Odd Burger Corporation (“Odd Burger” or the “Company”) (TSXV: ODD) (OTCQB: ODDAF) (FSE: IA9) is pleased to announce that it is expecting to open 3 new franchised restaurant locations and 1 new franchised food truck within the next two months, bringing its total number of operational units to 21. The Company currently has 17 operational units in Canada including 10 franchised restaurant locations, 1 franchised mobile unit and 6 corporation restaurant locations.

The next location expected to open will be at 4549 Kingston Road in the community of Scarborough, Ontario. Construction is completed and the occupancy permit has been filed. The site is expected to open in early November 2024. Grand opening details will be announced on the Company’s social media accounts. The Company is expecting to open its second downtown Toronto location at 229 Church Street by the end of November 2024 once final inspections are complete and an occupancy permit has been issued.

The Company is pleased to announce it is expecting to open two more franchised units in the province of British Columbia. Construction is completed and final inspections are in progress at 2821 Main Street, Vancouver, BC. The Company will also be launching its first food truck in Vancouver, BC. Construction of the food truck is largely complete, and the truck is expected to be operating at select sites in and around Vancouver as well as various festivals and events. Both units are expected to open by December 2024.

Recent Openings Update

The Company is pleased to provide an update on its recently opened locations in Victoria, BC and Ottawa, ON. Both locations have had above-average sales since opening with sales on track to hit approximately $1,000,000 in annualized revenue at both locations. “This is a significant milestone and demonstrates the success the Company is having at increasing its average unit volume,” says James McInnes, CEO and Co-Founder of Odd Burger. “We are excited to continue to build our brand and grow across Canada with our franchise model.”

Investing in organic farming research is essential for advancing sustainable practices, addressing the sector’s unique challenges, and supporting the continued growth and competitiveness of Canadian organic products.

Today, Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants, on behalf of the Honorable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced up to $6,828,349 over 5 years to the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC) through the AgriScience Program – Clusters Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

This funding will allow the OFC to partner on research into the environmental benefits of sustainable farming practices and address challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, soil health and water quality. The OFC will develop solutions to production challenges such as organic crop adaptability and pest management. These efforts will improve the performance of organic production systems, support economic growth and development, and improve sustainability in the sector.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting research and innovation in the organic sector to ensure that Canadian organic producers continue to lead in environmental stewardship, while securing a strong economic future.

Quotes
“This investment will help our organic farmers manage environmental challenges and fine-tune their practices so they can keep delivering top-quality food, sustainably. It’s support like this that allows our organic sector to lead the way and reach even more customers here in Canada and around the world.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“With the funding announced today, the Organic Federation of Canada will be able to help advance research and address key challenges in organic farming. Canadian organic farmers, including those here in Nova Scotia, will have the support they need to keep producing high-quality, sustainable food, strengthening our organic sector and benefiting all Canadians.”  
Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants, Nova Scotia

“The science that supports organic agriculture seeks innovative, ecologically sound solutions to production challenges that can serve all forms of agriculture. Maintaining biodiversity and soil health, reducing GHGs, using integrated approaches to pest management, and delivering economic benefits are all factors that guide the 14 research activities in field crops, horticulture and livestock production that will be carried out as part of the Organic Science Cluster 4. The Organic Federation of Canada, in collaboration with the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada, would like to thank AAFC, and the funding partners and organic farms for their generous contributions and direct participation in the research being carried out by nearly 50 researchers from 10 Canadian universities and 13 research centers. A national knowledge transfer campaign will inform the agricultural industry on the benefits of our national research project.”
Jim Robbins, President of the Organic Federation of Canada

LT Health Solutions, Inc. has introduced a breakthrough with its award-winning strength, endurance, and muscle growth ingredient, RipFACTOR® Muscle Accelerator. Now available in an advanced, water-dispersible format, RipFACTOR expands its applications to more product types such as ready-to-mix (RTM) powders, protein blends, stick packs, and even gummies. Enhanced sensory qualities and taste-masking features make it an ideal choice for products where flavor and texture play a critical role in consumer satisfaction.

This new formulation leverages cutting-edge particle engineering technology initially developed for pharmaceuticals, including specialized milling, encapsulation, taste-masking, and granulation techniques. The advancements offer an enhanced consumer experience, and PLT’s internal formulation team, in collaboration with Pharmachem Innovations, a leading name in global nutraceuticals, has created this water-dispersible RipFACTOR to simplify the product development process for food and beverage manufacturers.

RipFACTOR is clinically supported, with research demonstrating improvements in muscle mass, endurance, strength, and testosterone levels in men, making it a favorite among consumers looking for performance-enhancing solutions.

“Formulating with botanicals is often challenging,” explains Brett Bernier, PLT’s Director of Sports and Active Nutrition, who spearheaded the RipFACTOR dispersibility project. “We knew that with the flavor and texture demands in various product formats, like RTM and gummies, we needed a solution that was easy for manufacturers to work with.” Bernier noted that botanical ingredients often struggle with particle size, density, and flavor, which is why many products containing them are limited to tablets or capsules. “Our new RipFACTOR water-dispersible form solves these issues, allowing formulators to incorporate it across a wide array of products and systems,” he said.

A Showcase at SupplySide West 2024
At SupplySide West 2024, RipFACTOR will be featured in PLT Health Solutions’ “Experience Zone,” showcasing its versatility in beverage and RTM platforms. The Experience Zone will also highlight PLT’s growing portfolio of ingredients suitable for hydration and performance applications, including Zynamite® S for mental and physical energy, and cellflo6®, a new ingredient debuting at the event designed to support endurance and blood flow.

“Functional beverages are among the most popular categories in health and wellness,” said Steve Fink, PLT’s Vice President of Marketing. “Today’s consumers expect their beverages to deliver more functional benefits, backed by clinical evidence.” Fink emphasized PLT’s commitment to offering clinically supported, taste-neutral, water-dispersible ingredients tailored to evolving consumer expectations.

A Clinically Backed Portfolio to Meet Consumer Demand

In recent years, the functional beverage category has seen significant growth, with consumers demanding both enhanced functionality and a pleasant sensory experience. However, finding ingredients that are not only effective but also easy to incorporate into products has been a challenge for many in the industry. According to Fink, “PLT Health Solutions now provides a comprehensive, beverage-ready portfolio. These ingredients have demonstrated clinical efficacy in areas such as hydration, sports nutrition, weight management, and healthy aging, making them a versatile choice for diverse product needs.”

RipFACTOR’s new water-dispersible formula opens up avenues for innovation across formats, allowing more consumers access to the muscle-building and endurance-enhancing benefits in new and convenient ways. As PLT Health Solutions continues to pioneer nutraceutical formulations, they offer product developers a scientifically supported, user-friendly ingredient that can expand possibilities in the functional foods and beverages market. Ihr magazine health and wellness business magazine

The latest insights from the Retail Council of Canada and Leger 360 provide a fresh look at how small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Canada’s retail sector are embracing new sales strategies to adapt to changing market demands. Titled Navigating the Future: A Study of Sales Strategies and Challenges for Canada’s Retail SMBs, this survey, which included responses from over 750 SMBs, uncovers several key trends shaping the future of retail.

Embracing Multichannel Sales Models
Canadian SMBs have recognized that reaching customers on multiple platforms is essential in today’s diverse retail environment. The study reveals that 60% of SMBs are leveraging more than one sales channel to connect with their audience, with 34% actively using at least three. For most SMBs, the average is two sales channels, demonstrating a commitment to capturing a wider audience by meeting them where they prefer to shop. This approach shows that SMBs are prioritizing a multichannel strategy to adapt to consumer preferences and improve reach.

Top-Performing Sales Channels
Among the variety of sales channels available, traditional Brick & Mortar stores remain essential for 50% of Canadian SMBs, indicating that physical stores still hold significant value. However, digital platforms are gaining traction, with 41% of SMBs operating a web store and 33% selling through online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay. Social media, too, is playing a more critical role, as businesses look to engage customers directly on platforms where they spend much of their time. The data underscores that even as digital channels grow, traditional stores and physical spaces continue to anchor SMBs’ sales efforts.

Key Revenue Streams
The study highlights four main revenue-driving channels for Canadian SMBs: Brick & Mortar stores (31% of revenue), Web Stores (15%), Online Marketplaces (14%), and Click-to-Buy Social channels (11%). This balance of revenue sources reflects a strategic move toward diversified income streams, which helps SMBs remain resilient in times of economic fluctuation. By using a blend of online and offline channels, businesses can navigate seasonal and market changes more effectively.

The Power of Marketplace Diversification
When it comes to online marketplaces, many Canadian SMBs are spreading their presence across multiple platforms. Notably, 84% of SMBs that sell on Amazon also list products on other marketplaces like eBay (52%), Facebook Marketplace (33%), and Etsy (25%). This approach enhances visibility and taps into diverse customer bases, each with unique purchasing behaviors. As a result, these SMBs are positioning themselves to benefit from the broad reach of established marketplaces, attracting new customer demographics that may not have otherwise encountered their products.

Optimism for Future Sales
Despite ongoing challenges in the retail sector, nearly half of the SMBs surveyed anticipate an increase in sales in 2024. Optimism is notably higher among businesses utilizing a broader array of sales channels, illustrating how a diverse approach can help alleviate business uncertainties. This optimistic outlook aligns with industry trends indicating that companies willing to invest in multichannel strategies can capture additional market share and drive sustained growth.

The Digital Transformation of Retail
The study shows that Canadian SMBs are increasingly adopting digital tools to support and streamline their operations. With 88% of SMBs utilizing at least one digital tool, the top choices include payment processing systems (45%), social media management tools (33%), and mobile payment systems (32%). Digital transformation has become more accessible and necessary for smaller retailers who now leverage these tools to improve customer experience, manage inventory, and optimize their marketing efforts.

The Importance of Integration
For most Canadian SMBs, seamless integration of digital tools is crucial for business success. The study reveals that 94% of SMBs view the integration of payment processing, social media management, and other essential tools as vital to their operations. This integration allows for a more cohesive workflow, enabling retailers to streamline their operations, manage transactions efficiently, and foster meaningful engagement with their customer base.

Concluding Thoughts
The findings from the Retail Council of Canada and Leger 360’s study highlight the adaptability and resilience of Canadian SMBs in the retail sector. By embracing multichannel strategies, diversifying their marketplace presence, and integrating digital tools, these businesses are positioning themselves for growth and competitiveness in a challenging market environment. The optimism surrounding the upcoming year shows that SMBs are not only prepared to meet the demands of an evolving retail landscape but are also primed to capitalize on the opportunities it presents.

For SMBs in Canada and beyond, staying competitive in retail increasingly means adopting a holistic sales strategy that combines physical stores, online marketplaces, and digital tools into a unified, customer-centered approach. IHR Magazine your health and wellness business magazine

Clean Energy Brand Sees 69% Sales Surge Amid U.S. Expansion

GURU Organic Energy Corp. (TSX: GURU) is celebrating a remarkable achievement on Amazon Prime Day 2024, recording a 69% year-over-year sales increase in the U.S. This milestone cements the brand’s reputation as Canada’s leading organic energy drink provider and a growing player in the competitive U.S. market.

Since its GURU Zero product line launch on Amazon in September 2024, GURU has enjoyed strong sales, particularly in the zero-sugar segment. The company’s success during Prime Day underscores the increasing demand for healthier, sugar-free alternatives in the energy drink market, as more consumers prioritize clean, organic products over those containing artificial sweeteners.

Gaining Ground in the U.S.

GURU’s Prime Day results were record-breaking, thanks to prominent placements across key energy drink categories such as clean, natural, and zero-sugar drinks. The company’s innovative GURU Zero line, featuring flavors like Wild Berry and Wild Strawberry Watermelon, resonated with health-conscious American consumers seeking an organic, sugar-free energy boost.

Carl Goyette, President and CEO of GURU, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s rapid growth in the U.S., stating, “Our performance on Amazon Prime Day reflects the growing momentum of our GURU Zero lineup in the U.S. since its launch. Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier energy drink options, and our zero-sugar products resonate strongly with those looking for clean, organic alternatives without artificial sweeteners.”

Goyette’s confidence is echoed by GURU’s ability to capture significant visibility in a highly competitive marketplace. The brand is particularly focused on positioning itself as a leader in the U.S. zero-sugar energy drink segment, which is expected to expand rapidly in the coming years.

Strategic Learnings from a Successful Launch

A crucial factor in GURU’s Amazon success has been the launch of its GURU Zero Sugar product line. Free from sucralose and aspartame, GURU Zero has tapped into the growing demand for cleaner, sugar-free options, distinguishing itself in a crowded market. This success began with the Wild Berry flavour’s popularity in Canada, which paved the way for the U.S. release of additional flavours, including Wild Ruby Red.

The company’s early sales data demonstrates the appeal of its new Zero variety pack, which became GURU’s top-selling SKU within its first month on Amazon. Consumer reviews highlight the product’s great taste, lack of jitters, and no crash, all without added sugar—key benefits that align with the modern consumer’s preferences.

Looking Ahead

As GURU continues to make headway in the U.S. market, the company’s strategy is clear: leverage consumer trends favouring organic, sugar-free alternatives to secure a larger market share. With Amazon serving as a major growth platform, GURU is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities presented by the upcoming holiday season. The brand’s unique positioning, with its commitment to offering organic energy drinks without artificial sweeteners, sets it apart from competitors in an increasingly health-conscious marketplace.

Looking ahead, GURU’s trajectory suggests continued expansion as it seeks to dominate the zero-sugar segment and grow its U.S. presence. The company’s innovative product offerings and understanding of consumer health trends position it for success in 2024 and beyond. IHR Magazine, your health and wellness business magazine

Fullscript, a leading healthcare platform for whole person care, has announced its acquisition of Rupa Health, a company that simplifies lab test management for healthcare practitioners. Rupa Health’s platform allows practitioners to order, track, and manage over 3,000 laboratory tests through a single interface, making lab workflows easier and more efficient.

This merger aims to enhance Fullscript’s already comprehensive platform by integrating lab diagnostics with its existing tools for supplementation and wellness planning. “Together, we will offer the most comprehensive clinical platform, empowering all types of practitioners with the tools needed to practice whole person medicine,” said Kyle Braatz, co-founder and CEO of Fullscript.

Launched in 2020, Rupa Health has become a key player in modernizing lab management, serving thousands of clinics across the U.S. Its educational branch, Rupa University, has also trained numerous practitioners in personalized care.

With the merger, Fullscript now offers a more unified system where practitioners can access diagnostics, education, and treatment planning in one place. According to Fullscript’s chief medical officer, Dr. Jeff Gladd, this integration will “bridge the gap between diagnostics and supplementation, improving patient outcomes.”

This acquisition reflects a growing trend towards whole-person care, where treatment is personalized based on comprehensive health data, empowering both practitioners and patients with better tools for long-term wellness.

Reebok has teamed up with Generation Joy, a wellness company focused on cutting-edge nutrition, to launch a new line of performance and nutritional supplements. The partnership will bring Reebok-branded protein, collagen, vitamins, and hydration supplements to consumers in the U.S. and Canada. These products are designed to enhance performance and recovery for everyone, from dedicated athletes to casual fitness enthusiasts.

“A performance line of nutritional supplements is a natural extension for Reebok, reinforcing our commitment to sports and wellness,” said Steve Robaire, EVP of Reebok at Authentic.

Generation Joy, known for its research-driven approach, is thrilled to bring Reebok’s fitness legacy into the nutrition space. “We’ve formulated a disruptive performance system that fuels fitness from within,” said Laura Dweck, President of Generation Joy.

Simplifying Fitness Nutrition
The new line offers a range of supplements tailored to various needs, including:

Protein & Collagen: For muscle recovery and joint support

Pre/Post-Workout Supplements: Boost energy and speed up recovery

Vitamins & Hydration: Ensure overall wellness and electrolyte balance
Reebok’s expansion into supplements reflects the growing demand for health products that complement active lifestyles. This partnership combines Reebok’s fitness expertise with Generation Joy’s nutritional innovation, offering an easy-to-use system of products to meet diverse consumer needs.