2
The early pioneers
These incredible doctors, nutritionists and
scientists are only a handful of pioneers who
helped lay the foundation for our thriving natural
product business today.
The Father of Medicine and a
medical practitioner, Hippocrates
(400 BC to 377 BC), regarded
food as a primary form of medicine
more that 2,500 years ago.
“There is provision in nature for all the
ills of man, and a remedy for every
disease.”
Jethro Kloss (1863-1946)
was a leading pioneer who helped
shape this industry as we know it today.
His magnum opus, Back to Eden
(1939), sold over 3 million copies and
went on to become a bible to many
health food nuts in the early years of the
natural food industry.
3
The early pioneers (continued)
Linus Carl Pauling PhD (1901-1994)
was a great scientist, humanitarian and a much
respected defender of civil liberties and health issues.
He is the only person ever to receive two unshared
Nobel Prizes—Chemistry (1954), Peace (1962). He
wrote numerous books including: Vitamin C and the
Common Cold, Cancer and Vitamin C, How to Live
Longer and Feel Better. In the mid-80’s Linus
Pauling was a speaker at a CHFA Convention in
Vancouver BC.
4
The early pioneers (continued)
Adelle Davis (1904 -1974)
was a visionary and pioneer of the nutritional revolution.
She was celebrated as The First Lady of Nutrition, and
her writings are the foundations of natural health today.
In the 60’s and 70’s, there was no health food store who
did not carry her best-selling books.
Let’s Cook it Right, Let’s Get Well,
Let’s Have Healthy Children, Let’s Eat Right to Keep Fit
5
The early pioneers (continued)
Wilfred Shute MD (1907-1982)
Evan Shute MD (1905 -1978)
the great Canadian medical doctors, revolutionized
cardiology when they first introduced mega dose therapy
using D-alpha tocopherol. They would go on to successfully
treat over 30,000 patients using this therapy. They were the
founders of the Shute Institute, in London, Ontario, which
remains in operation today.
Books available by Wilfred Shute: Vitamin E for Ailing and
Healthy Hearts (1969), The Vitamin E Book (1978), Your
Child and Vitamin E (1979).
6
The early pioneers (continued)
Carlton Fredericks PhD (1910-1987)
became famous for his pioneering use of the media to
educate people about nutrition therapy. For thirty years at
New York Radio Station WOR, Fredericks’ broadcasts
were syndicated nationally resulting in millions of letters to
a man whom many considered to be America’s Foremost
Nutritionist. Fredericks appeared on the Merv Griffith
Show, and was a columnist for Prevention and Let’s Live
magazines. He wrote over twenty books, lectured widely
and was associate professor of Public Health at Farleigh
Dickenson University.
7
The early pioneers (continued)
Abram Hoffer PhD, MD (1917- 2009)
a great Canadian pioneer of orthomolecular psychiatry
and medicine. He authored many books and was the
founder and editor of the Journal of Orthomolecular
Medicine. He was instrumental in the discovery that
mega doses of vitamin B3 were therapeutic for
schizophrenia. Since 1967 Dr. Hoffer worked in his
private practice helping and healing thousands of
patients who, it was clear to him, were not getting well
with the use of tranquilizers. Dr. Hoffer was inducted into
the CHFA Hall of Fame in 1998.
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History of natural product companies in Canada
Many excellent suppliers and retailers make up the natural product business in Canada. The following are
just a few, selected based on their years in business and uniqueness of business strategies.
Wampole Brands Inc
Trusted since 1893. Over 100 years ago, a
man named Henry Koch moved to Toronto and
began a manufacturing company that
produced cod liver oil. A century later,
Wampole brand still endures in a very
competitive marketplace. Wampole is
recognized in nutritional supplements for
quality and value.Today Wampole is sold
mostly in drug chains and mass-market
grocers.
9
History of natural product companies in Canada (continued)
CE Jamieson & Co.
Toronto, ON
From top-left, founder C.E. Jamieson, Henry Margolis, current Chairman
Eric Margolis, and Jamieson Vitamins then and now.
Founded by Claire Edwin
Jamieson in 1922, Jamieson
Laboratories has been
recognized as one of Canada’s
leading manufacturers of natural
health products. In the mid
1960’s, the Margolis family
purchased the company from
Mr. Jamieson, and to this day is
still a privately-held company.
Manufactured in Windsor,
Ontario, Jamieson is sold
worldwide and is Canada’s
oldest and largest brand of
natural health products.
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History of natural product companies in Canada (continued)
Vita Health, Winnipeg, MN
From left, VitaHealth founder GW Seier, Mathew and John Holtmann.
Vita Health began in 1936 as a small mailorder company selling herbs and patent
medicines. Under Vita Health’s founder GW
Seier, the mail-order business grew
throughout the 50’s-60’s, resulting in the
opening of the first store in Winnipeg. John
Holtmann, GW Seier’s son in law, purchased
the Vita Health stores in 1998. Carrying
forward into the third generation, John’s son
Mathew works in the business as Corporate
Grocery Manager. Since 2007, Vita Health
has opened four Fresh Market stores with
full-service organic groceries, supplements,
herbs, natural beauty and green household
products. The Vita Health chain now totals
seven stores in Manitoba.
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History of natural product companies in Canada (continued)
The Vitamin Shop,
Victoria, BC
Bruce Reid and The Vitamin Shop staff in the early days.
Bruce Reid established the Vitamin Shop
in 1984, and it has grown since to
become Canada’s premier vitamin and
nutritional supplement dispensary. The
Vitamin Shop has more than doubled in
size since the early days and now
employs more than 40 dedicated,
seasoned professionals including
licensed Herbalists and Certified
Nutritional Product Advisors. The Vitamin
Shop has earned the trust and loyalty of
thousands of regular customers.
The Vitamin Shop has incorporated a
notable mail-order and online division in
the last 10 years, adding another
element of customer service to their
business.
12
History of natural product companies in Canada (continued)
Ki Nature & Santé, Montreal, QC
Ki Nature & Santé was founded by Montreal pharmacist, Juan Wong, L.Ph.
who was born in Peru and a graduate of the Universidad Mayor de San
Marcos. Mr. Wong is a licensed member of the Quebec Pharmacist
Association. In 1995, he became a Member of the Canadian Health Food
Association.
Realizing that there was a need for a natural pharmacy, Mr. Wong
developed a concept to serve a growing tendency in the community toward
the use of botanical and nutritional medicine. Ki Nature & Santé is an
integrated health center offering holistic healing (care for the mind, body
and soul). The knowledgeable staff is composed of certified and accredited
health professionals. In 1995, Ki Nature & Santé opened its first doors in
Pointe-Claire, Quebec. Since then, they have expanded to two locations
with one in downtown Montreal. Today Ki Nature & Santé remains a vibrant
family business now including the younger generation.
From top, downtown Montreal store,
Paola and Sebastian Wong, Inés,
Sebastian, Paola and Juan Wong.
13
History of natural product companies in Canada (continued)
Health Tree, Montreal, QC
“Our mission is your nutrition.” Health Tree has been a
provider of health and wellness solutions in the Montreal area
since 1990. Health Tree originally started as a small boutique
to serve the needs of the customers in the West Island of
Montreal, Quebec.
John Brody and Rita Perugini, owners of the Health Tree
have cultivated a premiere health food store that provides
their customers with the ultimate health food shopping
experience.
Their customers can choose from an extensive selection of
herbal, sports, pet, children and other nutritional
supplements. Health Tree also has a full compliment of
organic groceries, organic produce, organic meat and dairy
and other specialty foods.
From top, Rita Perugine and John Brody, owners of
the Health Tree; a very busy shopping experience at
Health Tree.
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History of natural product companies in Canada (continued)
Burlington Health Foods
(BHF), Burlington, ON
Marnie Gall and her team of lady sales associates. Burlington Health Foods today.
In 1970, Marnie Gall, a young mother of
four children, tried unsuccessfully to
persuade several friends to open a health
food store in Burlington, Ontario. With no
takers, she decided she would have to do
it herself. Bill Gall, son of the original
owner Marnie Gall, helped at the store part
time when he was going to University. Bill
went on to follow another career path, but
eventually took over the ownership of the
store in 1988. BHF has an extensive offer
of natural health products, personal and
skin care and cosmetic products. BHF has
undertaken many remodeling projects to
assure their customers of a memorable
shopping experience and to keep them
coming back.
15
History of natural product companies in Canada (continued)
The Big Carrot, Toronto, ON
The original Big Carrot store in1983, and the new The Big Carrot Common in 2008.
The Big Carrot Natural Food Market opened
in 1983, the first member-owned natural food
co-op in Canada.
The inspiration for the Big Carrot to be a coop came when the founders saw a BBC
documentary on the famous Mondragon Coop in Spain, and they were attracted to the
democratic power-sharing arrangement. One
Member, One Vote. The Big Carrot
developed the concept of the Carrot
Common in 1987 with developer David
Walsh. In 1998 The Big Carrot launched a
new website, and in 2001 they became a
founding member of the Non-GMO Project.
The Big Carrot celebrated it’s 25th
anniversary in 2008, and now has 65 worker
members, 100 support staff, and 18,000
square ft of space in the Carrot Common.
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History of natural product companies in Canada (continued)
LifeStream Natural Food Store,
Vancouver, BC
LifeStream Natural Food Store opened in January 1971 in
the Kitsilano area of Vancouver, British Columbia.
Founded by Arran Stephens, it was Canada’s first large
natural foods store with a bustling natural restaurant in
the back. The LifeStream store began repackaging bulk
goods and creating products under its own brand name.
These products were soon a leading brand name sold
throughout Canada and exported to the United States.
In 1981 the LifeStream store and brand were sold.
Arran’s experience in retail, manufacturing, and
distribution led to the founding of Nature’s Path in 1985.
Founder Arran Stephens at the original LifeStream
natural food store and restaurant.
17
History of natural product companies in Canada (continued)
Nature’s Path, Vancouver, BC
Founder Arran Stephens wins
2002 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur
of the Year Award.
Over time, Nature’s Path has become a bestselling brand of certified organic cereal in North
America. Nature’s Path sells internationally
including the US, New Zealand, Australia, and the
United Kingdom.
Arran Stephens is an artist, author and
environmentalist, and founder of America’s largest
certified organic cereal company. Arran is a voice
of experience in the alternative natural food
industry. His values—sustainability, community,
and spirituality—have fueled a pioneering career
in business. In 2002 Arran won the Ernst & Young
Entrepreneur of the Year Award; in the same year
he received the CHFA Organic Achievement
Award. In 2005 he was inducted into the CHFA
Hall of Fame. Today, Arran remains the sole
recipient of both of the CHFA highest achievement
awards.
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History of natural product companies in Canada (continued)
Supplements Plus,
Toronto, ON
Founder Stewart Brown at the Supplements Plus store in 1986. Stewart with members
of his store team.
Stewart Brown began Supplements Plus
in 1986. His store had a reputation for
stocking both popular national brands and
professional brands, because Stewart
believed each individual should have the
right to choose his or her own path to
wellness. The store stood behind every
product they sold and Stewart insisted on
a knowledgeable staff that was capable of
answering all questions from their
customers.
It was during Stewart’s retail days when
he met Sam Gracie and personally
experienced the health benefits of
greens+. Stewart moved from retailing
(selling the stores in 1998) to formulation
and distribution, evolving eventually to the
name of Genuine Health.
19
History of natural product companies in Canada (continued)
Genuine Health,
Toronto, ON
Genuine Health’s executive team, and Stewart and family.
Nearly 15 Years later Genuine Health has
become an industry leader for its awardwinning natural health products. Genuine
Health uses only pure natural ingredients,
and it’s formulations are backed by
leading research.
Stewart Brown, founder and CEO says,
“health gives you the ultimate freedomfreedom to live your life to the fullest.”
Stewart holds an economics degree plus
an honorary Doctor of Naturopathic
Philosophy from the Canadian College of
Naturopathic Medicine. Besides loving his
work, Stewart is a proud father of 3 boys.
He leads a busy, active lifestyle that
includes biking, skiing, racquet sports,
and traveling.
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CHFA Milestones
To ensure the growth of the natural and organic industry by
empowering and supporting our members.
1964 The CHFA is founded, registered
as the Canadian Health Food Dealers
Association (CHFDA).
1977 the CHFDA became the
Canadian Health Food Association.
(CHFA)
1966 CHFDA President Sloan Alma
Smith goes to Ottawa to fight new
proposed legislation for vitamins and
minerals, to be used only on the advise
of a physician. Dr. Alex Campbell,
Director General with Health Canada,
eventually withdrew the proposed new
regulations.
1989 the Association celebrated its
25th Anniversary by creating two
conventions a year, one spring and
one fall, alternating between
Vancouver and Toronto.
1975 Launch of 20,000 Alive, journal of
health and nutrition. The magazine
was originally designed to be the
official communication tool of the
CHFDA. Later, the Board of Directors
of the Association gave the magazine
back to the creator, Siegfried Gursche.
1991 CHFA moves it’s head office to
Markham, ON into space offered by it’s
President Willie Pelzer, as he
generously financially assisted the
Association back to health.
1997 The CHFA membership elects
Donna Herringer as its first female
president.
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CHFA Milestones (continued)
1998 Three CHFA members were
appointed by Health Minister Alan
Rock to sit on the Transition Team
of the Office of Natural Health
Products to recommend an
appropriate framework for
regulation.
1999 CHFA membership changes
bylaws allowing the Board of
Directors to hire Donna Herringer
as their first paid president.
2003 Health Canada announces
the acceptance of the Standing
Committee on Health’s
recommendations on natural health
product regulation.
2004 CHFA’s 40th Anniversary year.
The NHP regulations come into
force.
2005 CHFA led a successful lobbying
campaign against amending the definitions of
food and drug under Bill C-420. The Standing
Committee on Health recommended that the
House of Commons not proceed with Bill C420, an act to amend the Food & Drugs Act.
CHFA hired Ottawa-based lobby firm, Impact
Public Affairs, to continue to position itself as
the leading voice of the natural health and
organic products industry to parliamentarians,
at both the provincial and federal levels.
2008 CHFA’s Board of Directors accepted the
recommendations of the Legislative Task
Force including that NHPs be legislated
separate from drugs, not as a subset of drugs.
2010 CHFA was a key driver and supporter of
the Unprocessed Product License Applications
Regulations (UPLAR), which was published in
Canada Gazette Part II and is in full force
since August, 2010.
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CHFA presidents 1964-2009
23
Educators with a vision
To empower the Canadian consumer with health knowledge.
Dr. Carolyn DeMarco MD
for over 25 years has been championing the cause of
women’s health and alternative medicine. Over her whole
career her mission has been to inform, inspire and empower
women to take charge of their health at every level. She has
lectured and given workshops in Canada and the United
States. Dr. Marco is the author of many books as well as past
columnist for Today’s Health in The Globe and Mail, as well
as a media favorite on CBC, City TV and the Women’s
Television Network.
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Educators with a vision (continued)
Dr. Michael Murray ND
is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities on
natural medicine. He is a graduate, faculty member and
serves on the Board of Trustees to Bastyr University in Seattle
Washington. He is an accomplished writer, educator and
lecturer. He is the author of over 20 books, including the
Encyclopedia of Healing Foods.
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Educators with a vision (continued)
Dr. Andrew Weil MD
has devoted the past thirty years to developing, practicing, and
teaching others about the principals of integrative medicine and
natural health. Dr. Weil combines a Harvard education and a
lifetime of practicing integrative medicine to provide a unique
approach to health care, which encompasses body, mind and
spirit. The following quote is an example of his philosophy and
his teachings.
“Imagine a world in which medicine was oriented towards
healing rather than disease, where doctors believed in the
natural healing capacity of human beings and emphasized
prevention over treatment. In such a world doctors and patients
would be partners working towards the same end.”
26
Educators with a vision (continued)
Siegfried Gursche MH
contribution to the natural health movement in Canada is
well exemplified by his two major legacies, Alive magazine
and the Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. While Siegfried
is best known as the founder and past publisher of Alive
magazine, he was also a true pioneer of the health
movement in Canada. There is no one more dedicated to
the health industry, he lives and breathes it. In 1997
Siegfried was inducted into the CHFA Hall of Fame.
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Educators with a vision (continued)
Sherry Torcus BSc Phm
is an award-winning holistic pharmacist, author, fitness instructor
and lecturer. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in
Pharmacy from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and
Science in 1992.
Sherry has authored many books including the Encyclopedia of
Natural Medicine. She is a frequent guest on radio and TV talk
shows where she discusses a variety of medical and natural
health topics.
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Educators with a vision (continued)
Sam Gracie, Honors BA
is an internationally-renowned researcher, formulator,
lecturer, consultant, and author in the field of optimal health
and nutrition. A graduate of the University of Western
Ontario in adolescent psychology and chemistry, Sam has
additional degrees in special education and counseling.
Sam is a thought-provoking, enthusiastic speaker with a
remarkable ability to translate scientific research into easy
to understand practical guidelines for achieving greater
states of well-being and longevity. When Sam gives a
lecture, three things are guaranteed, the room will be full,
the lecture will always be free, the audience will leave the
room empowered to take control of their health. Sam
Gracie was inducted into the CHFA Hall of Fame in 2003.
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Prepared for
Genuine
Health by:
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