a long-held goal. “I’m honoured to join Orangeville’s community of locally owned businesses,” she said. “Our aim is to enrich integrative healthcare options that residents both need and deserve.”

Regional Barriers to Holistic Care

Despite increasing public interest in complementary and integrative medicine, residents of Orangeville and the surrounding Dufferin County still face several obstacles:

• Practitioner Shortage: Until now, no full-time naturopathic clinics operated in Orangeville. Patients often endured lengthy waits or traveled to larger centres such as Toronto or Burlington.
• Insurance Limitations: While many extended health plans recognize naturopathic services, coverage is often partial—leaving significant out-of-pocket costs and deterring some from seeking care.
• Awareness and Referral Gaps: Misunderstandings about the scope of naturopathic practice—beyond lifestyle advice and supplements—mean fewer early referrals from family physicians and specialists.

Dr. McGuire intends to address these issues by offering extended evening and weekend hours, direct billing to major insurers, and an education series for both patients and healthcare providers on integrative care models.

Scope and Collaboration

Naturopathic medicine in Ontario operates under a regulated scope that includes primary-care modalities—blood work, lifestyle and nutrition plans, supplement protocols and, in Dr. McGuire’s case, intravenous vitamin therapy. “When pharmaceuticals or advanced imaging are required, we refer back to family doctors,” she explained, underscoring a collaborative approach rather than a standalone service.

Community Response and Future Plans

Orangeville Councillor Joe Andrews, chair of the Economic Development Committee, noted that the new clinic “expands local health options and underscores the entrepreneurial spirit vital to our downtown.” Mayor Lisa Post added that a diversified mix of healthcare services “strengthens community ties and brings more people into the core.”Looking ahead, The Health Practice plans to bring on-site a Registered Massage Therapist, Registered Social Worker and a clinical nutritionist—to create a multi-disciplinary hub and reduce patient wait times. A junior associate naturopath may follow once patient demand grows.
Dr. McGuire, who has lived and raised her family in Orangeville for over a decade, said the clinic represents both a professional milestone and a deeper personal connection to the community. She hopes to work alongside local schools, businesses and medical practitioners to improve access to preventive and natural healthcare across Dufferin County.

Trump’s Tariffs Unlikely to Trigger Sharp Price Increases in Canada, Economists Say—Some Products May Even Become Cheaper

Experts indicate many concerns persist, yet rapid inflation in consumer products is likely not one of them.

As the United States engages in a significant trade dispute with China, sharply driving up prices south of the border, Canadians are increasingly concerned about how this may affect their financial well-being.

While economists caution that Canada’s economy could experience slower growth due to broader global uncertainty sparked by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariffs, they note that significant price increases in electronics, clothing, food, appliances, and other consumer items are unlikely to occur immediately.

Why Some Canadian Prices Could Drop

RBC economist Claire Fan emphasizes that the Canadian government’s retaliatory tariffs on American products were carefully selected to minimize direct impacts on Canadian consumers, thus helping keep inflation close to the Bank of Canada’s target rate of two per cent by the end of 2025.

“Canadian pricing structures will predominantly reflect how effectively global supply chains adapt, the stability of the Canadian dollar, and corporate decisions regarding whether to pass increased costs onto consumers,” Fan explained.

William Huggins, Professor of Finance and Business Economics at McMaster University, suggests that in the short term, prices for certain consumer goods could actually fall. The United States has imposed 145 per cent duties on Chinese goods, significantly reducing China’s access to the American market and potentially creating an oversupply scenario globally.

“We might witness lower prices due to aggressive discounting from Chinese manufacturers attempting to redirect products to other markets, including Canada,” said Huggins.

While Canada’s anti-dumping regulations will protect certain domestic industries, Canadian consumers stand to benefit from lower-priced clothing, furniture, and electronics from China—sectors not robustly produced domestically.

Long-Term Risks and Currency Strength

However, Huggins cautioned that the benefits might be short-lived. If decreased U.S. demand leads China to reduce its production capacities significantly, prices could eventually climb due to tighter global supply. Additionally, logistics costs could rise for Canada, as the country will no longer be able to rely on shared logistics efficiencies derived from high-volume U.S. shipments.

Recent gains in the Canadian dollar also provide a buffer against inflation by reducing the cost of imports. The loonie recently strengthened, reaching a five-month peak at 72 cents (U.S.), partly due to depreciation in the American dollar.

Shaun Osborne, Chief Currency Strategist at Scotiabank, predicts further strengthening: “We anticipate continued short-to-medium-term strengthening of the Canadian dollar, which should act as a stabilizing force against inflationary pressures.”

Given the current trade conditions, Osborne forecasts a general slowdown in global economic growth, reducing demand pressures and helping keep inflation “stable or potentially lower.”

“A steady Canadian dollar coupled with subdued global demand would help manage domestic price levels,” Osborne concluded.

Ultimately, the extent of price fluctuations will largely hinge on how businesses choose to manage tariff-related cost increases.

Simeon Siegel, Retail and E-commerce Analyst at BMO Capital Markets, highlights that price increases will be tactical and targeted rather than widespread.

“When faced with increased costs, companies have three main options: raising prices, cutting expenses in other areas, or absorbing the higher costs themselves,” Siegel explained. “Most retailers are highly cautious about losing customers and will avoid blanket price hikes. They will instead strategically adjust prices, carefully balancing profitability and customer retention.”