Maison Riviera is entering a new phase of its evolution. The Quebec-based pioneer in dairy and plant-based innovation has appointed industry veteran Michael Norman as general manager (CEO), effective 5 January 2026. His arrival coincides with the rollout of a major industrial and marketing investment plan designed to accelerate Riviera’s growth as an iconic brand of Quebec expertise in Canada’s refrigerated aisles.

For retailers and health-channel operators watching the rapid convergence of dairy, plant-based and better-for-you trends, this leadership change is more than a personnel note. It signals that Riviera intends to lean even harder into product differentiation, sustainability and premium positioning over the next several years.

A leader shaped by Canada’s co-operative agri-food sector

Norman brings nearly 30 years of experience in the Canadian agri-food sector, much of it within the co-operative ecosystem that underpins a large share of the country’s food production and processing.

Over the course of his career, he has held senior management roles at two of Canada’s largest co-operatives, Agropur and Exceldor. Most recently, he served as general manager of Nutrinor, a major Quebec co-operative with activities that span agri-food, agriculture and retail. This background gives him a rare, system-level perspective on everything from farmgate realities to category management in the grocery channel.

Norman is known for his leadership, strategic vision and business development skills – attributes that will be essential as Riviera balances its traditional dairy roots with its growing plant-based offerings.

“It is a privilege to join a company as iconic as Maison Riviera. I have always been driven by values of authenticity, innovation, and cooperation. I look forward to working with the teams to accelerate Riviera’s growth and strengthen our commitment to quality and sustainability for Canadian consumers,” he said of his appointment.

A century-old Quebec brand, focused on tomorrow’s shopper

Maison Riviera’s roots stretch back to 1920, when the company first began serving Quebecers as a regional dairy. Over more than a century, it has built a reputation for quality and originality, pairing a strong sense of place with a willingness to experiment.

Today, Riviera is recognised for an extensive portfolio of dairy and plant-based products that cater to shifting consumer expectations around taste, nutrition, and environmental impact. From premium dairy lines to plant-based alternatives, the brand has positioned itself as a bridge between traditional dairy shoppers and flexitarian consumers who are rethinking what goes into their baskets.

That dual identity – dairy artisans and plant-based innovators – is central to Riviera’s current strategic plan. The newly announced industrial and marketing investment programme is aimed at reinforcing exactly that: investing in facilities, innovation and brand-building that highlight Riviera’s authenticity, quality and sustainable mindset.

“Mr. Norman’s appointment reaffirms our commitment to Riviera’s future and our desire to refocus our Quebec-based company’s strategy on its key success factors: differentiation through the quality and originality of its products and services,” said Hervé Massot, general manager and CEO of Groupe Alsace Lait, Riviera’s parent organisation. “The goal is to bring our authentic and sustainable expertise to life by leveraging our strong regional roots.”

What this means for Canadian retailers and health independents

For Canadian grocers, pharmacies, and natural health retailers, the appointment of Norman – and the investment plan behind it – sends several clear signals.

First, expect a continued emphasis on premium, differentiated products. Riviera has built its reputation on quality, packaging design and elevated eating experiences; with fresh investment and an experienced leader at the helm, the brand is well positioned to deepen that positioning across dairy and plant-based sets.

Second, the company is likely to sharpen its storytelling around sustainability and regional identity. In an environment where consumers are increasingly seeking products that support local economies, minimise environmental impact and deliver clean, recognisable ingredients, Riviera’s Quebec roots and commitment to authentic expertise can offer retailers a compelling narrative at shelf.

Third, retailers can anticipate closer collaboration around category growth. Norman’s background in co-operatives, where long-term relationships and shared value are central, suggests a leadership style that will prioritise joint business planning, data-informed assortment decisions and strategic activation – particularly in segments such as better-for-you dairy, plant-based yogourt-style products and value-added cream or dessert offerings.

For independents and health-focused retailers, Riviera’s plant-based lines and better-for-you innovations may open the door to more curated sets that still feel indulgent and “gourmet”, but align with wellness-oriented shoppers. For larger banners, the opportunity lies in using Riviera as a destination brand to differentiate the refrigerated aisle and drive basket trade-up.

Looking ahead: growth with heritage in mind

As Michael Norman officially steps into his role in January 2026, the immediate priority will be to translate Riviera’s investment plan into tangible gains: stronger brand recognition, a more efficient and flexible industrial base, and a pipeline of innovations that match where Canadian consumers are heading.

At the same time, the company has been explicit that growth will not come at the expense of its heritage. Riviera’s history as a Quebec dairy artisan remains a point of pride and a key driver of trust with consumers who are wary of commoditised, “me too” products.

For the broader Canadian agri-food sector, this appointment illustrates an important theme: the brands that will win are those able to honour their roots while leaning into new consumer expectations around plant-based eating, sustainability and premium experiences. Riviera’s next chapter, under Norman’s leadership, will be one to watch for retailers across the country.

When a major grocery and drugstore player like Metro Inc announces another round of share buybacks, the move is about more than just market mechanics. It is a statement about confidence, cash flow, and the company’s role in a fast-changing Canadian retail landscape.

Metro Inc. has confirmed that the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) has approved the renewal of its normal course issuer bid (NCIB) program. Between 27 November 2025 and 26 November 2026, the company may repurchase up to 10,000,000 ordinary shares—about 4.7% of its issued and outstanding shares as of 13 November 2025. For IHR Magazine readers, this is a useful window into how one of Canada’s largest grocery–pharmacy players is choosing to deploy excess capital at a time of ongoing cost pressures, shifting consumer demand, and intense competition in food, pharmacy, and health products.

Inside Metro’s 2025–2026 normal course issuer bid

On 13 November 2025, Metro had 213,800,822 issued and outstanding common shares, with 212,645,667 shares in the public float. Under TSX rules, the average daily trading volume over the previous six months—446,822 shares—matters because it caps how many shares can be repurchased on any single trading day.

Based on those rules, Metro will be permitted to buy back up to 111,705 common shares per day, subject to the TSX’s limits on block purchases. These repurchases will be executed through the TSX at market price and via alternative Canadian trading systems, in line with exchange policies and securities regulations. The company also has the option to buy shares through private agreements, under a specific exemption order from securities regulators, generally at a discount to the prevailing market price.

Every share Metro repurchases under this NCIB will be cancelled. In practical terms, that reduces the number of shares outstanding, which can increase earnings per share (EPS) over time and potentially support the share price—assuming the underlying business continues to perform.

A look back: the results of Metro’s current buyback

The renewal comes on the heels of an already active year on the buyback front. Under the NCIB in place from 27 November 2024 to 26 November 2025, Metro repurchased 8,700,000 common shares as of 13 November 2025. Those shares were bought at a weighted average price of $97.51, for a total outlay of approximately $848.3 million.

Those repurchases, like the new program, were carried out through the TSX and alternative trading systems at market prices. For investors, that level of buyback activity sends a clear signal: management believes Metro shares are a compelling use of capital alongside continued investment in operations, technology, and its grocery and pharmacy networks.

For IHR readers tracking the health and wellness side of retail, it also underscores how large banners like Metro and its Jean Coutu pharmacy chain are balancing returning cash to shareholders with continued investment in in-store experience, private-label health products, and pharmacy-based health services.

Automatic Share Purchase Plan: buybacks that keep running

One of the more technical—but important—details in Metro’s announcement is its intention to enter into an Automatic Share Purchase Plan (ASPP) with National Bank Financial Inc., its designated dealer. Once the new NCIB begins, the ASPP will allow Metro’s broker to repurchase common shares automatically, following pre-set instructions.

Why does this matter? Insider trading rules and Metro’s own blackout policies prevent the company from actively repurchasing shares during certain periods—for example, just before earnings releases. An ASPP is designed to keep the NCIB moving during those blackout windows. The broker can continue purchasing shares based on the pre-agreed parameters, even when Metro itself is restricted from giving new trading instructions.

Outside those ASPP blackout periods, Metro will continue to repurchase shares at its discretion, subject to applicable laws and regulatory guidelines. For the market, this structure offers more consistency in buyback activity and can help smooth out the pace of repurchases over the full life of the NCIB.

What this means for the broader health and retail landscape

For suppliers, independent retailers, and health brands watching from the sidelines, Metro’s renewed NCIB is one more signal that Canada’s largest food and pharmacy chains are generating the cash flow to both reinvest in operations and return capital to shareholders.

A sustained buyback program often reflects several underlying realities:

• The company believes its shares are fairly valued—or undervalued—relative to future earnings power.
• Cash generation from operations is strong enough to fund both growth initiatives and shareholder returns.
• Management is confident in the stability of the business model, even amid changing consumer patterns and cost pressures.

For health and nutrition brands trying to win shelf space in grocery and pharmacy chains, that stability matters. Retailers with strong balance sheets and active capital-return programs often have more capacity to experiment with new categories—such as functional foods, supplements, and wellness-oriented private labels—while still delivering on investor expectations.

Metro’s renewed NCIB does not directly dictate what happens in its pharmacy aisles or supplement sets. But it does reinforce a bigger narrative: Canada’s integrated grocery–pharmacy players are positioning themselves as long-term, cash-generating platforms. For IHR Magazine readers, that is a reminder that winning with these banners means thinking not only in terms of product and promotions, but also about how those products align with a retailer’s long-term value story.

After 28 years as SupplySide West, the industry’s most anticipated ingredient showcase returned to the Mandalay Bay Convention Centre with a new name and an even bigger mandate. SupplySide Global 2025, held October 27-30, wasn’t just a rebrand—it was a statement of intent for an industry that’s truly gone worldwide.

With over 20,000 attendees and more than 1,600 exhibitors filling the expo halls, this year’s show proved that the health and nutrition sector isn’t just thriving—it’s transforming. For Canadian retailers and brands looking to stay ahead of consumer demands, the insights gathered from these four days are nothing short of essential.

A Show Floor That Speaks to Our Times

Walking the aisles this year felt different. The energy was electric, but more focused. Exhibitors weren’t just showcasing ingredients—they were presenting solutions to real consumer challenges. The introduction of dedicated zones for food and beverage, dietary supplements, and first-time exhibitors made navigation intuitive and ensured that even smaller innovators had their moment in the spotlight.

The New Exhibitor Zone deserves special mention. It’s where we discovered some of the show’s most exciting finds, including BioVivo Science making their U.S. debut with American-grown botanicals like American ginseng and saw palmetto. For an industry increasingly focused on supply chain transparency and “grown close to home” narratives, these locally sourced ingredients represent exactly the kind of innovation Canadian retailers should be watching.

The Top Trends Reshaping Retail Shelves

1. Healthspan Takes Centre Stage

Forget anti-ageing—the conversation has evolved. Scott Dicker, senior director of market insights at SPINS, who walked the show floor with industry watchers, confirmed what many suspected: healthspan is the dominant theme of 2025 and beyond. “We’ve been talking about healthspan for a couple of years, and we’ve really seen it evolve to the point where this is probably the thing we’re seeing most on the show floor,” Dicker explained.

This trend is manifesting in sophisticated ways. Exhibitors showcased ingredients targeting hormonal health, beauty-from-within, bone and muscle health, and cellular protection. The narrative has shifted from simply living longer to living better—a message that resonates deeply with the conscious consumers walking into Canadian health food stores today.

2. Pycnogenol’s Expanded Wellness Portfolio

At booth #4724, Horphag Research demonstrated why some ingredients become category staples—they keep delivering new science. This year’s spotlight on Pycnogenol®, the French maritime pine bark extract, revealed compelling clinical findings that build on Pycnogenol®’s key antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, addressing the versatile healthspan support consumers are looking for today. The new research presented at the show focused on three particularly relevant areas for today’s consumers: its ability to act as a powerful extracellular matrix activator for skin, joint and eye care , cellulite reduction, and support for GLP-1 users. The cellulite research is especially noteworthy—a clinical trial conducted in China showed that daily supplementation with Pycnogenol significantly reduced cellulite severity and improved skin roughness, giving retailers a science-backed beauty-from-within story that extends
beyond the usual collagen narrative.
Even more timely is the emerging data on Pycnogenol’s role in supporting individuals using GLP-1 medications. As the weight management landscape shifts toward pharmaceutical interventions, ingredients like Pycnogenol that can support cardiovascular health, skin elasticity during weight loss, and overall wellness provide exactly the kind of companion nutrition consumers are seeking.
Pycnogenol’s evolution to a multi-faceted wellness ingredient demonstrates how established, well-researched ingredients can find new relevance by addressing contemporary health concerns. For retailers, it’s a reminder that the “classics” deserve shelf space—especially when backed by decades of research and over 160 published studies.

3. The GLP-1 Phenomenon—Companion Over Competitor

Love it or hate it, you couldn’t escape the GLP-1 conversation at SupplySide Global 2025. But here’s where it gets interesting for retailers: the smartest brands aren’t trying to compete with pharmaceutical weight loss drugs—they’re complementing them.

Dicker noted that traditional weight management supplements (fat burners, appetite suppressants) have been declining by double digits year-over-year, but companion products designed to fill nutrient gaps for GLP-1 users are surging. “If people look to fill nutrient gaps, multivitamins certainly have higher household penetration,” he observed. This creates a genuine retail opportunity: educating customers on proper nutritional support during their weight loss journey rather than positioning against mainstream medical treatments.

That said, exhibitors making overblown claims about “natural GLP-1 alternatives” were met with skepticism—and rightly so. As one industry veteran put it bluntly, “Companies making real or implied claims that their food ingredients are somehow acting like a drug are begging for trouble.” The message for retailers? Focus on evidence-based companion nutrition, not miracle claims.

4. Brain Health Gets an Energy Boost

The convergence of cognitive health and energy management emerged as a defining megatrend—what some are calling “brainergy.” From nootropics enhancing mental performance to mushroom extracts supporting focus, exhibitors presented ingredient solutions that go far beyond caffeine.

Lion’s mane mushroom continued its dominance as the category leader, with its erinacines delivering measurable cognitive benefits that consumers can actually feel. New forms of caffeine—like sustained-release varieties and paraxanthine, caffeine’s primary metabolite—promise focused energy without the jitters or crash.

Retailers should note that younger consumers are particularly drawn to these functional mind-and-mood products, often preferring them in beverage formats rather than traditional capsules. The opportunity to cross-merchandise cognitive support with energy drinks and functional beverages has never been clearer.

5. Bioavailability Becomes Non-Negotiable

Here’s a trend that separates serious brands from pretenders: bioavailability. It’s no longer enough to list impressive-sounding ingredients on a label—consumers and retailers alike want proof that those nutrients are actually being absorbed.

From liposomal delivery systems to next-generation nanovesicles like Nusomes, ingredient suppliers are investing heavily in technologies that enhance absorption. For retailers, this creates a powerful differentiation story. When customers ask, “What makes this brand better?” you can now point to clinical bioavailability data showing nutrients actually reaching the bloodstream.

6. Gut Health’s Expanding Universe

The gut-health conversation has matured beyond probiotics. While targeted, strain-specific probiotics for mood, cognition, heart health, and even skin continue to proliferate, prebiotics and postbiotics are claiming their share of the spotlight.

SPINS research reveals a fascinating generational split: younger consumers prefer getting digestive health benefits from functional foods and beverages, while older demographics over-index on supplements. This insight should inform merchandising strategies—positioning prebiotic sodas and fermented snacks where Millennials and Gen Z shop, while ensuring robust supplement options remain accessible for Boomer customers.

7. Natural Colours Paint a Brighter Picture

With consumer backlash mounting against synthetic, petroleum-based food dyes—and regulatory threats looming—natural colour solutions are experiencing a renaissance. The show floor was awash (literally) with vibrant natural alternatives derived from fruits, vegetables, and minerals.

For Canadian brands formulating gummies, beverages, or any product requiring visual appeal, the investment in natural colours isn’t just about clean-label marketing anymore—it’s about future-proofing against potential regulatory changes and meeting consumer expectations for transparency.

8. India’s Ayurvedic Innovation

The presence and sophistication of Indian ingredient suppliers was impossible to miss. Backed by thousands of years of ayurvedic tradition and modern scientific validation, ingredients like ashwagandha, curcumin, shilajit, and shatavari have moved from obscure botanicals to mainstream wellness staples.

What’s particularly impressive is how Indian suppliers are combining traditional knowledge with cutting-edge extraction technologies and clinical research, delivering standardised, bioavailable ingredients that meet Western regulatory expectations. For retailers, these ingredients offer compelling stories rooted in ancient wisdom validated by modern science—exactly the narrative today’s educated consumers crave.

9. Creatine’s Comeback—Beyond the Gym

Thirty years after its bodybuilding heyday, creatine is experiencing a dramatic mainstream renaissance. The catalyst? Recognition that this metabolic energy booster benefits far more than just muscle performance.

Menopausal women seeking bone health support, everyday fitness enthusiasts, and anyone needing mental energy are discovering creatine’s benefits. Since the brain uses 20% of the body’s energy despite being only 2% of body weight, creatine’s cognitive support potential is enormous. Expect to see creatine in innovative formats—gummies, ready-to-drink beverages, even functional waters—reaching demographics that would never have considered traditional powder supplements.

Sustainability Wasn’t Just Talk—It Was Action

SupplySide Global 2025 demonstrated that sustainability commitments are becoming operational reality, not just marketing rhetoric. The show ran on 100% renewable electricity, eliminated 380,000 square feet of aisle carpeting, replaced printed materials with digital alternatives, and featured compostable serviceware throughout.

Perhaps most touching was the Bark Park, where attendees could decompress with adoptable puppies—combining wellness with social impact in a way that felt authentic rather than performative. Post-show, booth materials were donated to Habitat for Humanity, and trees from the expo hall were replanted in Las Vegas neighbourhoods.

The Retail Takeaway

SupplySide Global 2025 delivered a clear message: the health and nutrition industry is maturing rapidly, moving from trend-chasing to solution-providing. For Canadian retailers, the implications are significant:

Stock smarter, not just broader. Focus on ingredients with proven bioavailability and clinical backing. Your customers are getting educated, and generalisations won’t cut it anymore.

Tell better stories. The ingredients showcased in Las Vegas come with compelling narratives—from Indian ayurvedic wisdom to American-grown botanicals to decades-researched pine bark extracts. Use them to create emotional connections with your customers.

Think cross-category. The lines between supplements, functional foods, and beauty products are blurring. Merchandising strategies should reflect this convergence.

Prepare for the companion revolution. As pharmaceutical interventions become more common, natural products will increasingly play supporting roles. Frame your offerings accordingly.

Next year’s show shifts to a three-day format (October 28-30, 2026), but the momentum from this year’s event will carry the industry forward for months to come. For those who attended, it was a reminder of why this show remains essential. For those who missed it, the trends are clear: innovation is accelerating, standards are rising, and the future of health and wellness looks brighter—and more scientifically grounded—than ever.

For more coverage of natural health industry trends and retail strategies, visit IHRmagazine.com

A quiet but significant change to Canada’s food rules is about to reshape what “clean label” really means at the meat counter. Health Canada is updating its Novel Foods framework in a way that would remove cloned cattle and swine from the definition of “novel foods”.

In practice, this means beef and pork from cloned animal lines could enter the Canadian food supply without a dedicated novel food safety review and without mandatory labelling to identify cloned origins. On the shelf, cloned and non-cloned products would look identical to the average shopper.

Cloned animals are typically produced through advanced reproductive technologies, with their offspring entering the conventional meat stream. Under the previous approach, foods from cloned livestock were treated as “novel” and captured under a specific policy for pre-market assessment. The new direction aligns cloned beef and pork with conventional meat, while leaving consumers with no clear way to distinguish between the two.

One Canadian pork producer is openly challenging that direction. duBreton, known for its Certified Humane and organic pork, has stated that it does not use cloning and will never adopt the practice. The company is calling on food brands to go beyond regulatory minimums by adopting voluntary, third-party-verifiable “no cloned animals” labelling and transparency commitments. The message is simple: if cloned meat can enter the system without a label, consumers should still have the option to choose brands that do not participate.

For natural health and clean-label retailers, this shift lands at a moment when trust, traceability and ethical sourcing sit at the centre of purchase decisions. Shoppers who choose organic, grass-fed, regenerative or humane-certified proteins are already reading beyond the Nutrition Facts panel. The possibility of cloned animal lines in the conventional meat supply raises fresh questions about how you communicate “natural”, “traditional breeding” and “responsibly raised” at the shelf and online.

What can retailers and brands do now?

• Ask upstream questions. Engage meat and prepared-food suppliers on whether they use cloned lines or plan to, and what documentation they can provide to confirm their position.
• Clarify claims. If you promote organic, humane or regenerative certifications, highlight that these systems exclude cloning and rely on traceable, audited standards.
• Educate your customers. Many Canadians are not aware that cloned meat is on the regulatory agenda. A short explainer in your newsletter, on your website or through in-store communication can position your business as a proactive, transparent guide.

duBreton is also inviting its retail and supply chain partners to join in advancing transparency around animal cloning and gene-edited production, with the goal of making responsibly raised pork accessible while preserving consumer trust in Canadian food.

As this regulatory update moves forward, IHR will continue to follow what it means for food formulators, supplement brands working with functional proteins, and retailers who have built their reputations on ingredient integrity and openness.

KSM-66 Ashwagandha has added elite star power to its science-backed adaptogen story.

The clinically researched ashwagandha root extract, manufactured by Ixoreal Biomed and used by more than 4,500 brands worldwide, has named FC Barcelona striker and Poland captain Robert Lewandowski as its new global brand ambassador.

For the natural health and supplement industry, this is a powerful alignment of high-performance sport, traditional Ayurveda, and modern clinical validation.

A long-time user, not a celebrity add-on

According to KSM-66, this is not a typical endorsement deal built in a boardroom. Lewandowski has reportedly been using KSM-66 Ashwagandha for years, relying on the root-only extract to support recovery, mental focus, and consistency at the top level of the game.

“At 37, playing at this level is not just about training harder, it is about recovering smarter,” Lewandowski says. “I have been using KSM-66 for years because it helps with what matters most: recovery after intense matches and staying mentally focused under pressure. Your body and mind need to work together.”

The partnership also builds on an existing connection: the Lewandowski family’s wellness brand, Levann, has already been formulating with KSM-66 Ashwagandha in its own products. That long-term usage, the company notes, is part of what makes the partnership feel authentic rather than transactional.

Root-only ashwagandha and clinical validation

KSM-66 is positioned as a certified organic, root-only ashwagandha extract that reflects over 4,000 years of Ayurvedic tradition while meeting modern scientific and regulatory expectations. It is currently backed by more than 70 clinical studies supporting benefits in areas such as stress, sleep, cognitive function, and overall wellness.

The company stresses that using only the root is not just a branding choice; it is a quality and safety stance. While some manufacturers blend in stems and leaves to cut costs, KSM-66 points to advisories from Indian authorities that raise concerns around non-traditional plant parts being used for ashwagandha products. Root-only extraction, they argue, is more consistent with historic use and with the safety and purity profile modern consumers expect.

“Root-only extraction of ashwagandha adheres to thousands of years of traditional usage and modern clinical validation,” notes Paras Jain, COO of KSM-66. “When performance is non-negotiable, quality cannot be compromised.”

Why this matters for health brands and retailers

For formulators and retailers in the natural health space, the Lewandowski partnership signals several important trends:

• Evidence-based adaptogens are going mainstream. Positioning is shifting from vague “stress support” to specific, clinically validated outcomes tied to performance, recovery, and mental focus.
• Elite athletes want credible science. When an athlete at 37 links their longevity to a specific ingredient and its clinical backing, it reinforces the message that serious performance requires serious evidence.
• Consumer education is moving toward quality cues. Root-only sourcing, organic certification, and transparent clinical data are becoming key differentiators in a crowded stress and sleep category.

Kartikeya Baldwa, Founder and CEO of KSM-66, frames the partnership as a formal recognition of a relationship built on results rather than marketing alone.

“Robert did not choose us for a headline,” Baldwa says. “He chose us long ago based on quality and clinical validation. His sustained excellence reflects results that come from uncompromising standards.”

As demand for adaptogens, stress support, and recovery-focused formulas continues to rise, this type of athlete–ingredient alignment may set a new benchmark for how brands communicate credibility, quality, and performance to increasingly informed consumers and health practitioners.