Mint Pharmaceuticals, a Canadian owned and operated pharmaceutical supplier, has been awarded the Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP) Trademark of Assurance in partnership with the Canadian Celiac Association and is the first pharmaceutical supplier in Canada to receive this certification.

The Trademark of Assurance helps protect patients with gluten intolerance or sensitivities from accidentally consuming gluten in medications. Pharmacists can help the process along by prescribing medications that have been certified as gluten-free. According to research, contamination and unintentional gluten ingestion can impact up to 43 per cent of adults who suffer from gluten sensitivities.

The Gluten-Free Certification Program was developed so consumers would be able to choose safe and reliable gluten-free products that display the GFCP trademark. The program is endorsed by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness in the United States, and the Canadian Celiac Association in Canada.

The Canadian Celiac Association is a Mississauga-based national organization for people with gluten intolerance or sensitivities. The association works to improve the diagnosis and quality of life for gluten sensitive people.

The National Retail Federation has announced that it has formed a Small Business Retail Council, designed to organize, recruit and engage small retailers and owners or independent stores to participate in grassroots advocacy activities while representing the needs, concerns and interests of small stores.

“We are bringing together some of the retail sector’s best small business leaders to build upon their integral role in drafting and shaping public policy,” says Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the NRF. “Working with our state retail association partners, we hope to amplify the voice of small retailers in advancing the retail community’s agenda. The Small Business Retail Council will enhance and strengthen the partnership between small business owners and NRF, and optimize industry engagement on our common goals.”

The Council will be comprised of two co-chairs leading a committee of up to seven members, who will identify priorities, propose strategies and help coordinate grassroots advocacy. Members will be independent retailers from around the U.S. and small retailers that currently serve on the NRF Board of Directors.

Despite all the issues it has faced in recent months, Target Canada will open three new stores this fall, bringing Target’s total stores in Canada to 130. The new stores will be located in Mississauga, Ont., Barrie, Ont., and Candiac, Que. Target also plans to open three additional Canadian stores later on this fall.

Michael G. Archbold, the former president and COO of Vitamin Shoppe, has been named the CEO of GNC effective immediately. He replaces Joseph Fortunato, former president and CEO, in the role. Fortunato has stepped down from his role as chairman at the company as well. Lead Independent Director Michael Hines was elected the non-executive chairman of the board.

“Joe Fortunato led GNC through a period of considerable growth, innovation and transformation,” says Hines. “We thank him for his significant contributions to the company and we wish him well in the future.”

GNC recently reported its second quarter results. Same store sales decreased by four per cent on a product-only basis in domestic company-owned stores, including GNC.com. It reported its net income to be US$69.9 million, compared to US$71.7 million in the second quarter of 2013.

Archbold has decades of experience in the retail industry, most recently as CEO and CFO of Talbots Inc. Prior to that, Archbold held CFO positions at Saks Fifth Avenue and AutoZone Inc.

“GNC is an admired industry leader with an iconic brand, strong positions in its core markets, differentiated products, a history of innovation and a loyal customer base,” says Archbold. “I am honoured to lead this organization, and I look forward to working closely with the team across GNC and the Board to further strengthen the company’s market position and deliver improved financial performance.”

Procter & Gamble plans to rid itself of over half of its global brands in an effort to focus on its bestselling products and labels. The world’s largest consumer goods company will have approximately 70 to 80 labels when the cuts are over. There is no word on whether the company will keep its natural supplements brand, New Chapter.

The company did not specify which brands it will keep, but mentioned that these products comprise 90 per cent of its sales. The companies that will be removed from P & G’s roster may be sold to other companies.

“In an ideal world, we would’ve done this at the depth of the financial crisis, in the recession,” says A.G. Lafley, Proctor & Gamble CEO. “Having said that, I don’t see any reason to wait. I don’t see any virtue in waiting another minute.”

The company has already started selling its lower-earning brands such as the sale of Iams pet food and pet products to Mars Inc. By cutting down on its brands, the company hopes to spend more time and money on its higher-earning brands.

In its fourth quarter, the company notes its profits grew by 38 per cent due to cost-cutting measures. In its second quarter, the company reports a net income of US$2.58 billion, while revenue fell to $20.16 billion.

Happy Planet, the British Columbia-based producer of organic foods and juices, welcomes Danielle Pearson, Cristina Wu and Lauren Rebar to their new positions on its team.

Danielle Pearson is the company’s new VP of sales. Danielle has years of experience with companies such as Nature’s Path, Unilever, Nestle and Diageo in the fields of sales, trade marketing, category management and business and customer development.

Cristina Wu is Happy Planet’s new Canadian Sales Coordinator. She has six years of experience in sales and marketing, including a role with Sunrise Soya Foods. Cristina’s role will include debit note management and providing key analysis and support to the sales team.

Lauren Rebar has taken on the role of business development manager after over five years at Happy Planet. She brings a passion for the brand and extensive product knowledge to her role, which will include supporting the company’s Natural Trade retail partners and its broker teams, and will focus on expanding Happy Planet’s export business.

“We’re excited about moving forward and growing our partnerships with you as we continue to offer exceptional feel good food and juice which put smiles on everyone’s faces!” says Rex Sheehy, CEO of the company.