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A Spectacular Showcase at CHFA Now Vancouver

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I was thrilled to experience the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) Now Vancouver Show, which took place from March 30th 1st to 2nd, 2023. This event is a must-attend for retail buyers in the natural health and organic products sector, and I am pleased to share my review of this spectacular showcase with IHR Magazine’s readers.

From the moment I stepped into the Convention Centre, it was apparent that CHFA Now had outdone themselves. The floor plan was spacious and well-organized, making navigation through the exhibition hall a breeze. The selection of exhibitors was extensive, with shy of 1000 industry-leading exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations and product offerings.

One of the key highlights of the show was the focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing. As retail buyers, we are increasingly aware of the need to support companies that prioritize these values. CHFA Now provides an exceptional platform for retailers to connect with suppliers who share these commitments.

Another noteworthy aspect of the event was the educational programming. The show offered a rich array of informative seminars, panel discussions, and keynote presentations. These sessions allowed retail buyers to gain valuable insights into emerging trends and market dynamics, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed purchasing decisions.

A few standout products and trends that caught my attention include:

Plant-Based Revolution: The continued growth of plant-based foods and alternative protein sources was evident, with exhibitors showcasing a range of innovative and delicious products. From plant-based cheeses to nutrient-dense meat substitutes, it’s clear that consumer demand for these products is stronger than ever.

Functional Beverages: The functional beverage market is booming, and the CHFA Now Show did not disappoint in this category. We saw an exciting array of drinks with added health benefits, including probiotic-infused beverages, adaptogenic tonics, and CBD-infused refreshments.

Clean Beauty: Consumers are increasingly seeking clean, non-toxic, and eco-friendly personal care products. Exhibitors at CHFA Now showcased an impressive selection of skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products that prioritize both efficacy and sustainability.

Mental Wellness: With mental health concerns on the rise, it was heartening to see a variety of products addressing stress relief, sleep support, and mood enhancement. From adaptogenic supplements to calming essential oil blends, retailers have ample opportunities to support their customers’ mental wellbeing.

Overall, the CHFA Now Vancouver Show was a fantastic experience for retail buyers seeking to source innovative, high-quality products for their stores. The event offered not only an opportunity to discover new products and trends but also a chance to connect with like-minded professionals in the industry. I highly recommend attending future CHFA Now shows to stay informed and inspired by the rapidly evolving world of natural health and organic products.

Yerbaé Announces Upsizing of Private Placement

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Yerbaé Brands Corp.  a plant-based energy beverage company, is pleased to announce that due to significant investor demand it has increased the size of its previously announced private placement of unsecured convertible debenture units (the “Debenture Units”). The Company will now issue up to 4,000 Debenture Units at a price of US$1,000 per Debenture Unit (the “Issue Price”) for aggregate gross proceeds of up to US$4,000,000 (the “Offering”)
“We are incredibly excited by the strong demand in our current financing by both new and existing shareholders, the increase to US$4,000,000 will accelerate the growth of the Company’s marketing, increased distribution, and working capital,” said Todd Gibson, Founder and CEO of Yerbaé plant-based energy.

The Offering is being conducted by a syndicate of agents led by Beacon Securities Limited (“Beacon”) and including Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. and Roth Canada Inc. (collectively with Beacon, the “Agents”). The Company closed the first tranche of the Offering for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,650,000 on April 13, 2023.

The Company has also granted the Agents an option (the “Agents’ Option”), exercisable in whole or in part at any time up to 48 hours prior to the closing of the final tranche of the Offering, to sell up to an additional 600 Debenture Units (each, an “Additional Debenture Unit”) at a price per Additional Debenture Unit equal to the Issue Price for additional gross proceeds up to US$600,000, with each Additional Debenture Unit being sold on the same terms as the Debenture Units.

ADM and Brightseed Launch Global Partnership To Decode How The Gut Microbiome & Bioactives Impact Human Health

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“We know from our recent research into global consumer trends that macro forces, including the lingering pandemic, have coincided with an increased demand for natural and plant-based solutions that target immune function, metabolic health, and mental well-being,” said Mark Lotsch.
The company announced a global joint partnership to develop evidence-based functional synbiotic products that target microbiome optimization with an undisclosed investment. ADM is leveraging Brightseed’s artificial intelligence (A.I.) platform, Forager®, to decipher the molecular interactions between dietary plants and gut microbes and their potential impact on human health.
“We know from our recent research into global consumer trends that macro forces, including the lingering pandemic, have coincided with an increased demand for natural and plant-based solutions that target immune function, metabolic health, and mental well-being,” said Mark Lotsch, ADM’s president of global health and wellness. “We are thrilled to partner with Brightseed to lead in state-of-the-art discovery on the microbiome, and to bring forward science-backed solutions that empower consumers toward proactive and individualized health.”
“Brightseed and ADM share the conviction that precision health outcomes for consumers should be driving category innovation,” said Sofia Elizondo, Brightseed’s co-founder and chief operating officer. “ADM’s advanced understanding of the untapped potential of natural compounds, combined with their vast microbial libraries, is the sum total expertise that will redefine the future of ingredients to promote a healthy microbiome.”

The gut microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem of microorganisms that perform complex interactions between our diet and human biology to impact health. Although scientific research over the last 15 years highlights the central role the microbiome plays on human health, details remain to be discovered about the specific functions of the diverse microbial communities and diet-microbiome-host interactions. As a result, there is a surge of interest in nutrition science on the role of synbiotics for precision gut health benefits, a category of gut health solutions in the form of food and supplements which combine probiotics (health-beneficial microbial strains) with prebiotics (non-digestible fibers that help these bacteria grow and plant substrates that microbes convert to health beneficial compounds).

Brightseed’s Forager A.I. discovers bioactives in plants and maps them to specific modes of action at a rate and accuracy that was previously impossible, providing insights into biological changes that can occur at the cellular level. ADM and Brightseed aim to launch highly efficacious synbiotics in specific health areas as functional ingredients for foods and beverages, dietary supplements, and medical foods by 2025.

Life’s First Naturals® Expands U.S Health Care Practitioner Supplement Line

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“The launch of Life’s First Naturals PRO ColostrumOne Extra Strength further demonstrates our commitment to creating products specifically designed for health care practitioners,” said Pam Cebulski, general manager, consumer brands, PanTheryx. “We are excited to support their patients’ health and wellness, the way nature intended, with our unique products that help promote microbiome health while supporting the immune system. (Provigil) ”
Life’s First Naturals PRO with ColostrumOne Extra Strength is a comprehensive source of immune and growth factors, protective proteins, such as lactoferrin and proline-rich polypeptides, and prebiotics which assist the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and support the gut’s natural repair process and immune health. PanTheryx developed this proprietary technology to protect the bioactive components of colostrum in the digestive system. ColostrumOne Extra Strength uses this technology and has scientifically demonstrated increased levels of IgG, and immune and growth factors as they enter the digestive tract, showing protection of the bioactives from the harsh environment in the gut.

The Adult formula features 5,000mg (5g) of ColostrumOne Extra Strength bovine colostrum, with the highest concentration of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels available from the brand. It is unflavored and can be mixed with cold water or easily added to any smoothie or other cold beverage. ColostrumOne Extra Strength bovine colostrum is exclusively sourced from high-quality US grade A diaries and during the first 24-hour milking post-calving.

The Kids formula has 2,000mg (2g) of bovine colostrum and Sunfiber® for added fiber to help keep children’s digestive systems moving and their immune health in check. It has a delicious vanilla flavor, sweetened with natural monk fruit, with no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or gluten. It can be taken alone or mixed with other cold beverages.

“I’ve recommended bovine colostrum for decades due to its numerous health benefits when trying to help patients find natural solutions to achieve optimal health,” says Dr. Keri Marshall, Naturopathic Doctor and Epidemiologist, and a medical advisor to PanTheryx.

“I like Life’s First Naturals PRO ColostrumOne Extra Strength’s proprietary blend of ingredients because it delivers more immune bioactives per serving, making it an effective choice for those looking to support their digestive system and immune health,” Marshall continues. “Finding ways to improve availability of bioactives in the gut by protecting these components from degradation during digestion is key to a product being effective and is an important benefit of ColostrumOne Extra Strength. As the global leader in colostrum production, I am pleased to see PanTheryx bring new innovative delivery approaches to healthcare professionals.”

Snapdragon Capital Partners Invests Over $30 million in Spartan Fitness Holdings, LLC

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Snapdragon Capital Partners (“Snapdragon”), a leading private equity investment firm focused on high growth consumer companies and a founding investor in Xponential Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: XPOF), announced today that it has invested over $30 million in Spartan Fitness Holdings, Inc. (“Spartan” or the “Company”). Funds will initially be used to fuel Spartan’s Club Pilates expansion, as well as to acquire and build other health and wellness concepts.

Spartan is a preeminent boutique fitness platform and the largest franchise owner in the Club Pilates system. Since opening its first Club Pilates in March 2019 in Frisco, TX, Spartan now owns and operates 60 Club Pilates studios across Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Massachusetts, Missouri, and Illinois, as well as additional units in other boutique beauty and wellness franchised systems, including Hand & Stone and V/O Med Spa.

“We are excited to partner with Snapdragon, whose team has a strong track record of supporting and growing a wide range of category-defining consumer brands, as well as intimate knowledge of Xponential Fitness,” said David Schuck, Founder and CEO of Spartan. “Their investment will accelerate our expansion as we build the market-leading multi-brand health & wellness franchisee platform.”

“Xponential is one of the strongest partners in franchising today, and David has been a top operator in the system for a number of years,” said Mark Grabowski, Managing Partner of Snapdragon. “We’re eager to support David’s vision for Spartan as the Company continues to grow via new builds and acquisitions, while delivering a superior experience for consumers searching for health & wellness services.”

Snapdragon and Spartan first partnered in June 2021, growing the initial platform from six Club Pilates studios to 60 units in under two years, with another 40 area development rights to be built. The Company recently expanded into Hand & Stone and V/O Med Spa as it builds a multi-brand franchisee platform.

T&T Supermarket set to expand to London, Ontario

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The company announced that it will be opening a new store in London, Ontario. The company confirmed the store, which is expected to open in Summer of 2024, is located at 530 Oxford St W, the southeast corner of Oxford St W and Wonderland Rd. At 39,000 square feet, it will be the largest Asian supermarket in town.
 
Tina Lee, the CEO of T&T Supermarkets has stated, “When I was a student at Western, I carpooled with friends for 3 hours to the closest T&T in Toronto to get the ingredients I needed to make simple meals in residence. Despite the long drive, going to T&T is what cured my feeling of being homesick, having moved to London from Vancouver, BC.  20 year later, I still think London residents and students crave what T&T has to offer, so I am delighted that I finally get to bring the T&T experience back to my old school stomping grounds.”

The new T&T will be located in a strip mall that is currently under renovation to prepare for the expanded grocery store. “We are pleased to welcome T&T Supermarkets to London, Ontario. We worked diligently over a number of years to bring this nationally recognized brand to our city. T&T Supermarkets has a unique offering and we are confident they are the right partner to serve London’s growing and diverse population.” Said Ali Soufan, President of York Developments.

The store opening will create 120 jobs and offer an immersive experience of food culture, spanning fresh produce, Asian groceries, bakery and in-store prepared foods like hot meal buffet bar, sushi, Hong Kong barbeque pork, and the popular Tianjin crepe station.

Up Vertical Farms™ unveils Canada’s first hands-free vertical farm in Pitt Meadows, B.C.

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After nearly ten years of research and development, UP Vertical Farms™ officially started operating Canada’s first unmanned vertical farm, producing sustainably grown, pesticide-free, pollution-free baby lettuce, with an output 350 times that of traditional field vegetables.

In order to revolutionize Canadian agriculture And to provide consumers with healthier, greener local food options, UP’s crisp and flavorful prepackaged leafy green salad mix will be available at select grocery stores in Western Canada this spring.

In an industry grappling with challenges such as high food costs, climate change, labuor shortages and food contamination, traditional farming methods are proving unsustainable, especially as the population grows. UP Vertical Farms aims to provide viable, locally grown solutions to many of these industry challenges by employing state-of-the-art high-density farming techniques that use 99% less land, 99% less water, and 99% less fertilizer, No pesticides are used, and no herbicides or fungicides are consumed. Using recycled carbon dioxide and proprietary lighting technology, the leafy greens are refrigerated for over 22 days while developing a custom Brix and flavor profile. Since UP’s vegetables have never been touched by human hands and undergo rigorous food safety testing, the products are ready to eat right out of the box.

Bahram Rashti, co-founder of UP Vertical, said: “We are proud to help Canada address its food security challenges by providing healthier, more sustainable local farming solutions that reduce farming’s environmental impact and reduce Canadian consumers’ imports from the U.S. Dependence on the product. Farm.” “In the coming months, as our sales in Western Canada continue to grow, more Canadians will be able to enjoy our fresh and delicious leaf salads. ”

From arugula and kale to romaine and butter lettuce, delicious and nutritious, UP’s ready-to-eat baby salads are versatile and perfect for salads, sandwiches, pasta, soups, and stir-fries. Current mix lines include POWER UP™ – a potent green mix that takes salads to the next level, UP & AWAY™ – a sweet and colorful savory spring salad mix, TOSS UP™ – a chef-inspired 50/ 50 Mixed Red and Green Lettuces, LIVEN UP™ – A selection of savory and savory arugula, CHOP UP™ – Savory and sweet side dishes and STAND UP™ – Crisp and fresh baby lettuces.

UP Vertical Farms expects to produce approximately 2 million pounds or 6.3 million bags of vegetables annually, and also has the unique ability to fully customize packaging to meet the unique needs of retailers and restaurants. As plants grow in an automated timeframe of 13 to 21 days, mixes can be customized and planted immediately to keep up with ongoing trends, enhancing the quality and consistency that only UP can offer its partners.

“We firmly believe that vertical farming is critical to the future of farming, and we are excited to be the first in Canada as the only hands-free vertical farm in the country,” added Rashti. “We believe the expansion of our business from here will only ‘up’ as we strive to provide healthier food to more Canadians across the country in a more sustainable manner.”

Prepare Fresh Produce for New U.S Organic Enforcement Rules

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Organic Produce Summit will be held in July.
The Enhanced Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule is scheduled to go into effect in March 2024 to increase oversight and enforcement of the production, handling and sale of organic products throughout the supply chain.
The impact of this new rule will be felt throughout the organic fresh produce supply chain.

A second training session, “Change is Coming: Preparing Fresh Produce for the New Organic Enforcement Rules,” announced at the Organic Produce Summit 2023, will examine what the updated rules mean for companies involved in organic fresh produce. The session will include the leadership of a major international producer/mailer, a well-known wholesaler/distributor and an enterprising retailer who will discuss what these changes mean for their business. It is chaired by one of the leading authorities on environmental regulation.

“Fresh produce accounts for more than one-third of all organic sales. Organic produce is often the entry point for consumers new to organic food and where consumers build confidence in organic labels,” said Tom Cha, CEO of the Organic Trade Association. Pullman said. “These sweeping new rules will strengthen the integrity of the entire supply chain and will require some work and adjustments from all of us. OPS attendees will hear from leaders across the organic supply chain how their operations are preparing and how they can thrive in 2024.” Address the most impactful changes before implementation in 2020.”

Panelists at the meeting included William (Bill) Brodegard, Vice President of Food Safety and Compliance, Driscoll’s; Brenna Davis, CEO, Organically Grown Company; and Chris Miller, Director of Organic Market Products, MOM. The session will be moderated by Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Organic Trade Association.

Key requirements of the rule include new organic import certification documentation and certification of brokers, traders and storage facilities handling unsealed produce. The rule also changes labeling requirements for non-retail packaging to make on-site inspections more robust and consistent.

The SOE rule is the largest update to USDA organic regulations since it was first published in 2000, and its goal is to improve organic integrity and consumer compliance by providing a strong control system for supporting organic products and improving traceability from farm to farm. The market for confidence in the USDA Organic seal. Strengthen import supervision to ensure strong enforcement of organic regulations.

Organic Produce Summit 2023 is a two-day event designed specifically to connect organic fresh produce growers, transporters and processors with retailers and buying organizations from across North America. The seventh annual event will be held July 12-13 in Monterey, CA.

Focusing on the new SOE regulations, the conference is the second of five training sessions and two keynote presentations available to attendees. OPS 2023 will also feature select site visits, a grand opening reception and sold-out exhibit space for retailers and buyers featuring more than 170 organic fresh produce producers and processors from North America and around the world. Additionally, several new events are planned for OPS attendees, including a special pre-opening reception – for those new to the industry or first-time OPS attendees.

Getting Ready for Mother’s Day Amid Inflation

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As Mother’s Day approaches, natural foods retailers are gearing up for one of the busiest times of the year. While the holidays usually translate into higher sales, this year’s celebrations brought an additional challenge: heightened inflation. Discover how retailers can prepare for the Mother’s Day season while effectively managing inflationary pressures.

Strategic Inventory Management:
To avoid the negative impact of inflation on product costs, you should optimize inventory management. Focus on replenishing high-demand items that are likely to sell well during Mother’s Day, while closely monitoring your sales and inventory levels to ensure you don’t overstock, which can lead to increased inventory costs and potential waste.

Build Collaborative Supplier Relationships:
Strengthen relationships with your suppliers to negotiate better prices and secure discounts on bulk purchases. This allows you to pass the savings on to your customers and keep prices competitive despite inflationary pressures. Also, consider partnering with local producers to reduce shipping costs and support the local economy.

Limited-time promotions available:
Running Mother’s Day promotions can help drive sales, even amid inflation. Create attractive limited-time offers and bundles to encourage customers to buy more. Not only does this strategy increase sales, it also helps clear inventory and make room for new products.

Prioritize customer loyalty programs:
To retain your customer base and encourage repeat customers, implement an improved loyalty program. Offer exclusive discounts or bonus points to customers who shop during Mother’s Day. Even if prices rise due to inflation, this strategy can help you foster long-term relationships.

Diversify your offering:
To minimize the impact of inflation on your business, consider diversifying your offerings. Introduce new or complementary products that align with customer interests and values, such as B. Eco-friendly packaging, sustainable home furnishings or plant-based food options.

Investing in an Online Business:
An effective online presence can help you reach a wider audience and increase sales this Mother’s Day. Make sure your website is user-friendly and easy to navigate, and promote your products and special offers on social media platforms. You might also consider offering online ordering and in-store pickup or local delivery to provide your customers with a convenient shopping experience.

Educate your customers:
Be transparent about the challenges your store faces and educate your customers about the benefits of shopping in your store. By providing value-added information, you build trust and loyalty with your customers.

Preparing your health food store for the Mother’s Day season while fighting inflation requires strategic planning and adaptability. By simplifying inventory management, building strong supplier relationships, offering promotions and focusing on customer retention, you can successfully navigate this challenging time and provide your customers with an exceptional shopping experience.

KPC LYFE Acquires Bikram Yoga

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KPC Group is excited to announce the expansion of its healthcare offerings to include KPC LYFE. KPC LYFE, the KPC Group’s holistic health initiative, has acquired the widely recognized and internationally famous Bikram Yoga.
This acquisition of Bikram Yoga provides an unparalleled opportunity for the KPC Group to add this iconic brand, with an extremely loyal following, to its health and wellness programs offered to its patients and local communities.

KPC Group is a diversified, multifaceted, and integrated company, which has incorporated life-enhancing healthcare services for over two decades. Its healthcare services are structured with hospital chains, medical groups, as well as pre-and post-acute care facilities across the USA and India. KPC Group stands heavily behind the motto, prevention is better than cure.

In March 2022, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, Northern Division, approved the sale of the intellectual property assets associated with the Bikram Yoga brand to Dr. Kali P. Chaudhuri or his designee. Dr. Chaudhuri designated KPC LYFE as the assignee for the intellectual property assets. The Bikram Yoga intellectual property assets include all the domain names, trademarks, and copyrights (including copyrights for the course curriculum for the very popular Bikram Yoga teacher training).

Bikram Yoga is the original hot yoga sequence devised by yoga guru and innovator, Bikram Choudhury, and it is among the best known. Bikram Yoga has been taught in the United States since 1973. Every class lasts for 90 minutes and consists of a unique fixed sequence of 26 yoga postures and 2 breathing exercises. At its peak, there were approximately 1,650 Bikram Yoga studios in 40 countries.

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