Apotex Inc., one of Canada’s largest pharmaceutical companies, has just made a bold move to be at the forefront of this transformation. The company announced the acquisition of CanPrev marking the company’s official entry into the booming health and wellness industry.

This strategic acquisition signals a major step forward for Apotex as it expands beyond traditional pharmaceuticals and into the world of vitamins, supplements, and natural health products—a sector experiencing growing consumer demand. CanPrev, known for its CanPrev, Cyto-Matrix, and Orange Naturals brands, brings a diverse portfolio of over 445 products, available in more than 3,400 retail locations across Canada, from pharmacies and health food stores to grocery chains and online platforms.

A Natural Fit for Apotex’s Growth Strategy

For Apotex, this acquisition isn’t just about expansion—it’s about meeting the changing needs of consumers. Canadians are increasingly looking for natural, preventative health solutions, and with CanPrev’s strong reputation among both consumers and health professionals, Apotex is well-positioned to deliver.

“The acquisition of CanPrev advances Apotex further along on our Journey of Health growth strategy,” said Allan Oberman, President & CEO of Apotex. “It strategically complements our ongoing focus to expand high-value products to consumers and provides us with the opportunity for expansion into select international markets.”

With its established pharmacy presence, Apotex will now be able to broaden its reach into health food stores, naturopathic clinics, and new retail channels, opening doors for even greater accessibility to CanPrev’s trusted products.

A Shared Commitment to Quality & Innovation

For Franco and Tanya Salituro, founders of CanPrev, this acquisition represents an exciting new chapter in their company’s journey.

“We are excited for CanPrev to embark on this new chapter with Apotex, a Canadian-based global health leader,” they shared. “Under Apotex’s ownership, we have an ally and a champion for the natural health industry, opening incredible opportunities for CanPrev to expand its reach and deliver high-quality products to broader audiences.”

Apotex’s established legacy in research, innovation, and pharmaceutical excellence aligns seamlessly with CanPrev’s commitment to science-backed natural health solutions. This union promises exciting developments in product innovation, as well as greater availability of trusted, high-quality supplements for Canadians.

What’s Next?

While CanPrev will continue to operate under its existing brand and distribution channels, consumers can expect increased accessibility to its products across Canada. Additionally, the acquisition sets the stage for future global expansion, bringing CanPrev’s renowned products to new markets through Apotex’s international network.

With the Canadian health and wellness sector on a steady upward trajectory, this acquisition is not just a business move—it’s a reflection of the changing healthcare landscape. As more Canadians prioritize preventative health and natural solutions, Apotex’s entry into this space ensures that trusted, high-quality supplements are more accessible than ever.

The Canadian dollar has recently experienced its longest monthly decline since 2016, posing challenges for Canadian nutraceutical companies and health retailers engaged in international trade, particularly with European and Asian markets. A weaker Canadian dollar increases the cost of importing raw materials and products, potentially impacting profitability. Beyond sourcing locally, businesses can implement several strategies to mitigate the effects of currency depreciation.

1. Utilize Financial Hedging Instruments

Employing financial instruments such as forward contracts and currency options can help manage foreign exchange risk. Forward contracts allow businesses to lock in exchange rates for future transactions, providing cost certainty. Currency options offer the flexibility to exchange currency at a predetermined rate before a specified date, which can be advantageous in volatile markets.

2. Diversify Supplier and Market Base

Expanding your network of suppliers to include those in countries with more stable or favourable exchange rates can reduce reliance on any single currency, helping to manage costs and minimize the impact of currency volatility. Similarly, diversifying your export markets can reduce dependence on a single economy, mitigating risks associated with currency fluctuations.

3. Implement Natural Hedging Strategies

Natural hedging involves matching revenue and expenses in the same foreign currency. For instance, if you have expenses in euros, generating revenue in euros can offset potential losses due to currency fluctuations. This approach reduces the need for currency conversion and minimizes exposure to exchange rate volatility.

4. Adjust Pricing Strategies

Consider adjusting your pricing to reflect increased costs due to currency depreciation. Transparent communication with customers about the reasons for price changes can help maintain trust and loyalty.

5. Enhance Operational Efficiency

Improving operational processes can help offset increased costs. Investing in technology and streamlining operations can lead to cost savings, helping to counterbalance the effects of a weaker currency.

By implementing these strategies, Canadian nutraceutical companies and health retailers can better navigate the challenges posed by a declining Canadian dollar and maintain their competitive edge in the global market.

New Distribution Agreement with Grupo Columbia Strengthens International Presence

Resbiotic Nutrition Inc has entered into a strategic distribution agreement with Grupo Columbia S.A. de C.V., a key player in Mexico’s probiotic and pharmaceutical sectors. Under this collaboration, resB® Lung Support Probiotic will be the first product commercialised across Mexico through Laboratorios Columbia, expanding resbiotic’s footprint in Latin America.

resB®, developed by Dr. C. Vivek Lal, was designed to enhance respiratory function, support gut health, and promote better sleep. Dr. Lal, an expert in pulmonary microbiome research, serves as Director of Clinical Innovation and Director of Pulmonary Microbiome & Innovation Labs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is also the founder of Resbiotic Nutrition, Alveolus Bio Inc., and Able Biolabs, with operations in Birmingham, AL, and Boston, MA.

A Milestone in Resbiotic’s Global Expansion

This agreement marks a major step in resbiotic’s global growth strategy, reinforcing its commitment to delivering science-backed, targeted probiotic solutions to consumers worldwide. By leveraging Laboratorios Columbia’s established salesforce and medical marketing capabilities, resbiotic aims to introduce its formulations to a wider healthcare and consumer audience in Mexico.

“Following our strong brand growth in North America, expanding into Mexico through strategic partnerships is a key milestone in our global distribution strategy,” said Dr. C. Vivek Lal, Founder of resbiotic. “Laboratorios Columbia’s leadership in probiotic-based health solutions makes them an ideal partner to bring our clinically researched formulations to consumers seeking effective microbiome support for chronic conditions.”

Addressing Global Health Challenges with Targeted Microbiome Solutions

Resbiotic’s product line is built around the Gut-X Axis, a concept that highlights the interconnected relationship between the gut and other physiological systems. By modulating targeted biological pathways, resbiotic’s formulations are designed to support overall health and address specific chronic conditions.

Key Products in the Resbiotic Portfolio

• resB® Lung Support Probiotic – The world’s first respiratory probiotic, designed to support lung health in response to pollution, smoking, allergies, and chronic lung conditions.
• resG® Prebeet Prebiotic – A prebiotic blend formulated to promote gut health and metabolic balance.
• resM® GLP-1 Postbiotic – A postbiotic formulation supporting metabolic and gut health through innovative GLP-1 modulation.

A Strong Partnership for the Future

The partnership with Laboratorios Columbia ensures that resbiotic’s formulations will reach health-conscious consumers, healthcare practitioners, and retailers across Mexico. With a growing demand for clinically validated probiotic and biotic-based solutions, this collaboration positions both companies for long-term success in the region.

“We are excited to work with Dr. Lal and resbiotic to bring resB® Lung Support and future innovations to the Mexican market,” said Carlos Quintanilla, Vice President of New Business Development at Laboratorios Columbia. “Consumers are increasingly seeking high-quality, science-backed supplements, and resbiotic’s formulations align perfectly with our mission to offer innovative, evidence-based health solutions.”

By combining scientific expertise with strategic global expansion, resbiotic continues to push the boundaries of microbiome science, ensuring that physician-formulated, research-driven supplements are accessible to a broader international audience.

About Resbiotic Nutrition

Resbiotic Nutrition is a science-driven health and wellness company focused on probiotic, prebiotic, and postbiotic formulations designed to enhance gut, lung, and overall microbiome health. Its physician-formulated products are developed based on rigorous clinical research to address specific health needs through microbiome modulation.

About Laboratorios Columbia

Laboratorios Columbia is a leading pharmaceutical and probiotic manufacturer in Mexico, known for its innovative health solutions and strong presence in the medical and consumer health sectors. With a robust salesforce and medical marketing infrastructure, the company is dedicated to expanding access to clinically validated supplements across the region.

In the saturated world of digital content, health food stores can stand out by offering a unique, personal, and tangible experience: a custom consumer magazine. Here’s why this approach is a game-changer for your brand and your customers.

1. Share Your Store’s Story

A customized magazine elevates your brand by showcasing your unique mission, products, and expertise in wellness. From behind-the-scenes stories to customer testimonials, your magazine becomes a tangible representation of your commitment to health and sustainability. It’s an experience that customers will value and revisit.

2. Build Stronger Customer Loyalty

Custom publications have proven results. Studies show that 77% of recipients read at least a quarter of a custom publication, and 74% take action, such as making a purchase. By offering valuable content like health tips, recipes, and sustainable living advice, your magazine keeps your store top-of-mind and fosters deeper customer relationships.

3. Personalization Made Simple

With Canadian Jeweller Magazine’s tailored services, creating a magazine that reflects your brand is effortless. Choose sections that align with your values, such as seasonal eating guides, product spotlights, or sustainability features. Collaborate with vendors to include exclusive content and add QR codes for interactive experiences like video recipes or live demos.

4. Print and Digital Impact

Your custom magazine bridges the gap between physical and digital marketing. While the print edition offers a luxurious, tactile experience, the digital version extends your reach via email, social media, and your website, ensuring maximum engagement.

5. Proven ROI for Health-Focused Brands

Starting at just 50 copies, your magazine becomes a lasting keepsake for customers and a powerful marketing tool for your store. Personalized publications can increase customer satisfaction by 20% and boost sales conversions by 10-15%, making them a worthwhile investment.

Enhance your customer experience with a custom magazine tailored to your health food store. Healthy living. Memorable stories. Your brand.

Custom Health Food Magazines: A Tangible Tool to Build Customer Loyalty

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a significant decision to revoke the authorization of FD&C Red No. 3 (commonly known as Red 3) as a colour additive in foods, dietary supplements, and ingested drugs. This long-awaited move stems from mounting evidence that high levels of the synthetic dye caused cancer in male laboratory rats. The decision has prompted a closer look at how food additive regulations compare between the U.S. and Canada, with noticeable differences in their approaches.

In January 2025, the FDA declared its intention to prohibit the use of Red 3 in consumable products, citing carcinogenic risks associated with the dye. Manufacturers have until January 15, 2027, to remove the dye from foods and dietary supplements, and until January 18, 2028, for ingested drugs. The FDA’s action aligns with the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which prohibits the approval of additives found to cause cancer in humans or animals.

Red 3 has been widely used in products like candies, baked goods, and medications due to its bright cherry-red hue. Although the FDA initially banned its use in cosmetics and topical drugs back in 1990, this latest action extends the prohibition to ingestible items. Advocacy groups like the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), which spearheaded the petition for this ban, have lauded the decision as a step toward stronger consumer protection.

However, the FDA acknowledges that the risk to humans is minimal, asserting that typical exposure levels are much lower than those causing cancer in lab animals. Despite this, the precautionary measure underscores a commitment to adhering to regulatory principles and mitigating potential risks.

Canada’s Stance on Erythrosine: A Regulated Yet Permitted Additive

While the U.S. is phasing out Red 3 in foods and drugs, Canada takes a different stance. Health Canada allows the use of erythrosine, the technical name for Red 3, as a food colourant under strict regulations. Listed as E127 in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) database, the dye is permitted at specified levels, with a maximum combined concentration of 300 parts per million (ppm) when used with certain other dyes.

Health Canada has determined that erythrosine poses no significant health risk to Canadians when consumed within the established limits. This position is based on comprehensive assessments that evaluate both exposure levels and scientific data. Consequently, Red 3 continues to be approved for use in various food products in Canada, provided manufacturers adhere to the prescribed guidelines.

The FDA’s decision to ban Red 3 highlights a more precautionary approach, prioritizing even minimal potential risks linked to food additives. In contrast, Canada’s stance reflects confidence in scientific assessments and controlled usage to ensure consumer safety.

Consumer advocacy groups have praised the FDA’s move as a corrective step, emphasizing that additives primarily used for aesthetic purposes should not carry cancer risks, no matter how small. “At long last, the FDA is ending the regulatory paradox of Red 3 being illegal for use in lipstick but perfectly legal to feed to children in candy,” said CSPI president Peter Lurie, M.D.

Meanwhile, industry representatives in both countries are working to adapt. The National Confectioners Association in the U.S. has committed to compliance, emphasizing food safety as a top priority. Similarly, Canadian food manufacturers continue to operate within stringent guidelines set forth by Health Canada and the CFIA.

As the FDA’s ban sets a precedent, it raises questions about the future of food additive regulations worldwide. With consumer awareness growing and scientific scrutiny intensifying, global harmonization of food safety standards may emerge as the next frontier in regulatory policy.

The FDA’s prohibition of Red 3 marks a significant shift in U.S. food safety policy, while Canada maintains its approval under controlled conditions. These contrasting approaches underscore the balance between precaution and permissible risk, with implications for manufacturers, regulators, and consumers alike.