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Element Nutritional Sciences Names CPG Executive Vito Sanzone CEO

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Element Nutritional Sciences Inc. has recently announced the appointment of Vito Sanzone as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This change is effective immediately, with Sanzone taking over from the company’s founder, Stuart Lowther, who has resigned from both his CEO and Chairman positions to attend to personal matters.

Element Welcomes Executive

Vito Sanzone is not new to the health and fitness industry. He has previously served Element as the Chief Marketing Officer, playing a pivotal role in developing Element’s innovative product portfolio. With a proven track record, Sanzone has been instrumental in executing over US$1 billion in mergers and acquisitions in the health and active nutrition sector since 2016.

Sanzone’s Previous Endeavours

Before joining Element, Sanzone held the CEO position at Complete Nutrition, Inc., a private equity-backed chain of franchised sports and nutrition stores headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. Under his leadership, the company transitioned significantly towards a robust digital presence. He also served as the President of Maximum Human Performance, a legacy sports nutrition brand based in New York, where he successfully repositioned the brand for sale in 2017. Furthermore, Sanzone was a key executive at Iovate Health Sciences in Oakville, Ontario from 2007 to 2016.

Commitment to Element’s Growth

“I am fully committed to propelling Element’s muscle health brands into prominence,” stated Mr. Sanzone. “Our team has recently engaged with over 30 major North American retailers to showcase our new Rejuvenate™ products. We are focussed on getting our products into the hands of more consumers than ever before. I would like to extend my gratitude to Stuart for his visionary leadership and wish him all the best for his future endeavours.”

New Addition to the Board

In addition to the CEO change, Dean Mosca will be joining the Board of Directors at Element. Mosca, the founder and President of Proprietary Nutritionals Inc., brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the table. He has been a lifelong entrepreneur in the nutritional category and offers strategic support to companies with disruptive products and technologies.

Nature’s Emporium Oakville

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Nature’s Emporium opened its second store in Ontario’s Halton Region, located in Oakville, on September 28, 2023. This marks a significant milestone in our multi-year growth and rejuvenation strategy across Southern Ontario.

A Trusted Name in Organic and Natural Products

For over three decades, Nature’s Emporium has been a community staple, offering a wide range of premium organic and natural health foods and products. “We are more than a store; we are a destination for holistic wellness,” says CEO Joe D’Addario. “We’re excited to extend the Nature’s shopping experience to more residents in the Halton Region through our new Oakville store.”

Celebrate with Us at Dorval Crossing

Join us at Dorval Crossing shopping centre for the grand opening celebration! Participate in the ribbon-cutting and bread-breaking ceremony, enjoy exclusive promotions, giveaways, product demos, and sample premium products from our trusted suppliers.

Oakville’s Premier Destination for Wellness

Our Oakville store offers a meticulously curated selection of natural supplements, with on-site nutrition experts providing tailored guidance for optimal health. Indulge healthily at the Nature’s Emporium Wellness Bar, and savor meals crafted with the finest organic ingredients by our expert chefs.

Healthy Choices for Busy Lives

For on-the-go individuals, our grab-and-go section offers a variety of options catering to different dietary preferences, ensuring convenience without compromising on health.

Spreading Wellness in Oakville

Aligned with our mission, the Oakville store expansion allows us to promote well-being more extensively in Southern Ontario, making organic shopping accessible and enjoyable for all.

Eat Well, Live Better with Nature’s Emporium

At Nature’s Emporium, we believe that eating well leads to living better. Through our expansion, we aim to be your one-stop destination for high-quality organic produce, healthy meals, natural health products, eco-friendly essentials, and more.

Canadian Health Food Trends for 2024

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The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) unveiled its eagerly awaited trend report at the CHFA NOW Toronto event last weekend. This pivotal gathering attracted over 8,000 leaders in natural health and wellness, all eager to explore the newest innovations in natural health, organic food, wholesome snacks, clean beauty, healthy home, and lifestyle.

Unveiling Consumer Insights & Trends for Fall and Winter

The annual conference and trade show were brimming with insights into Canadian consumer behavior and the go-to trends that will influence the products appearing on shelves this fall and winter.

Aaron Skelton, CHFA President and CEO, expressed his pride in bringing more than 1,000 better-for-you brands to Toronto. “The Canadian market’s momentum for these brands is escalating, with many emerging brands receiving their big break at our event,” shared Skelton.

Spotlight on Four Emerging Trends

After extensively exploring Canada’s largest trade show for all things natural, organic, and wellness, four trends stood out, poised to make a significant impact at retailers across Canada in 2024.

  1. Cafe Culture Comes Home: With a global daily consumption of approximately two billion cups of coffee, Canadians are increasingly enjoying their coffee at home. This post-pandemic trend sees a rise in home-based latte-making and specialty café drink enjoyment. Brands now offer Canadians a variety of plant-based and one-step options for a personalized barista experience, including frothed oat lattes and gourmet matcha lattes, ready in seconds.Products Spotted: Sproos Super Matcha Latte, Two Bears’ Frothed Oat Latte, Say When Beverages’ Chai Concentrate, Freezeochino, and Minor Figures Oat Chai Latte.
  2. Rooted in Nature – The Arrival of Clean Hair Care: Say goodbye to fillers and harsh ingredients. The enduring trend is natural hair care that extends beyond shampoos and conditioners. With a significant focus on overall hair health this year, Canadians are opting for gentler formulations, herbal growth supplements, and environmentally friendly functional products.Products Spotted: Pacifica Beauty’s Collagen Mask, Routine’s Dirty Hipster Shampoo, Jusu’s Natural Hair Putty, Herbaland’s Biotin Beauty Gummies, and Hello Joyous’ Dry Shampoo.
  3. The Mighty Oat Expands Beyond Milk: Oats have evolved over the past decade from being a simple dairy-free milk substitute to a culinary trend and key ingredient in various food products, ushering in a new wave of plant-based dairy options ranging from oat butter to oat ice cream.Products Spotted: Mylko’s Maple Oat Butt’r, Miyoko’s Oat Milk Butter, Beyond Moo’s Oatgurt, and Oat & Mill Ice Cream.
  4. Ocean Ingredients Making Waves: Ocean-derived ingredients are making a splash as Canadians explore new flavors. From supplements to hair care to snacks, brands are leveraging nutrient-dense ingredients like seaweed and sea moss. With a reported 65% increase in products featuring seaweed as a key ingredient over the last five years, consumers are becoming more aware of their health benefits and lower environmental impact.Products Spotted: Seed to Surf Plant-based Canned Fish, Ocean’s Halo Seaweed Products, and Sea Tales’ Tinned Sardines.

Strategies to Expand Your Snack Business: Email Marketing and Video Insights

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Email marketing, complemented by video content, offers businesses a dynamic approach to engage customers and drive sales. For health food stores.  This combination provides a compelling way to showcase products and connect with a dedicated consumer base. Here’s how to harness its potential:

Relationship Building: Use email as a platform to foster trust and establish a rapport with your customers. It’s more than just promotions; it’s about creating a bond.

Develop a Solid Email List: The foundation of any successful email marketing campaign is a robust list. Promote newsletter sign-ups both in-store and online via opt-in forms.

Prioritize Quality Content: Deliver value to your subscribers by sharing recipes featuring well-known brands that are obviously available in your store.  Include health-focused snacking tips, exclusive store promotions, and engaging video content.

The Power of Video: Incorporate video content to showcase product features, demonstrate snack recipes, or share customer testimonials. Videos are more engaging than text alone, can increase click-through rates, and offer a richer experience for the viewer.

Encourage Referrals: Amplify your reach by incentivizing loyal customers to refer friends and family. Offer discounts or other benefits for successful referrals.
Segmentation is Key: Categorize your email list based on shopping habits or preferences, such as frequent buyers or health enthusiasts. Customize your messages to cater to each segment’s interests.
Focus on Engagement: Craft content that not only informs but also engages. Ensure each email, whether text or video, encourages further interaction, such as visiting your website or making a purchase.

IHR Magazine & Viva Magazine Stand with CHFA

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To our readers and the entire natural health community,

We, at IHR Magazine and Viva Magazine, wholeheartedly extend our support to the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) and its unwavering initiative to safeguard our industry. In these challenging times, it is not just an option but a duty for every participant in the natural health sector to rally behind our beacon, Aaron Skelton, and the entire CHFA team.

Our esteemed president and CEO, Aaron Skelton, has been granted the honour of attending a GTA Town Hall with the Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Mr. Pierre Poilievre. This pivotal discussion, set for Tuesday, August 29, will revolve around the pressing issue of over-regulation that Natural Health Products (NHPs) are currently grappling with.

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, August 29, 2023
  • Time: Doors open at 9 a.m.
  • Venue: Don Beer Arena – Don Beer Banquet Hall, 940 Dillingham Rd, Pickering, ON L1W 1Z6
  • Registration: Click here to register

If you’re in the vicinity, we urge you to join us. This event is open to all, so please spread the word within your networks.

Additionally, please note that due to this significant meeting, the next SOS webinar, originally scheduled for the same day, will now be postponed to Thursday, August 31 at 3PM (10 AM for those registered for the French webinar). Rest assured, the webinar details have been updated, and your calendars should reflect this change automatically. We genuinely hope you can still grace us with your presence. However, if circumstances prevent you from doing so, CHFA will ensure the recording is shared post-event.

Let’s come together, united in our mission, to champion the cause of natural health in Canada. Your support and participation are invaluable.

Warm regards,

IHR Magazine & Viva Magazine Team

MadeGood Launches “Share Some Good Fund” to Support U.S. Teachers

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MadeGood, the renowned organic and allergy-friendly snack brand, has unveiled its “Share Some Good Fund.” This initiative will distribute $200,000 among 1,000 U.S. teachers, aiding them in purchasing essential school supplies for the upcoming academic year.

In collaboration with Emmy® Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, MadeGood’s mission this back-to-school season is to spotlight the dedication and hard work of teachers.

Recent data from The Department of Education reveals that over 90% of U.S. teachers dig into their own pockets to provide students with necessary school supplies. With the current economic challenges and inflation, the financial strain on educators and parents has intensified.

The “Share Some Good Fund” will grant each selected teacher $200, assisting them in acquiring everything from books to cleaning supplies, ensuring their students have the tools to excel. Sheryl Lee Ralph, partnering with MadeGood for this initiative, expressed her enthusiasm, “Having personally been influenced by remarkable educators and witnessing their impact on my children, I’m elated to support MadeGood in this endeavor. The ‘Share Some Good Fund’ is a significant gesture to assist teachers as they gear up for the school year.”

Until September 24, 2023, individuals across the U.S. can nominate teachers who’ve made a profound impact on them or their children. Additionally, MadeGood will be extending this gesture to 1,000 Canadian teachers, allocating $200,000 USD and $200,000 CAD respectively.

Nicole Bleiwas, VP of Marketing at Riverside Natural Foods, MadeGood’s parent company, remarked, “Understanding the pivotal role of education and the immense effort teachers invest, MadeGood is honored to back them with the ‘Share Some Good Fund’. Our aim is to ensure a smooth start to their academic year.”

MadeGood is celebrated for its diverse range of organic, allergy-friendly snacks, ideal for school lunches or as a treat post-school. Adhering to stringent quality standards, MadeGood’s offerings are organic, non-GMO certified, and devoid of the top-eight food allergens, ensuring a safe and delightful snacking experience throughout the school year.

Mary’s Gone Crackers Welcomes Nate Lindsay as New VP of Operations

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Mary’s Gone Crackers, a frontrunner in organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO cracker brands, is excited to announce the appointment of Nate Lindsay as their Vice President of Operations. With a rich background in operations management and logistics, especially within the food and beverage sector, Nate is poised to bring significant value to the brand.

Taki Fujii, Chairman of Mary’s Gone Crackers, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Nate’s dedication to delivering top-tier products and his extensive experience in production and manufacturing make him an ideal fit for our team. We’re eager to witness the innovative directions he’ll steer the brand towards.”

In his new role, Nate will spearhead warehouse management, inventory oversight, shipping, receiving, and quality assurance. His impressive 25-year track record includes pivotal roles at Ready Roast Company, Keurig Green Mountain Coffee, and Land O’Lakes. His insights will be instrumental in devising cost-efficient strategies, aligning with Mary’s Gone Crackers’ ambitious growth trajectory. The brand has recently launched two fresh product lines, Kookies and Cheezee, and Nate’s expertise will be crucial in managing the operations for these expanding gluten-free assortments.

A proud alumnus of Purdue University, Nate holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Management, and Operations. Reflecting on his new journey, he remarked, “Mary’s Gone Crackers resonates with my passion for bridging people with nutritious, innovative snacks. I’m committed to broadening our reach, ensuring more consumers across the U.S. and Canada relish our premium offerings.”

Nature’s Emporium marks its 30th anniversary this year

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Nature’s Emporium, a leading family-owned and operated health food retailer in Ontario, is set to make its debut in downtown Toronto this month. Following this exciting opening, another location will open its doors in Oakville later this September, with ambitious plans for further expansion in 2024. The highly anticipated grand opening of the Toronto flagship store, spanning approximately 25,000 square feet, is scheduled for September 7 at the Shops at One York location.

As Nature’s Emporium marks its 30th anniversary this year, its Toronto debut is a milestone for this trusted brand. The health food industry in Canada is facing challenges and changes like never before, with health-conscious consumers increasingly seeking healthier and sustainable options from brands and businesses they can trust. Nature’s Emporium has been at the forefront of this movement. With the spacious layout of its new Toronto store and carefully curated selection, the company aims to create an immersive shopping experience that educates and empowers customers to make conscious choices about their health and well-being.

Nature’s Emporium, a fast-growing and leading family-run health food market with locations in Newmarket, Maple, Burlington, and Woodbridge, today announced that it will be opening its first location in downtown Toronto with further expansions in Halton Region coming soon. (CNW Group/Nature”s Emporium)

Would you be available for a tour of the new store on September 6, prior to the grand opening? We would also like to offer the opportunity to interview Joe D’Addario, Founder and CEO of Nature’s Emporium, discussing:

  • Nature’s Emporium’s journey, their strategies for staying relevant in a rapidly evolving market, and their vision for the future of health food retail in Canada.

  • Insights into how the company has navigated the challenges of the health food industry and their approach to sustainability and sourcing.

  • Building a loyal customer base over the past three decades and maintaining customer trust.

  • The unique features and offerings of the new flagship store and its role in serving the needs of health-conscious consumers in downtown Toronto, including an on-site naturopath and holistic nutritionist

  • Ways in which Nature’s Emporium aims to make a positive impact on the community and promote sustainable living.

In a grocery landscape marred by negativity, Nature’s Emporium shines as a family-owned retailer genuinely dedicated to its customers and community. Nature’s Emporium takes pride in being a family-owned and operated health food retailer with a genuine commitment to its customers and the well-being of the community. 

Nature’s Emporium’s customer-centric philosophy extends beyond the products on their shelves, they provide an immersive shopping experience that empowers customers to make informed and conscious choices about their health. This approach stands in stark contrast to the impersonal and often overwhelming environments of some major grocery chains.

IHR Magazine Exclusive: The WHO’s Surprising Endorsement of Traditional Medicine**

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In a recent and unexpected move, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has publicly endorsed traditional medicine, a practice deeply rooted in many cultures for centuries. This endorsement has ignited a flurry of reactions within the medical community. While some laud the WHO for embracing cultural diversity and inclusivity in healthcare, others express concerns about the potential risks of unverified remedies.

Traditional medicine has been in the spotlight, thanks to the WHO – an institution we’ve always looked up to for evidence-based guidance. Through a series of posts on social media platforms, the WHO has been championing the merits of traditional medicine. They’ve even highlighted that many modern medical practices owe their origins to traditional methods. Furthermore, the WHO has stated that nearly 40% of today’s pharmaceuticals are derived from natural sources.

The WHO’s exploration into traditional remedies spans a wide range, from herbal treatments and acupuncture to Ayurveda. For instance, they shared a story of an Olympic long-jumper who found solace in yoga and nature walks, emphasizing well-being over medical intervention.

However, it’s crucial to differentiate between scientifically validated methods and age-old practices. While the WHO categorizes newer concepts like homeopathy and naturopathy as traditional, it’s essential to note that modern medicine seeks to pinpoint active ingredients, comprehend their workings, and reproduce them for consistent use. This approach contrasts with relying on generational remedies. Interestingly, some traditional treatments seem to work despite not having identifiable active components, possibly attributed to the well-documented placebo effect.

The WHO’s recent actions have not gone without scrutiny, especially given their management of the COVID-19 crisis. Accusations of a lack of transparency and potential hidden agendas have been levied against the organization. However, the WHO continues to assert that their primary goal remains the safeguarding of global health. The public’s trust, however, seems shaken, with many calling for increased transparency and accountability.

The WHO’s sudden pivot towards endorsing treatments that lack comprehensive scientific backing is puzzling. Some speculate that this shift aligns with the current movement to ‘decolonize’ medicine, challenging the dominance of western scientific methods. A recent WHO podcast delved into this topic, where a Canadian medical historian criticized the notion of ‘tropical’ medicine as a colonial construct. Such views can be contentious, especially when considering diseases endemic to tropical regions that pose genuine threats to travelers.

The WHO’s recent departure from its traditional stance to support unverified treatments is potentially concerning. Historically, the organization’s significant triumphs, such as the eradication of smallpox, were achieved by introducing scientific methodologies to areas unfamiliar with them. In these instances, traditional remedies paled in comparison to the efficacy of modern Western medicine.

T&T Supermarkets to Open Second Quebec Store in Brossard’s Quartier Dix30

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T&T Supermarkets, Canada’s leading Asian supermarket chain, has announced the opening of its second store in Quebec, located in the bustling Quartier Dix30 in Brossard. This expansion comes on the heels of the successful launch of its Montreal store and is a testament to the brand’s commitment to meeting the growing demand of its Quebec clientele.

The new T&T Supermarket, spanning a generous 5,000 square metres, is strategically situated in Quartier Dix30. Recognized as the second-largest retail centre in Canada, Quartier Dix30 boasts 3,200,000 square feet of retail and office space. The location is further enhanced by its direct connection to the REM and the anticipation of thousands of residential units in the vicinity in the upcoming years.

Tina Lee, Chief Executive Officer of T&T, expressed her enthusiasm about the new store, stating, “South Shore has been on our radar ever since we made our debut in Quebec. The overwhelming reception we received in Montreal last year solidified our decision to establish another store in the province. Brossard’s Quartier Dix30, with its reputation as a rapidly expanding mall, emerged as the clear choice. As the area around us thrives, we are eager to integrate ourselves into the heart of this vibrant community. With the influx of residential projects in the pipeline, we are poised to cater to the evolving preferences of our customers, ensuring both convenience and an exceptional shopping experience.”

Nicolas Désourdy, President and Partner of Carbonleo, the real estate company behind Quartier Dix30, also shared his thoughts on the collaboration. “We are proud to partner with T&T and contribute to the growth trajectory of this iconic Canadian brand. The introduction of such a significant player in the food sector is a boon for the dynamic community of Brossard and its neighbouring regions. This partnership reaffirms Quartier Dix30’s position as the go-to destination for the South Shore.”

For those unfamiliar with T&T Supermarkets, it stands as Canada’s largest Asian supermarket chain. Currently, it operates 33 stores across British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Québec. Shoppers at T&T are treated to a vast array of Asian products, ranging from fresh produce, meats, and seafood to daily baked bread, ready-to-eat meals, and sought-after T&T private label products.

The Brossard store is slated to open its doors in the fall of 2024. Residents and visitors alike can look forward to a unique shopping experience that combines the best of Asian culinary delights with the convenience of modern retail.