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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.

Loblaw Companies Limited Enters into Automatic Share Purchase Plan

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Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) (“Loblaw”) announces that it has entered into an Automatic Stock Purchase Plan (“ASPP”) with a broker to facilitate the repurchase of Loblaw’s common stock (“Common Shares”) pursuant to its previously announced ”) Program Normal Curriculum Issuer Bidding (“NCIB”).

Loblaw previously announced that it has received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) to acquire up to 16,647,384 shares of common stock, representing approximately 5% of 332,947,684 common shares and common shares outstanding as of April 21, 2022, through NCIB on the TSX or through an alternative trading system or otherwise permitted by applicable law.

During Loblaw’s ASPP, Loblaw’s brokers may purchase common stock at times when Loblaw would not be active in the market due to internal trading rules and its own internal trading controls. Loblaw’s brokers will make purchases according to parameters established by Loblaw in accordance with the terms of the ASPP when they are not in possession of material nonpublic information about themselves and their securities. Beyond the term of the ASPP, Loblaw may, in its sole discretion and in accordance with applicable law, continue to purchase common stock. The ASPP was completed in accordance with the requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws.

Strauss Group Posts a 6.5% sales growth for FY 2022 and Revenues of NIS 9.5 billion Net profit declines 73% to NIS 174 million

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Strauss Group (TASE: STRS) announced its financial results for the full year 2022 with revenue growth countered by profit and margin erosion. The company’s results demonstrate growth in most categories, including the coffee business in Brazil and Eastern Europe, the water business in Israel and China, and most of Strauss’s business categories in Israel.

Revenues were impacted by the recall in the confectionery division and the partial suspension of production in Sabra for several months in 2022. Sabra’s dips and spreads manufacturing site in Virginia and the confectionery plant in Nof Hagalil resumed production during 2022 and have regained market share since. In March 2023, the confectionery division’s market share reached an average of 24%2, which is close to market share prior to the recall, while Sabra’s share of US hummus market was 31.2% at the end of 2022 and was up to 37.6% in recent weeks, compared to 61.6% before the shutdown3.

The Group’s revenue in 2022 grew 6.5% to NIS 9.5 billion (organic, excluding foreign currency effects). Gross profit was down 12.3% and amounted to NIS 2.8 billion, with the gross margin falling to 29.8% compared to 36.9% in 2021. Gross profit and margin erosion was largely due to the recall in the confectionery division, the adjustment plan in the Sabra plant and the rising prices of green coffee, raw milk, packaging materials and energy. This led to erosion of the Company’s operating profit, which dropped 61.4% compared to 2021 to NIS 379 million, and to a decline of 72.9% in net profit, which dropped to NIS 174 million.

Ofra Strauss, Chairperson of Strauss Group: “2022 was a year in which we dealt with internal and external challenges, whilst investing in the group’s infrastructure as a foundation for our future resilience. During the past year, our commitment and values were a compass that guided our path. It was crystal clear to us that we are a company that places the health and safety of our consumers and people above anything else.

“A company that handles the challenges of the present and builds the future with a long-term vision. The strategy that we launched at the beginning of 2022 included adjustments that the company is required to make and capabilities that it is required to build over the next ten years. This includes investing in production sites infrastructures and in new technologies, nurturing the skills of the company’s employees and making organizational changes as per our strategy.

“This is an opportunity to thank Giora Bardea who recently retired from the role of CEO of the group after 5 years, for his leadership, the ongoing management and for preparing the group for the future; and I would like to wish Shai all the best in these future endeavors.

“In the past few months, we made changes in the Group’s management. We are investing in innovation, upgrading our production sites and continuously adapting ourselves to fulfill emerging expectations, while maintaining our commitment to improve our positive impact on people and on the environment.”

Shai Babad, Strauss Group CEO: “Strauss delivered growth that is the result of the strong performance by the international coffee business, Strauss Water, the food division, the dairies and salty snacks in Israel. Sabra in the US and the confectionery division in Israel have resumed production and are consistently growing their market shares.

“In Q4 2022, and even more so as we entered 2023, the Group continued to implement its strategy, with three managerial focus areas: Recover, Transform, Perform.

“In November 2022, we signed an update to the partnership agreement in Brazil and its extension for another 20 years. In December 2022, we approved an investment for the construction of another plant for the production of water bars in China. In January 2023, we announced the expansion of the water business in the UK through a partnership with the global water treatment company, Culligan International, and in February, 2023 , we terminated Obela’s business in Europe.”

“At the end of 2022, Strauss Group parted ways with Giora Bardea, who stepped down from his post after five years as CEO and almost 30 years at Strauss Group. This is an opportunity for me to thank him personally for the way he introduced me to the position, and for his personal and professional support during my first months as CEO.”

Strauss Israel ended 2022 with NIS 3.5 billion in sales, down 8.9%. The Company delivered sales growth in all divisions, especially in dairies, food, and salty snacks, which offset the drop in sales by the confectionery division.

In 2022, Strauss Israel continued to launch new products to a variety of communities, including new Danone Pro products, Pro beverages, expansion of the Alpro offering of drinks in the plant-based world, Danone Multi for the Third Age, and other product variation launches throughout the year in the various divisions.

Strauss Coffee’s business in Israel grew 6.9% in 2022 to NIS 778 million, thanks to increased sales to the retail market and AFH channel. However, operating profit and the operating margin eroded, mainly due to the increase in green coffee prices as well as higher energy and packaging material costs.

Sales by the coffee company in Brazil grew in 2022 to NIS 2.66 billion (50% ownership), an increase of 43.7% in local currency, largely the result of higher sales prices as well as the weakening of the shekel against the Brazilian real. The coffee business in Eastern Europe also delivered double-digit growth in local currency in all countries where the company is active: Russia-Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Serbia.

Sabra concluded 2022 with sales of NIS 328 million (50% ownership), a decline of 46.9% in local currency due to the shutdown of the plant in Virginia from April until resuming production in August. Obela ended the year with NIS 87 million in revenue (50% ownership), up 7.3% in local currency.

Strauss Water delivered another strong year with 6.7% organic sales growth, with sales rising to NIS 785 million thanks to growth in the customer base and in sales of new appliances. In 2022, sales in China[4] rose 7.8%, mainly due to growth in the number of points of sale, despite lockdowns during part of the year due to renewed COVID-19 outbreaks. In December, HSW’s board of directors decided to build a second manufacturing site in China.

(1)  The data in this document are based on the company’s non-GAAP figures, which include the proportionate consolidation of jointly controlled businesses and do not include share-based payment, mark-to-market at end-of-period of open positions in the Group in respect of financial derivatives used to hedge commodity prices and all adjustments necessary to delay recognition of gains and losses arising from commodity derivatives until the date when the inventory is sold to outside parties, other income and expenses, net, and the tax effect of excluding those items, unless stated otherwise.

(2)  Investments include the acquisition of fixed assets, investment in intangible assets and proceeds from the sale of fixed assets.

Note: Financial data were rounded to NIS millions. Percentages changes were calculated on the basis of the exact figures in NIS thousands.

Nutraland achieves GRAS status for VEGADELIGHT®

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Nutraland USA, a leading supplier of sustainable plant-based nutritional ingredients, announced today that its natural lichen-derived vegetarian vitamin D3 ingredient, VEGADELIGHT®, has achieved self-certified GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status.

VEGADELIGHT® is a natural vegetarian vitamin D3 extracted from lichens. This ingredient is a clean-label, plant-based source of vitamin D3 that is suitable for a variety of uses and dosage forms.

The GRAS status for VEGADELIGHT® was obtained following an in-depth safety review by an independent panel of scientific experts. The panel concluded that Nutraland’s VEGADELIGHT® Natural Vegan Vitamin D3 is safe under the GRAS provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR).

Obtaining GRAS status is an important milestone for VEGADELIGHT® as it confirms its safe use in food, beverages and dietary supplements.

“We are pleased that VEGADELIGHT® has received GRAS designation,” said a Nutraland USA spokesperson. “This certification demonstrates the safety and quality of our natural, vegetarian vitamin D3 ingredient. We believe that with its newly acquired GRAS certification, VEGADELIGHT® will become even more attractive to consumer product manufacturers looking for a clean, plant-sourced vitamin D3.”

The newly-acquired GRAS status will allow manufacturers of food, beverages and dietary supplements to confidently use VEGADELIGHT® in their products, such as B. integrating plant-based milk substitutes. With its exceptional safety profile, VEGADELIGHT® provides a reliable, high-quality, natural vegetarian source of vitamin D3 that is versatile, effective and easy to incorporate into a variety of products.

Supercharging Health Brands Containing Superoxide Dismutase

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Greenfilled is a Spanish wellness brand that offers a lean, mean line of targeted health supplements. Some help improve performance by using vitamin C to reduce fatigue and recovery time.

Others use ashwagandha and ginseng for an energy boost. Still others use foods like ginkgo biloba and bacopa monniera to support memory and fight brain fog.

However, regardless of symptoms or product focus, all Greenfilled supplements rely primarily on one key ingredient: TetraSOD®.

Enrique Castaño, Chief Operating Officer of Greenfilled, explained: “TetraSOD® is the fundamental building block we use to reinvigorate a healthy lifestyle from the inside out at the cellular level, and it is an important link between the ocean and fundamental human health. In relationship to life are marine phytoplankton.”

TetraSOD® is a superoxide dismutase, commonly known as SOD. SOD is an essential enzyme in the antioxidant pathway. This makes it the premier defense against oxidative stress – which can affect overall health, aging and many other symptoms that Greenfilled products can help alleviate.

Thanks to an innovative commercial cultivation method, Greenfilled TetraSOD® contains a high effective dose of SOD. This is done in high-quality land-based facilities where microplankton are grown in situ, fed nitrogen and ‘pressurized’ with oxygen to increase their SOD production. This ensures that no plankton in its products comes directly from the ocean – which plays a key role in the ecosystem.

Supplement Industry Leaders Join Radicle Science

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Supplement Industry Leaders Join Radicle Science as Proof-as-a-Service Pioneer Expands Clinical Trials to Address New FTC Guidance

Radicle Science, a pioneer in Proof-as-a-Service, is expanding its standardized clinical trials to address the Federal Trade Commission’s new Health Products Compliance Guidance, with the aim of bridging the gap between supplements and pharmaceuticals.
 The company is adding gut health and cognition to its portfolio, in addition to existing study protocols, including general pain, sleep, mood/feelings of anxiety, stress, energy, and quality of life/overall health.
Radicle Science’s double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials enable supplements to make validated claims based on study populations relevant to their target customers, which is a significant achievement given that the supplement industry is defending itself against class-action lawsuits for carrying misleading supplements. To this end, Radicle Science is collaborating with industry thought leaders such as Tom Aarts, and establishing key partnerships with trade groups and retailers, such as the United Natural Products Association and Love. Radicle Science’s innovative approach to clinical research has received recognition from KPMG, UCSF Digital Health Awards, and the City of San Diego’s Innovation Day.
Radicle Science’s innovative clinical research approach has garnered awards including:

• KPMG Top 10 “Tech Innovator” in America
• UCSF Digital Health Awards “Rising Star” finalist in Consumer Wellness
• Named “2022 Cool Company” at the City of San Diego’s Innovation Day
• Selected as the Industry Partner for two University of California San Diego “Innovation Sprints” in technology and marketing
• Chief Research Officer Dr. Emily Pauli won “Woman of the Year in Healthcare” by the International Stevie Awards and the Outstanding Leadership Award by Health 2.0
• Cofounder and Executive Chairwoman Pelin Thorgood was named “Maverick of the Year” by the International Stevie Awards and a “Top 50 Leader in Life Science” by the San Diego Business Journal
• Cofounder and CEO Dr. Jeff Chen was named “CEO of the Year” finalist by the San Diego Business Journal

New Clinical and Financial Opportunities for Labs at the Executive War College Conference

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New Clinical and Financial Opportunities for Labs at the Executive War College Conference on Diagnostics, Clinical Laboratory & Pathology Management
Lab executives and pathologists from many of the nation’s most prominent clinical laboratories will come together on April 25-26 to learn about the latest advances in key diagnostic and digital technologies for increasing revenue, lowering costs, and improving patient care at the next Executive War College on Diagnostics, Clinical Laboratory and Pathology Management in New Orleans. The event will feature more than 75 different sessions with up to 125 lab managers, consultants, vendors, and diagnostic experts as speakers.

“With the passing of the pandemic, this is the ‘year of opportunity’ for all clinical laboratories and pathology groups,” said Robert Michel, Editor-in-Chief of THE DARK REPORT and founder of the Executive War College. “The best place to learn about how innovative labs are taking advantage of new technologies in their daily operations is this year’s Executive War College.”

“Every lab organization should have their managers and best strategic thinkers attend this year’s Executive War College on April 25-26,” Michel said. “This is the time and place for them to learn from the diagnostic profession’s best innovators and gain insights they’ll need to keep their laboratories at the cutting edge of clinical excellence in a financially sustainable manner.”

Sessions will cover the full range of important new developments in lab management. These include profitably repurposing existing PCR automation, how artificial intelligence is transforming digital pathology and streamlining lab operations; how labs are monetizing lab test data; and how next-gen genome sequencers now allow smaller labs to provide genetic tests and gain substantial revenue from these testing services.

In addition to the comprehensive two-day program, there will be additional post-conference workshops on a third day (for an additional tuition) that will feature a comprehensive tour of genetic testing and the use of genome sequencers in the hospital laboratory, ways to build revenue with digital pathology, and LEAN fundamentals for Lab Managers.

The Executive War College welcomes its 2023 Corporate Benefactors: Beckman Coulter, Change Healthcare, hc1, ELLKAY, Clinisys, Quadax, TELCOR, Wave HDC, Coronis Healthcare, US HealthTek, Thermo Fisher, Synergen Health and XIFIN.

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