TORONTO, ON – September 22, 2006 – Over 3,000 members of the natural products trade converged at Expo East, the largest Canadian trade show for the natural products industry. Held September 7-10 in Toronto, the event attracted innovative health product manufacturers and suppliers showcasing the latest products in a growing industry.

Produced by the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA), this year’s Expo East represented the largest show ever produced by the 40-year-old association.

Exhibit halls A, B and C in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre were packed with over 625 booths with natural product manufacturers and suppliers from across the country displaying the latest developments in the natural health products sector. Product categories most important to retailers, as identified in a business survey (1), include sports nutrition, organic packaged foods and beverages, multi-vitamins, and herbal and botanical supplements and not surprisingly Expo East delivered. An entire aisle consisting of approximately 40 booths was devoted to the growing organic food sector with organic products for the retailer as well as foodservice provider. In fact, natural and organic food categories have an increasing presence at the show and may match the categories of vitamin supplements, sports nutrition and health and beauty aids traditionally association with the show.

Highlights of the four-day expo and conference include a presentation from Laurie Demeritt of the Hartmann Group, a U.S. consumer market research and consulting organization specializing in wellness. Ms. Demerit spoke about the new organic consumer, their motivations for buying organic and the categories most relevant to them.

The CHFA will produce Expo Quebec February 15-18, 2007 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal in Montréal.

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The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) is Canada’s largest national trade association representing the natural products industry. Its 1,300 members include retailers, suppliers, wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers that are involved in a variety of industry sub-sectors such as vitamin and mineral supplements, herbals, homeopathics, sports nutrition products, natural foods and organic products. We believe that Canadians deserve access to safe and efficacious natural health products.

The CHFA exists to empower and support our members by acting on their behalf to secure a fair regulatory environment, hosting forums that showcase innovative products, delivering ongoing vital and relevant education, and providing valuable member services. This ensures that our industry is sustainable and stronger both culturally and financially.

For further information on Expo East or to request pictures, contact Natalie Cajic, Communications Coordinator at 416-497-6939 ext. 234 or ncajic@chfa.ca.