Myers Industries Inc. (NYSE: MYE), a manufacturer and distributor renowned for its sustainable plastic and metal products, has announced a pivotal leadership transition set to influence sustainability efforts within the supplement and food packaging industries. Aaron M. Schapper has been named as the new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2025. Schapper succeeds Dave Basque, the Interim President and CEO since September 2024, who will return to his role as Vice President of Special Projects.

This change in leadership underscores Myers’ commitment to driving innovation and sustainable practices, aligning with the growing demand for eco-conscious solutions in sectors such as food packaging and supplements. With his extensive background in global industrial businesses, Schapper is expected to elevate Myers’ contributions to sustainable manufacturing and bolster its position in providing green alternatives for industries looking to reduce environmental footprints.

A Leader with a Vision for Sustainability and Growth
Schapper brings a wealth of experience in strategy and operations that aligns with Myers’ goals of accelerating transformation and sustainability. He previously held senior roles at Valmont Industries Inc. (NYSE: VMI), where he spearheaded divisions that provided infrastructure and agricultural solutions. Notably, his tenure as Chief Strategy Officer and Group President of Agriculture at Valmont emphasized growth through innovative and sustainable practices.

“Myers is well-positioned to lead the charge in offering sustainable solutions across industries, including food and supplement manufacturing,” Schapper stated. “I look forward to leveraging our strengths to capitalize on growth opportunities and enhance productivity while addressing the global demand for eco-friendly solutions.”

Sustainability: A Core Focus for Myers
Under Schapper’s leadership, Myers aims to expand its range of sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, benefiting industries such as food storage and supplement packaging. As a leader in polymer and metal manufacturing, Myers’ expertise aligns with the urgent industry push towards recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable materials. Schapper’s experience in scaling innovative solutions is expected to drive partnerships with food and supplement companies seeking greener supply chains.

The supplement and food sectors are increasingly seeking packaging solutions that align with consumer demands for sustainability. Myers’ capabilities in creating durable, lightweight, and eco-friendly products uniquely position the company as a key partner for businesses transitioning away from traditional plastics. Schapper’s appointment signals an intensified focus on advancing these offerings.

Key Initiatives to Watch Under Schapper’s Leadership
Expansion of Sustainable Products: Myers will likely innovate in bio-based polymers and recycled materials to meet packaging needs for the supplement and food industries.
Collaborations with Industry Leaders: Myers is poised to collaborate with food and supplement manufacturers to develop tailored solutions that align with circular economy principles.
Operational Efficiency: With Schapper’s proven track record in boosting productivity, Myers will likely refine its processes to reduce waste and energy use across its facilities.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Chairman of the Board, F. Jack Liebau Jr., expressed confidence in Schapper’s appointment. “Aaron’s strategic vision and experience in scaling high-performing businesses make him the ideal leader for Myers’ next growth phase,” Liebau noted. “We anticipate significant advancements in our sustainable product offerings and operational efficiencies under his guidance.”

This leadership transition also highlights Myers’ responsiveness to evolving market demands. The food and supplement sectors are uniquely positioned to benefit from Myers’ innovations, especially as sustainable packaging becomes a cornerstone of their brand strategies.

Aaron M. Schapper’s appointment as President and CEO of Myers Industries marks an exciting chapter for both the company and the broader industries it serves. With his expertise, Myers is set to advance its sustainability agenda, providing critical solutions to the supplement and food sectors. Businesses looking to transition to environmentally friendly practices can anticipate groundbreaking developments from Myers under Schapper’s leadership.

The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA), the nation’s largest trade organization dedicated to natural, organic, and wellness (NOW) products, has unveiled a groundbreaking trends report titled The Emerging Trends Shaping the NOW Industry in 2025. This report offers an in-depth exploration of the global influences driving Canadian consumer behaviour and sets the stage for the future of wellness in the country.

From the impacts of climate change to breaking taboos around sexual health, the CHFA provides critical insights into the evolving demands shaping the industry.

Global Shifts Driving Canadian Wellness Trends
Lynsey Walker, CHFA’s VP of Marketing and Communications, explains, “It was important for us to take a step back to see the larger shifts happening across the globe that are impacting consumer decisions. By identifying these underlying themes, we help guide our members on strategies for innovation and sustainable growth.”

The report outlines seven key trends that are redefining the natural, organic, and wellness landscape in Canada.

1. Rewilding: Nature as the Ultimate Healer
A growing belief in the philosophy that “nature knows best” is influencing Canadian purchasing patterns. With 77% of Canadians valuing harmony with nature, there’s increasing demand for products that prioritize sustainability and conservation. Consumers are seeking brands that are transparent about their environmental commitment, underscoring the importance of eco-conscious business practices.

2. Climate Change and the Trust Gap
Canadians are aligning their spending with their environmental values, with more than half actively seeking products that support sustainability. However, skepticism persists—only 44% of consumers trust sustainability claims on labels and advertising. To bridge this gap, brands must prioritize transparency and credible certifications to build consumer confidence.

3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I): More Than a Buzzword
Representation matters, and Canadian consumers are calling for authentic DE&I initiatives from brands. While inclusivity in marketing and product offerings is valued, only 30% of Canadians believe NOW products are accessible to all income levels. This points to an untapped opportunity for economic inclusivity, which could significantly expand market reach.

4. Sexual Health: Breaking Barriers with Natural Options
The conversation around sexual health is becoming less taboo. For example, 51% of Canadian women are navigating perimenopause or menopause, and 65% turn to natural health products during these life stages. This growing demand highlights the need for accessible, natural solutions that support women throughout their wellness journeys.

5. Modern Beauty: Clean and Loyal
The demand for “clean beauty” continues to dominate the market, with 54% of Canadians maintaining a consistent skincare routine. Of these, 58% are loyal to products they trust, emphasizing the importance of transparent, natural, and effective beauty solutions. Scalp and hair health products are also rising in popularity, reflecting a broader definition of personal care.

6. Collective Wisdom: The Power of Tradition
A resurgence in interest in traditional healing methods is making waves in Canada. Nearly 50% of Canadians are exploring naturopathic remedies alongside Western medicine, while 62% express a desire to learn and preserve healing traditions such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Indigenous practices. This growing appreciation for intergenerational knowledge-sharing highlights an enduring connection to cultural wellness practices.

7. Eight Senses: Beyond Sight, Smell, and Touch
Consumers are increasingly focusing on holistic sensory experiences that go beyond the traditional five senses. Interest in practices that enhance body awareness, balance, and internal sensations is on the rise, with 55% engaging in mindfulness or bodywork. Furthermore, 46% of Canadians value hands-on experiences when discovering new wellness products, underscoring the need for immersive and mindful product offerings.

Key Takeaways for Industry Leaders
The CHFA’s report highlights critical opportunities for brands to align with evolving consumer demands. By focusing on authenticity, sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, businesses can position themselves to thrive in the dynamic natural, organic, and wellness market.

The trends report not only sheds light on consumer behaviour but also serves as a strategic guide for navigating a rapidly transforming industry landscape.

Conclusion
The Canadian Health Food Association’s 2025 trends report offers a roadmap for brands to stay ahead in the competitive natural, organic, and wellness space. By addressing consumer concerns around sustainability, inclusivity, and trust, and by tapping into the broader themes of tradition, innovation, and sensory experiences, businesses can connect more deeply with Canadian consumers.

BioCell Technology, a leader in supplement research and development, has unveiled a groundbreaking addition to its lineup: BioCell Collagen® ERP (Extra Refined Palatable). This innovation aims to revolutionize how consumers enjoy their supplements, offering a refined solution for formats like gummies, lozenges, and chewables.

CEO Mo Ishaq highlighted the importance of addressing consumer preferences. “With BioCell Collagen® ERP, we’re catering to those who prefer non-pill options. Our advanced refining process has created a fine, neutral-tasting powder that blends seamlessly into a variety of flavor profiles, making supplements more enjoyable,” he explained.

A Palatable Revolution for Collagen Supplements
Unlike traditional collagen products that often come with challenging textures or flavors, BioCell Collagen® ERP is tailored for sensory appeal. Its smooth, refined texture enhances the experience of supplements like gummies, turning a health routine into something indulgent.

The new ERP format retains the clinically tested benefits of BioCell’s signature product, including support for joint health, skin vitality, and connective tissue function. This patented matrix of hydrolyzed collagen type II peptides, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid has been scientifically proven to combat signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, while improving joint flexibility and overall mobility.

Bridging Science and Consumer Demand
The launch of BioCell Collagen® ERP is perfectly timed with shifting market trends. Recent data from the Collagen Stewardship Alliance shows that consumers are increasingly motivated by skin health and joint mobility concerns when choosing supplements. CEO Len Monheit said, “Collagen has become a cornerstone ingredient for those prioritizing holistic wellness, especially as joint discomfort and visible signs of aging drive more people to seek solutions.”

This growing interest in collagen underscores the importance of innovation in delivery methods. “Consumers are evolving—they want effective products that fit seamlessly into their lifestyle,” Ishaq noted. “BioCell Collagen® ERP provides the flexibility to create supplements that aren’t just effective but also enjoyable.”

Meeting the Needs of Modern Wellness
As the supplement market expands, the demand for convenient, enjoyable products continues to rise. By combining cutting-edge science with consumer-friendly formats, BioCell Technology sets a new industry standard. Whether through gummies or lozenges, BioCell Collagen® ERP is poised to transform how people incorporate health supplements into their daily routines.

This latest offering not only aligns with consumer preferences but also reinforces BioCell Technology’s reputation as a leader in innovation and wellness. With BioCell Collagen® ERP, the future of supplements looks both healthier and more delightful.

Fresh St. Market, a family-owned British Columbia-based grocery retailer, has strategically expanded its footprint with the opening of its eighth location at 150 Esplanade West in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale district. This move reflects the company’s commitment to delivering a market-inspired shopping experience while aligning with modern consumer demands for sustainability, local partnerships, and elevated convenience.

The choice of Lower Lonsdale for the latest Fresh St. Market aligns with the neighbourhood’s vibrant, community-focused culture and increasing demand for high-quality, locally sourced goods. Palle Knudsen, Senior Director of Retail Operations, highlighted the area’s potential, citing its blend of residential growth and its role as a commercial hub. “We’ve tailored this location to meet the unique needs of the Lower Lonsdale community,” Knudsen explained, underscoring the company’s strategy to localize its offerings while maintaining brand consistency.

Market-Inspired Design with a Local Flavour

Fresh St. Market’s new store emphasizes a public-market atmosphere, with sections named to honor the area’s maritime heritage, such as the Esplanade Delicatessen and Shipyards Kitchenware. This thoughtful branding not only connects with the community’s identity but also enhances customer engagement by creating a shopping environment that feels authentic and distinctive.

The Lower Lonsdale location debuts several firsts for the company, including a Burrito Bar—Fresh St. Market’s maiden venture into customizable quick-service dining. This addition reflects broader trends in consumer preference for convenience without compromising quality. The store also features a hot meal self-service bar and a carving station, capitalizing on the increasing demand for ready-to-eat options, a segment projected to grow significantly within the grocery retail sector.

A dedicated seating area enhances the customer experience, inviting patrons to enjoy their meals on-site and fostering community connections. These enhancements position the store as more than a grocery destination, effectively merging dining and retail in a unified concept.

Core to Fresh St. Market’s business model is its robust local supplier network. The store sources fresh poultry from the Fraser Valley, premium meats from Lepp Farms in Abbotsford, and artisanal charcuterie from Two Rivers Meats in North Vancouver. Dairy and cheese offerings include products from Golden Ears Cheesecrafters and Farm House Natural Cheeses, both renowned for their quality and local roots.

In the seafood department, 100% of offerings are certified sustainable by Ocean Wise, aligning with the company’s broader environmental responsibility ethos. This commitment extends to its partnership with FoodMesh, a food diversion network that redirects unsold goods to local hunger relief organizations. Since 2020, this initiative has supported the provision of over 2.3 million meals, a testament to Fresh St. Market’s leadership in sustainability.

Business Resilience and Community-Centric Focus

Fresh St. Market’s entry into Lower Lonsdale was met with significant community enthusiasm, marked by exclusive food samplings and promotional events. These efforts not only celebrated the grand opening but also cemented the store’s role as a community partner. This localized approach is a key differentiator in a competitive grocery landscape, demonstrating the company’s ability to adapt its business model to regional markets.

Fresh St. Market’s expansion into Lower Lonsdale signals broader ambitions in the highly competitive grocery sector. By combining local partnerships with innovative retail concepts and sustainability initiatives, the company is positioning itself as a leader in community-focused grocery retailing. As consumer preferences continue to evolve towards sustainability, quality, and convenience, Fresh St. Market’s business strategy offers a compelling blueprint for growth in the wellness-oriented retail space.

Promino Nutritional Sciences Inc has announced a major distribution expansion in the U.S. and Canada. Through partnerships with three new distribution powerhouses, the company aims to unlock access to over 40,000 new retail locations for its flagship products: Rejuvenate Muscle Activator™ and Promino™ – NSF Certified for Sport®.

In a significant first step, Big Y World Class Market has placed orders for Rejuvenate Muscle Activator™, marking its debut in 70 of the retailer’s U.S. stores.

“These powerful partners are the bridge to our customers,” said Janice Day, Promino’s Chief Sales Officer. “Each brings immense merchandising and sales expertise to help us reach consumers where they shop.”

A Growing Market Presence
This strategic growth reflects Promino’s commitment to making high-quality, essential amino acid products widely available. The company’s solutions are tailored for consumers seeking improved muscle health, recovery, and overall wellness—a growing segment in the health and nutrition market.

The partnerships also align with Promino’s vision to strengthen its market penetration while adhering to rigorous quality standards, as seen with the NSF Certified for Sport® designation on its Promino™ products.

By potentially doubling its retail reach, Promino stands to benefit from increased brand visibility and sales opportunities across diverse markets. This move could also set a benchmark for other health and wellness companies looking to expand through strategic retail collaborations.

Jamieson Wellness Inc. (TSX: JWEL) has announced a new addition to its Board of Directors. Diane Nyisztor, a seasoned expert in global human resources and corporate governance, will officially join the Board starting January 1, 2025.

“I am pleased to welcome Ms. Nyisztor to our Board of Directors,” said Tim Penner, Board Chair of Jamieson Wellness. “Her extensive expertise in global HR and governance aligns perfectly with Jamieson’s mission to expand as a global leader in health and wellness.”

A Career Defined by Leadership and Expertise
Ms. Nyisztor is a Chartered Professional Accountant and former senior executive with a stellar track record spanning over three decades. Her leadership in global human resources, corporate governance, and expatriate tax is unparalleled. Some highlights of her career include:

Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Cogeco Inc. (2014-2021), where she played a pivotal role in shaping corporate strategies for a major telecommunications and media company.

Partner, International Executive Services at KPMG Canada LLP (2013-2014), showcasing her deep expertise in compensation advisory and global HR solutions.

Leadership roles at AtkinsRéalis (formerly SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.), where she advanced corporate HR initiatives for one of the world’s largest engineering services and nuclear companies.

A Proven Track Record on Governance Boards
Ms. Nyisztor’s boardroom acumen is equally noteworthy. Since 2016, she has been a Corporate Director and a key member of the Corporate Governance and Human Resources Committee for Saputo Inc. (SAP.TO), one of the leading global dairy producers. In addition, she is an active board member of the YMCAs of Québec, serving as Chair of the Human Resources Committee.

Excitement and Commitment
Ms. Nyisztor expressed her enthusiasm about joining Jamieson Wellness:

“I am honoured to join the Board of Directors at Jamieson Wellness,” she said. “Jamieson’s dedication to quality and innovation in the global vitamins, minerals, and supplements industry is inspiring. I look forward to contributing to the company’s growth strategy and delivering value to all stakeholders.”

Starting January 2025, she will also serve on Jamieson Wellness’ Governance, Compensation, and Nominating Committee, further leveraging her governance expertise to guide the company.

This strategic appointment signals Jamieson Wellness’ dedication to its long-term vision and commitment to strengthening its global health and wellness market leadership.