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Pangea Natural Foods Inc. announces listing on the Canadian securities exchange

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Pangea CEO Pratap Sandhu says, “Pangea Natural Foods has partnered with experienced food scientists to formulate its products, with a focus on delivering high-quality food products to consumers. We look forward to introducing our products to a broad range of customers and widening our products’ distribution throughout North America.

Along the journey toward this listing, Pangea has focused on developing products using quality ingredients. We believe the key to the Company’s growth will be providing consumers with very nutritious, satisfying foods with great taste and texture. We truly believe our loyal customers speak for themselves.”

The Company produces and sells plant-based patties that are both nutritious and free of GMO ingredients, fillers, antibiotics, hormones, and bioengineered ingredients. Pangea’s plant-based patties are manufactured in the Vancouver lower mainland at an in-house facility approved by both the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. To provide a convenient experience for its customers, the Company offers its products for purchase via e-commerce platforms and traditional retail outlets.

Mr. Sandhu adds, “Each vegan patty is handmade with rigorous standards, using locally sourced whole food ingredients such as leeks, bell peppers, spinach, potatoes, black beans, carrots, chickpeas, mushrooms and breadcrumbs. Additionally, Pangea uses pea protein instead of soy protein in its formulation.”

Bodybuilding.com Forms Partnership with Retail Ecommerce Ventures

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Bodybuilding.com, the world’s largest online fitness store, has struck a deal to partner with Retail Ecommerce Ventures (REV), a global leader in e-commerce with a rapidly growing roster of well-known brands.

Bodybuilding.com specializes in dietary, sports, and bodybuilding supplements. Its platform includes an e-commerce store with private label (“Signature”) and third-party brands, an interactive fitness coaching app (“Bodyfit”), and a loyal online community, (“BodySpace and Forum”), with over 15 million registered members.

REV’s all-star team of e-commerce veterans will bring their deep domain expertise into substantial operational roles within Bodybuilding.com and help build upon the company’s considerable online footprint.

“We couldn’t be more excited to become partners in the Bodybuilding.com platform. My dad was a professional bodybuilder, and this is a brand I have been passionate about for nearly two decades”, said Tai Lopez, who co-founded REV along with Alex Mehr. “This company’s history is only in its first inning, and at a time when there’s so much noise and confusion on the internet, Bodybuilding.com’s trusted content, products, and community are more valuable than ever.”

This partnership marks yet another high-profile deal for REV, whose mission is to transform iconic legacy brands into e-commerce success stories. Their impressive portfolio includes globally-recognized brands, such as Pier 1, Radio Shack, Dressbarn, Ralph & Russo, Stein Mart, Franklin Mint, Modell’s, MentorBox, FarmersCart, Linens ‘n Things, and more.

“We are thrilled to welcome Retail Ecommerce Ventures into the Bodybuilding.com family”, said Karl Walsh, CEO of Bodybuilding.com. “Their expertise in e-commerce, digital marketing, technology, and community-building is a significant value-add to our platform and will further catalyze our growth both domestically and internationally. At Bodybuilding.com, we are stewards of a legacy that supports individuals building their bodies and their lives – and this relationship will enable us to achieve our mission at an even greater scale.”

Bodybuilding.com has been helping people achieve their fitness, health, and wellness goals since 1999 alongside a loyal community of lifestyle enthusiasts that now boasts +11 million social media followers and +5 million YouTube subscribers.

Natreve Issues Voluntary Recall on Limited Batches of Natreve Vegan Protein Powder French Vanilla Wafer Sundae Flavor Due to Undeclared Milk

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The company is recalling specific batches of its Vegan Protein Powder French Vanilla Wafer Sundae flavour because it contains trace amounts of undeclared milk due to an external manufacturing production error. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.

The affected products were only sold in the USA, in retail and online. This issue is isolated to two batches of Natreve Vegan Protein Powder French Vanilla Wafer Sundae flavour with the following lot codes:

• Lot# 46359, Best Before Date: 2/2025
10 servings, 13.1oz (371g), UPC 628831120003

• Lot# 46360, Best Before Date: 2/2025
18 servings, 1.47lbs/23.53oz (667g), UPC 628831110073
10 servings, 13.1oz (371g), UPC 628831120003

The impacted products are stored in 13 oz (10 servings) and 1.47lb (18 servings) white tubs and lot codes can be found at the bottom of each tub.

The issue was identified as a result of one illness having been reported to date. An investigation was conducted by the contract manufacturer indicating the problem was caused by a production process error for these two impacted lots. No Canadian products nor other products or lots within the U.S. Natreve product offerings are impacted by this voluntary recall.

A whey-derived flavouring ingredient was inadvertently used in the blend for Natreve Vegan Protein Powder French Vanilla Wafer Sundae flavour, leading to trace amounts of whey being found in the above batches. Whey is derived from milk and may trigger an allergy, posing a potential risk to people with milk allergies.

Consumers who purchased Natreve Vegan Protein Powder French Vanilla Wafer Sundae flavour, with Lot Code 46359 or 46360 should discard this product if they are allergic or highly sensitive to dairy. Refunds are available and will be provided at the point of sale through validation of lot codes on affected tubs by bringing them in-store. Those who purchased through www.natreve.com can also email quality@natreve.com to request a refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at quality@natreve.com or send a direct message to @natrevewellness on Instagram.

New front-of-package nutrition labels announced for Canada

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Heart & Stroke was pleased to join the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health today as he announced the adoption of front-of-package nutrition label regulations for Canada. The new mandatory label will appear on food and beverages that are high in sodium, sugars or saturated fat and will help Canadians to make healthier choices more easily. This policy is critical because Canadians continue to consume large amounts of ultra-processed foods that add excess sodium, sugars and saturated fat to their diets and increase their risk of chronic disease.
“Canadians get nearly half of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods and this figure is even higher for our children and youth who are unfortunately the biggest consumers of these foods,” says Doug Roth, CEO, Heart & Stroke. “Adding a clearly visible and easy-to-understand symbol on the front of these products will help people quickly spot foods high in sodium, sugars or saturated fat. This is especially true for those who have difficulty with the nutrition facts table found on the back of food packages, which can include seniors, people with low literacy, people with poor eyesight and those who speak languages other than English or French.”

Canada joins countries like Chile and Mexico who have introduced similar labelling. An evaluation of Chile’s front-of-package nutrition labels found a 25% decline in sugary drink purchases after 18 months and 37% of Chileans agreed that the labels led them to make changes to their food choices. Beyond guiding healthy choices, mandatory labels in Canada are also expected to incentivize companies to develop healthier products and reformulate existing foods to avoid the label.

In addition to front-of-package nutrition labelling, Heart & Stroke also applauds the federal government’s action on the Healthy Eating Strategy to date including Canada’s new food guide and the banning of trans fats in all foods sold in Canada. The remaining elements of the strategy, notably restrictions on the marketing of food and beverages high in sodium, sugars and saturated fat to children, will further support Canadians and their families. In fact, 90% of the highly influential food and beverage ads kids see on television and online are for ultra-processed foods.

“Millions of Canadians are living with chronic diseases that are impacted by the foods we eat, including heart disease and stroke,” says Doug Roth. “Strong policies, like the ones in the Healthy Eating Strategy are changing our food environment and making it easier to make healthier choices.”

Other elements of a multi-pronged approach to help Canadians eat better include actions to ensure nutritious foods and safe drinking water are available and accessible in all communities, the promotion of food skills and food literacy and a national school food program.

Fast facts:
• A food that contributes 15% or more of the daily value of sodium, sugars or saturated fat will need to display the new front-of-package nutrition label.
Fresh foods such as vegetables, fruit, meat and fish, as well as some milk products, will not be labelled.

• For main dishes with a serving size greater than 200g, the threshold will be 30% or more of daily value for sodium, sugars or saturated fat.
• For foods like jam, which are consumed in small quantities (less than 30g), the threshold will be 10% or more of daily value for sodium, sugars or saturated fat.
• The label is the result of many years of consultation with the public, experts and groups like Heart & Stroke. A draft of the front-of-package nutrition label was introduced in Canada Gazette Part I in February 2018.

Dementia Prevention Program

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CANADA’S LARGEST NATIONAL DEMENTIA RESEARCH INITIATIVE INTRODUCES DEMENTIA PREVENTION PROGRAM
Canada’s largest dementia research initiative, the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA), has launched an innovative online program that offers older adults the opportunity to increase their knowledge of dementia, improve lifestyle risk factors and engage with researchers. The program, Brain Health PRO (BHPro), offers interactive digital educational modules to empower older adults to improve their physical and mental health and modify their risk factors for dementia.
The bilingual program focuses on seven different modifiable dementia risk domains: exercise, nutrition, sleep, psychological and social health, cognitive engagement, heart health, and vision and hearing. For each, the program includes 10-minute educational videos, as well as interactive activities for users to complete. Participants will also be sent portable EEG headsets to measure their brain activity during sleep, and accelerometers to track their physical activity. With the rise of dementia anticipated to reach nearly 1 million Canadians over the next 12 years, dementia prevention is becoming an increasingly urgent national health priority.

“The launch of BHPro is part of a significant research effort to find concrete means of preventing dementia, with the ultimate goal of having tremendous benefits for the aging experience,” says Dr. Howard Chertkow, Scientific Director of CCNA and Director of the Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health and Wellness at Baycrest.

“Alzheimer Society of Canada (ASC) is proud to support the launch of the BHPro through the CAN-THUMBS UP program,” says Dr. Saskia Sivananthan, ASC’s Chief Research & KTE Officer.

BHPro is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and  ASC, and was created through the Canadian Therapeutic Platform Trial for Multidomain Interventions to Prevent Dementia (CAN-THUMBS UP) program, which is part of CCNA. The study will support 350 older adults across Canada who have at least one risk factor for dementia, with the goal of seeing participants’ dementia risk reduced throughout the year-long study. (klonopin) Please note, that there is limited space for research participants.

BioSteel Welcomes New President

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The company appointed Bruce Jacobson as President of BioSteel, who, together with Co-Founders John Celenza and Michael Cammalleri, will be responsible for accelerating the growth of BioSteel into a top-4 sports hydration company.

Jacobson joins BioSteel with a wealth of experience from the beverage industry. Having served in several senior leadership roles, he is an experienced brand builder and business strategist who has led organizations to best-in-class growth and market dominance.

Most recently, Jacobson served on the advisory board and as Chief Operating Officer of an alcohol seltzer company, where he led a team in scaling the business to achieve profitable growth while balancing its entrepreneurial spirit and identity. Prior to that role, he spent 17 years at Constellation Brands, including four years in the role of Chief Commercial Officer, where he and his team achieved 36 consecutive quarters of industry-leading growth while delivering an aggregate of more than $5B in revenue and strong margins.

“Bruce will be an invaluable addition to the company’s leadership team as BioSteel continues to grow at a record pace by challenging the status quo in hydration,” said David Klein, CEO of Canopy Growth. “With deep experience building brands, driving profitability, developing distribution strategies, and leading cross-functional teams, we are confident that Bruce will complement and enhance the capabilities of the current leadership team and further advance BioSteel’s standing in the market.”

“It is an honour to join BioSteel and be a part of an innovative challenger brand that is already revolutionizing the sports hydration industry,” said Jacobson. “I’ve seen first-hand the passion that everyone at BioSteel brings to the table for our brand and products, and I am eager to partner with this exceptional team to build on the success to date and accelerate our growth into the future.”

Founded in 2009 by NHL veteran Michael Cammalleri and business partner John Celenza, BioSteel has achieved a reputation for being the hydration product of choice for athletes and consumers looking for a healthy alternative. The brand is committed to using premium ingredients, maintaining product transparency, and delivering essential nutrients needed to support physical activity. Each electrolyte-packed sports drink comes in an eco-friendly 16.7 fl oz Tetra Pak, in flavours ranging from Blue Raspberry, Mixed Berry, Peach Mango, Rainbow Twist and White Freeze to keep consumers hydrated throughout the day.

“Michael and I are excited to welcome Bruce to the BioSteel team,” said Celenza, Co-Founder of BioSteel. “We are deeply committed to the long-term success of BioSteel, and with Bruce’s track record of championing brands, we are confident that he will progress the achievement of our business objectives, including cementing BioSteel at the forefront of the sports hydration category. We look forward to working with him to bring to fruition the incredible opportunities that lie ahead for BioSteel.”

Anderson College & Westervelt College Students Eligible for Shoppers Drug Mart Funding

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Anderson College & Westervelt College Students Eligible for Shoppers Drug Mart Funding – Financial Support to Spur Pharmacy Technician Professional Registration
Anderson College of Health, Business and Technology is thrilled to announce that students enrolled in both Anderson’s and Westervelt’s Pharmacy Technician program will have the opportunity to enroll in the Technician Licensing Assistance Program (TLAP) developed by Shoppers Drug Mart’s Central Pharmacy Services (CPS).
TLAP is designed to assist and financially support pharmacy assistants working at Central Pharmacy Services to become fully registered as Pharmacy Technicians. Anderson College and CPS will conduct Open Houses to provide details to interested students.
“Pharmacy Technicians have been vital to our ability to support our partner pharmacies in the delivery of exceptional patient care. We are grateful for the opportunity to reduce financial barriers and support individuals wishing to join this great profession” said Matt Koehler, Senior Operations Director of Central Pharmacy Services.

“Our deepest appreciation goes to Shoppers Drug Mart for creating this innovative solution to support tomorrow’s Pharmacy Technicians. This is an incredible opportunity for students in our CCAPP accredited Pharmacy Technician program, not only because they may receive financial support for their education, but they will also be able to be part of Shoppers Drug Mart Organization and CPS environment alongside individuals and teams of highly regarded healthcare professionals,” said Heather Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Anderson College.

“Our commitment to our students is to provide superior educational and training experiences, ensuring they graduate with the skills and knowledge to succeed within their respective fields,” said Rose Elia, Chief Operating Officer of Anderson College. “This partnership empowers our Pharmacy Technician students to learn hands-on, serving patients, and provides a clear pathway for them to become licensed professionals, removing any barriers by providing financial support.”

TLAP funding covers a 100% reimbursement for registration and licensing fees and an 80% reimbursement of Pharmacy Technician program costs up to a maximum of $12,000.* Eligible Anderson College and Westervelt College students must be entitled to study/work in Canada, registered as a Pharmacy Technician student and be employed full-time or part-time (practicum training) within a Central Pharmacy Services.*

Virtual Open Houses to provide further details about the TLAP program and how to apply, will be held in the coming days.

*Terms and Conditions Apply. For more information on the TLAP Funding opportunity for students of our Pharmacy Technician program, please email info@andersoncollege.com.

Pharmacist-Led Health Clinic to Open in Lethbridge, Alberta

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Alberta’s first pharmacist-led primary healthcare clinic will open its doors to new patients in Lethbridge. Located inside the Lethbridge Real Canadian Superstore at 3515 Mayor Magrath Dr S, the Pharmacist Walk-in Clinic will offer a range of healthcare services to patients, including assessment and treatment of common ailments and injuries.
Access to primary healthcare services has been an ongoing issue across the country for some time and was most recently exacerbated by Covid-19. The expanded scope of practice for pharmacists in Alberta, however, is making it easier for patients to get access to the services they need.
Pharmacists in the province have the ability to assess patients and prescribe medications for minor illnesses and injuries, administer vaccines and other medications by injection, support chronic disease management and order and receive lab results. Making these services available in a pharmacist clinic setting will mean a reduction in urgent care and emergency room visits and ultimately can lead to better health outcomes for patients.

“Pharmacists in Alberta are uniquely positioned to relieve some of the burden on the province’s healthcare system and this innovative clinic will make access to care easier for residents in Lethbridge,” said Jeff Leger, head of pharmacy at Loblaw Companies Limited, and President, Shoppers Drug Mart. “We applaud the Government of Alberta for their support of pharmacy and for the work they continue to do, making healthcare more accessible to Albertans through pharmacy.”

The opening of the Pharmacist Walk-in Clinic is another way Loblaw is living up to its purpose to help Canadians live life well. The clinic adds to the company’s network of healthcare professionals and its national infrastructure that supports a variety of healthcare services through which Loblaw delivers care and wellness services to millions of Canadians weekly – both in-store and virtually, making healthcare more accessible, and convenient and seamless.

To support research and teaching at the clinic, Loblaw has provided a $500,000 grant to the University of Alberta. The grant will enable research and evaluation of innovative models of care implemented at the Pharmacist Walk-in Clinic and provide training opportunities for pharmacy students to complete clinical placements in a unique, community-based clinic environment. There will also be opportunities for collaborative care with other healthcare providers to foster a complete approach to patient care.

“This endeavour by Loblaw and the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is an exciting one for our students, faculty and the Lethbridge community,” said Interim Dean, Christine Hughes. “The Pharmacist Walk-in Clinic will provide our students with fantastic opportunities for experiential learning and collaboration as well as serve as a key primary care location making healthcare more accessible to the people of Lethbridge.”

Cyanotech Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2022

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Cyanotech Corporation (Nasdaq Capital Market: CYAN), a world leader in microalgae-based, high-value nutrition and health dietary supplement products, announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2022, which ended March 31, 2022.
 

Commenting on the fiscal year results (changes shown vs. fiscal 2021), Cyanotech’s Chief Executive Officer Emeritus and Chief Scientific Officer, Gerald R. Cysewski, Ph.D., said:

“Net sales increased to $36.0 million in the fiscal year, 11.2% over the prior year, with an improved gross profit as a result of lower cost of spirulina due to higher production volumes and astaxanthin as a result of production efficiencies. We generated $2.4 million in cash from operations, deleveraged the Balance Sheet by $1.7 million and invested over $1.0 million in capital expenditures.”

“Two new solar power systems were installed in our facility continuing Cyanotech’s commitment to renewable energy. In addition to the 791 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions we currently offset annually with our existing solar power system, the two new systems further reduce CO2 emissions by 163 metric tons per year.”

“After 39 years with Cyanotech, I have stepped down from my position at Cyanotech as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors (‘Board’) effective June 16, 2022, to have more personal time in my latter years. My time at Cyanotech has been both challenging and very rewarding. I will assume the position of CEO Emeritus and remain as Chief Scientific Officer. I will be available for consultation on business strategy on an as needed basis. I want to sincerely thank shareholders and employees for their support throughout the years.”

“Matt Custer has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board effective June 16, 2022. Matt has been the President of the Company since May 2021. He is a very talented and insightful leader, and I am confident the company is in good hands.”

“I am honoured and humbled to lead the organization and thank Gerry for creating a legacy for all of us to continue to uphold,” commented Matt Custer, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Fiscal Year 2022

Cyanotech reported net sales of $35,968,000 for fiscal 2022 compared to $32,345,000 in fiscal 2021, an increase of 11.2%. Gross profit was $13,566,000, with gross profit margin of 37.7%, compared to gross profit of $11,117,000 and gross profit margin of 34.4%. Operating income was $2,574,000 compared to operating income of $84,000.

Net income was $2,154,000 or $0.35 per diluted share, compared to net income of $920,000 or $0.15 per diluted share. Net income in fiscal 2021 includes $1,389,000, including accrued interest of $8,000 for the forgiveness of the loan under the Paycheck Protection Program.

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2022

Cyanotech reported net sales of $8,126,000 for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022 compared to $9,438,000 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, a decrease of 13.9%. Gross profit was $2,894,000 with gross profit margin of 35.6%, compared to gross profit of $2,771,000 and gross profit margin of 29.4% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. Operating income was $364,000 compared to operating loss of $24,000 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. Net income was $277,000, or $0.04 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $200,000, or ($0.03) per diluted share in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021.

Oragin Foods Inc. Reports First Quarter Results

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The Canadian multi-faceted food company operating a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Division where new and innovative food and beverage brands are developed, acquired, grown and commercialized as well as a Retail Division that operates one of Canada’s leading natural and organic food retailers, Organic Garage.

The Company is pleased to announce its financial results for the quarter ended April 30, 2022 (“Q1”). The Company has a Fiscal Year End of January 31. All figures presented are in Canadian Dollars, the Company’s functional currency.

Q1 Financial Results (comparison to the quarter ended April 30, 2021);

Net loss of $650,278 compared to $907,013 for the quarter ended April 30, 2021;
Store wages and benefits decreased by 11.7% due to management of staffing and improved efficiencies.

Sales decreased from $7.0 million to $5.7 million and was significantly impacted by Organic Garage’s renovation to one of its older retail store locations as well as changes to Government COVID-19 lockdown policies compared to the previous comparative period;
Gross Profit of $1,604,718 compared to $2,029,495 for the quarter ended April 30, 2021;
Net loss: The Company had a net loss of $650,278 for the quarter ended April 30, 2022, compared to a net loss of $907,013 for the quarter ended April 30, 2021. Net loss was attributed to a decrease in sales due to the Company’s decision to complete significant renovations at one of the older Organic Garage retail locations, non-cash stock-based compensation of $91,044, and costs incurred during the renovation, offset by decreases in store wages and benefits, professional fees and costs savings related to the Company’s phase-out of warehouse operations.In February 2022, the Company announced the change of its name from Organic Garage Ltd. to Oragin Foods Inc. and the launch of a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Division which currently has one portfolio company, the Future of Cheese, and separate operations through ORAGIN’s Retail Division (Organic Garage).

Matt Lurie, CEO of ORAGIN, commented, “We achieved several operational goals during the quarter, including a significant renovation to one of our locations. The impact of the renovations was felt through our reported results; however, we expect that the short-term negative impacts will be offset by the long-term expectations for the location, including enhanced customer experience and operational efficiencies. Consistent branding and unified offerings across all our locations is a focus for the Company with our existing locations as we plan for future store expansion. The Company now has the majority of its locations with consistent award-winning branding and services, and the decision to engage in the renovation during this time was part of our long-term planning.

“In relation to the Future of Cheese, during Q1 we were excited to announce the addition of industry executive Matt Merson and continue to focus on both domestic expansion and entrance into the U.S. market. The CPG Division continues to actively engage and evaluate select M&A opportunities to grow our portfolio and our bottom line.”

“Looking forward through the rest of the fiscal year, we are expecting fiscal improvements for the associated areas of our operations that faced non-recurring expenses last year. Management continues to focus on incremental operating expense reduction while at the same time maintaining and improving our product and service offering at each of our locations. We acknowledge the challenges facing the business in regard to in-store sales and are working diligently to ensure that we are navigating the macro economic environment that is weighing heavily on businesses across the retail spectrum with strategy and purpose. We are excited for the go forward path of ORAGIN and both of our divisions continue to show opportunity for growth.”