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CULT Food Science Announces Noochies! Brand Launch and Commercialization Outlook

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CULT Food Science Corp. a pioneer in the investment, development, and commercialization of cellular agriculture technologies and products, is pleased to announce the public debut of the Noochies! brand, packaging, and website.
Our Noochies! products offer the world’s first freeze dried, high protein cultured pet foods. The vet-formulated foods are made with unique, nutrient-rich ingredients designed to benefit immunity, digestion and the overall health of dogs and cats. Our patent-pending freeze dry process avoids nutrient degradation in the extrusion process and helps keep proteins bioavailable for better absorption. Freeze dried foods are among the most sought-after formats of premium pet food today.

Noochies!’ projects its first products being available in Q3 2023, with an initial focus on direct-to-consumer e-commerce sales in the United States, followed by online marketplace partnerships and pursuing in-store sales in the influential California market.

Noochies! products contain Bmmune™, a patent-pending animal-free ingredient that delivers high quality and sustainable proteins with nutrient specifications similar to conventional meat. Bmmune™ has been shown to provide health benefits to pets, including improved digestion, gut health, immune system support, and general cognitive, arterial and heart health.

In addition, Noochies! has formulated its own probiotic, Bflora™, designed specifically for the gastrointestinal system of dogs and cats. Bflora™ is a blend of four bacterial strains of healthy gut bacteria paired with a probiotic yeast for optimal gut health effect in our pets.

Dinner and Breakfast Food
Noochies! Dinner and Breakfast foods are a nutritionally complete diet with immune system benefits and savory flavor that’s 100% meat-free.  The star ingredient in both Breakfast and Dinner foods is Bmmune, our proprietary blend of cultured nutritional yeast. Packed with bioavailable protein, immune-supporting B vitamins and a taste omnivore dogs love!

Dog and Cat Treats
Take koji, an ancient cultured protein with an irresistible savory flavor. Blend it with a high-protein strain of nutritional yeast. Then freeze dry it to lock in nutrition, taste and aroma. And what do you get? A whole new take on treats! Packed with essential B vitamins and high in protein, these super savory morsels are great for immune, digestive and heart health, while their super-savory taste makes them perfect for training or treating.

Supplements
Noochies! supplements, called Sprinkles, are premium supplements made with super-functional ingredients missing from even the healthiest pet food brands. And Noochies! is the only brand to feature Bmmune™, our high protein blend of nutritional yeast to benefit digestion, immunity and more, and Bflora™, our exclusive, research-proven, probiotic blend designed specifically for cats and dogs. Add a sprinkle a day to your pet’s food, and get ready for all the positive feedback to pour in.

With the launch of these products, Noochies! Cultivated Pet Food is elevating the sustainable pet nutrition category. Relying on rigorous research and development, the Company has created nutrient-rich, safe and environmentally friendly ingredients that are freeze dried into ultra-premium pet products – automatically making Noochies! a market leader in quality, sustainable pet nutrition.

Transaction Update
The assets underlying the Noochies! brand and products are subject to a binding LOI between CULT’s subsidiary, Further Foods Inc., and Joshua Errett (collectively, the “parties”), under which Further Foods Inc. will acquire the assets from Mr. Errett. The parties are nearing completion of the due diligence process and expect to announce the closing of the transaction in the near future.

The transaction is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including, as applicable, all required filings with the CSE, completion of due diligence reasonable or customary in a transaction of a similar nature, and entering into a definitive agreement. The transaction will not constitute a fundamental change or result in a change of control of the Company, within the meaning of the policies of the CSE.

Canadian BY’s Apitherapy Niagara Honey Surpasses Manuka Honey in Therapeutic Potency

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BY’s Apitherapy and Wellness Center is the first Canadian clinical based Apitherapy facility dedicated to natural products and treatments from the Honey Bee. Bee products such as propolis, pollen, bee venom, and royal jelly have been used effectively for Women’s and Men’s Health for more than 1000 years for a variety of health concerns.

For over a millennium, bee-derived products like propolis, pollen, bee venom, and royal jelly have been used in both men’s and women’s health treatments to address various health issues. Until recently, Manuka Honey was considered to have superior therapeutic qualities due to its high hydrogen peroxide and pH levels.
However, BY’s innovative research has revealed that their Niagara honey exhibits stronger antibacterial properties, attributable to its increased acidity, osmotic effect, antioxidant content, and hydrogen peroxide concentration. These findings position BY’s Apitherapy honey as the new gold standard in natural health remedies.
Niagara based BY’s Apitherapy and Wellness Center has now been documented to have the strongest formulation for therapeutic advantages for naturally produced honey. The strongest and most effective formula for positive healthcare was the proprietary Immune Boost™ Honey from BY’s Apitherapy product line which includes all the bee products noted including Turmeric and Garlic in a raw unpasteurized Honey base.

Per Bank Appointed as Loblaw’s New CEO: A New Era of Retailing

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Per Bank Joins Loblaw as CEO in Q1 2024

George Weston Limited (TSX: WN) and Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) have announced the appointment of Per Bank as Loblaw’s President and Chief Executive Officer, effective Q1 2024. The decision comes after a comprehensive global talent search, launched in August 2022, to find a successor for the retiring Robert Sawyer, Loblaw’s current Chief Operating Officer.

Building on a Strong Foundation for Retailing

Galen G. Weston, Chair of Loblaw and George Weston Limited, expressed confidence in Bank’s ability to further strengthen the company’s leadership and retail excellence. Under Weston’s guidance, Loblaw has cultivated a strong management team and successfully executed a customer-focused strategy.

Per Bank’s Background and Expertise in Retail

Per Bank brings with him 30 years of retail experience, including his tenure as CEO of Salling Group A/S, Denmark’s largest retailer. He has a deep understanding of retail operations and supply chain management and has overseen the growth of Salling Group’s multi-banner supermarkets across three countries.

Leadership Changes and Continuity at Loblaw and George Weston Limited

Upon assuming the role of President and CEO, Bank will be responsible for Loblaw’s daily operations and report to the company’s Board of Directors. Galen G. Weston will maintain his roles as Chair of Loblaw and George Weston Limited, as well as CEO of George Weston Limited. Richard Dufresne will continue as Loblaw’s CFO and President and CFO of George Weston Limited. Robert Sawyer will serve as COO until the end of 2023 to facilitate a smooth transition.

A Bright Future for Loblaw under Per Bank’s Leadership

Weston praised Bank’s track record in delivering retail excellence and successful growth, highlighting the smooth transition he will provide for the company. Bank expressed his excitement to join Loblaw, a company known for its innovation, strong values, and impressive history.

With Per Bank at the helm, Loblaw is set to continue its journey of retail excellence, building on the strong foundations laid by George Weston Limited.

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.”