NOW and Then

This episode explores the shifts redefining food and wellness—from the rise of GLP-1s and changing consumer habits to evolving school food policy and a broader view of food safety. What does it all mean for the future of the industry?

Wellness isn’t going away—but it is being redefined. In this episode of NOW & Then, Ashley and Lynsey explore the “wellness reset” and how uncertainty is reshaping consumer behaviour. From the shift away from “maxxing” toward essentials, to rising expectations around trust, value, and efficacy, they break down what matters most right now—and what it means for brands and retailers. Plus, key regulatory signals from the EU and U.S. and what they could mean for Canada.Learn more about ⁠CHFA NOW⁠Find out more about industry our ⁠events⁠Follow us on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠For Regulatory links email us at ⁠[email protected]. glyphosate executive order / policy signalCompetition Bureau Canada report on shared kitchens / food hubsOttawa by-law update on home-based food businessesEU plant-based naming restrictions (⁠summary article⁠)UK Oatly ⁠case⁠ on “Post Milk Generation” or ⁠BBC article⁠

In this February episode of NOW & Then, Lynsey and Ashley recap CHFA NOW Vancouver and unpack the forces shaping the natural, organic and wellness industry in 2026.From wellness fatigue and shifting consumer value expectations to a regulatory pathway for CBD products hitting a dead end, the conversation connects what’s happening at shelf with what’s unfolding in policy. They also cover updates on organic standards, labelling changes, non-alcoholic claims, and red tape reduction efforts — and what it all means for brands and retailers navigating the year ahead.If you’re looking for clarity on both consumer mindset and regulatory direction, this episode sets the context for what’s next.Learn more about CHFA NOWFind out more about industry our eventsFollow us on LinkedIn and InstagramFor Regulatory links email us at [email protected]

The first NOW & Then episode of the year is here. We dive into fresh consumer research, key themes ahead of CHFA NOW Vancouver, and early signals across retail, regulation, and wellness trends, so if you’re navigating trust, claims, certifications, or what’s next for the industry, this episode sets the stage for 2026. Tune in now!Links:Find out more about CHFA NOW VancouverDiscover conference sessions like Trust, Transparency & Tradeoff and How Shopper Will Buy Wellness in 2026.Check out the CHFA Launch Pad finalistsSmall & Local Brands Stand Out at Grocery Stores (Food Dive)The 6 Trends You Need to Know From Winter FancyFaire (The Food Institute)NHP GMP Compliance & Inspection Readiness WorkshopNHPRS Webinar: High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)Questions or comments? Learn more at chfa.ca or get in touch [email protected]

In our final NOW & Then episode of the year, we rewind 2025 and revisit the stories that shaped the natural, organic and wellness industry. From evolving consumer mindsets and new wellness segments to red tape reduction, non-GMO labeling momentum, women’s health insights, and front-of-pack enforcement, Lynsey and Ashley break down what mattered, and why. We also share an exclusive sneak peek at CHFA’s first major consumer study of 2026, hinting at a topic that will define the year ahead, so listen now for the top lessons from 2025 and what’s coming next as we head into 2026.

In one of their most insightful episodes yet, Ashley and Lynsey take listeners inside CHFA’s brand-new Women’s Health & NOW Study, a deep dive into what 1,500+ Canadian women are currently experiencing across every life stage. They break down surprising trends from 1,500+ women, including:69% are juggling at least one health challengefatigue, anxiety, and sleep issues cut across every age groupthe real impact of conditions like infertility, PCOS, and endometriosiswhat women trust (and don’t trust) about natural health productsthe rise of the influential “wellness super consumer” They also share clear takeaways for brands, retailers, and practitioners on supporting women holistically, improving trust, and making wellness more accessible. Plus: major NHP regulatory news, a big cost-recovery advocacy win, and a shout-out to Canadian brand Gutsy Ginger Beer, just named the best ginger beer in the world.

In this episode of Now and Then, Ashley Cornell sits down with Lynsey Walker, to explore the latest consumer insights shaping Canada’s wellness market. We dive into theWellness by the Numbers report, uncovering four distinct wellness mindsets and what drives consumer behavior beyond age, income, or location.Plus, we break down critical regulatory updates, including front-of-pack labeling deadlines, supplemented foods requirements, and the latest in natural health productregulations, from workload management improvements to GMP updates.Stay ahead of industry trends with insights from Whole Foods’ top food predictions for 2026 and learn what’s really influencing Canadians’ wellness choices in our Octoberepisode.Whether you’re in the natural, organic, or wellness industry, or you're just passionate about trends and innovation, this episode gives you the insider knowledge you need tostay informed about the industry. Useful resources: https://chfa.ca/news/https://chfa.ca/industry-resources/consumer-reports/

We’re back with another busy episode, bringing you the latest news and updates in September. Fresh off the floor at CHFA NOW Toronto, we’re sharing the energy, standout moments, and three major wellness trends set to shape 2026, plus, we dive into the latest regulatory updates you need to know:Health Canada’s Red Tape Reduction plansNew GMP Guidance (Version 4.0) for NHPsImport reminders for organic productsEU’s new deforestation rules and what they mean for Canadian exportersWhether you missed the show or just want the key takeaways, this episode is your insider guide to what’s happening now and in the near future. If you need clarification on anything, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or send us a message on social and we will respond to your question on air next month. Useful resources: https://chfa.ca/news/  https://chfa.ca/news-post/whats-next-in-wellness-the-canadian-health-food-association-reveals-the-t… https://chfa.ca/advocacy/us-canada-trade-relations/

In this special episode of CHFA’s NOW & Then podcast, we shift the conversation from regulation to insight. Join us as we unpack six key findings from CHFA’s 2025 Health, Wellness and the Canadian Consumer Study. From shifting priorities in self-care to what’s driving purchasing decisions and shaping everyday lifestyles, we're taking a look at where the Canadian natural, organic and industry is headed. Resources:Not sure how to make origin claims?⁠Find the full CFIA resource ⁠here⁠View the AAFC launch Food Made in Canada toolkit ⁠

From the launch of our Health, Wellness and the Canadian Consumer Report, to a deep dive on Health Canada’s sodium reduction targets, Ashley breaks down the real-world challenges around reformulation, food safety, and industry collaboration.Throughout this episode, we also unpack:The new Front-of-Pack labelling requirements for high-sodium foodsThe latest changes to Canada’s Competition Act and what businesses need to know about making environmental claimsHighlights from the 18th Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF)—including Canada’s role in discussions on tropane alkaloids and recycled plastics in food packagingTune in for expert insights, policy updates, and the regulatory trends you need to stay ahead.Links: To view our consumer sample report click ⁠here⁠. CHFA members, download the full report ⁠here⁠. To find out more on Sodium Reduction, click ⁠here⁠.For the NNHPD request form, click ⁠here⁠. To review the Competition Act June Amendments & Environmental Claims Guidance click ⁠here⁠. Watch the CCCF18 video ⁠here⁠.

Tune in to June's episode where we’re joined by our first-ever guest speakers: Lara Tiro, food scientist and commercialization expert, and Christine Farkas, research chef and culinary innovation specialist — the dynamic duo behind Munching on Molecules.Together with host Lynsey Walker, they unpack some of the most important topics currently shaping the future of the organic and wellness industry in Canada, from:The latest updates to the Canadian Organic StandardsHow U.S. tariffs are already impacting Canadian innovation and packagingNew regulatory changes that brands and professionals need to knowHow industry voices, including yours, can influence what organic means moving forwardWhether you’re a product developer, brand owner, or just curious about what’s next in organics, this episode offers actionable insights and expert perspectives to help you stay ahead so tune in now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of our industry.To submit a public comment for the Organic Standards, click here. To register for The Trust Factor: Navigating Brand Responsibility and Consumer Demand in Natural, Organic & Wellness Products webinar, visit this link.

In this episode of NOW & Then, Lynsey and Ashley take you through a jam-packed May for Canada’s natural, organic, and wellness products industry. We kick off with highlights from the CHFA Regulatory Forum in Ottawa, then dive into key updates including Health Canada’s consultation on caffeine in supplemented foods, the opening of the Organic Standards public comment period, and new import requirements for organic products.We also break down the FDA’s shift to unannounced inspections for foreign facilities and explore how Europe is reshaping food policy with science-led decision-making. Plus, we touch on the upcoming CHFA webinars that you won’t want to miss!Whether you're navigating compliance, shaping policy, or planning your next export move, this episode has something for you.Tune in, stay informed, and stay connected.

Between federal elections, ongoing consultations, and our Vancouver Conference and Tradeshow, April was a whirlwind for the industry. This month’s NOW & Then episode explores what these developments mean for the regulatory priorities shaping Canada's natural, organic, and wellness (NOW) industry. We spotlight CHFA’s growing advocacy in the non-alcoholic beverage space, pushing for more accurate labelling aligned with global standards. Plus, we unpack the ripple effects of recent FDA layoffs in the U.S. and how they could impact Canada’s food safety and regulatory landscape.Looking for more information? Check out the latest CHFA Regulatory Report at chfa.ca for more insights.

This month’s episode dives into the latest regulatory wins shaping the NOW industry in Canada—and why your involvement in upcoming consultations is crucial. From front-of-pack labeling updates for granola to potentially exciting opportunities for supplemented candy—plus a major CBD update—big changes are on the horizon. These regulatory shifts are paving the way for industry growth, but to ensure government considers the industry's perspective, we need your voice at the table.Tune in as we break down the latest developments and share how you can get involved in shaping the future of our industry.Looking for a deeper dive? Check out our latest CHFA Regulatory Report at chfa.ca for more insights.

This month’s episode explores the economic impact of impending U.S. tariffs on Canadian brands, the key steps to ensure your "Made in Canada" claims meet compliance standards, and the crucial role trade associations play in shaping regulations through consultations (and how you can get involved!). Tune in for expert insights on navigating these landscape and head to your inbox to get the written report — exclusive for CHFA Members.

It’s our first CHFA podcast! Welcome to NOW & Then - an insight into changing NOW regulations in Canada and the impact it will have on your business. This month, we dive into what a prorogued government means for businesses in the natural, organic and wellness space in Canada, updates from the food modernization framework from Health Canada, the buzz around red dye no. 3 and the new Trump administration in the U.S.A. CHFA Members, find a detailed Regulatory Report in your inbox on the last Wednesday of every month. Want to learn more about CHFA and how we can help your business grow in Canada? Head to chfa.ca.