TORONTO, ON – June 16, 2006 – The Canadian Health Food Association will present the largest Canadian trade show for the natural health products sector at the Metro Convention Centre in Toronto from September 7-10, 2006.

Expo East celebrates the vibrancy of the growing natural products industry by bringing together suppliers and retailers under one roof. A conservative projection would see retail sales for the sector grow to $2.75 billion or more by 2010.

This year’s Expo East is bound to be an exciting one as it represents the largest show ever produced by the CHFA. Canada’s leading suppliers (manufacturers, importer/distributors) of natural health products and organics will occupy Halls A, B, and C in the North Building with over 400 exhibitors in more than 600 booths and 52 pavilions. A number of international natural product suppliers, including countries such as United Kingdom, China and the United States, will be in attendance as well.

Retailers from across the country make the trek to Toronto to attend Expo East and in fact, report that CHFA trade shows are the leading source for them to identify the newest products and developments in the industry. Not only do health food retailers attend but natural health care practitioners (naturopaths, homeopaths, holistic practitioners, herbalists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists) attend as well as they can rely upon the sale of natural health products to generate as much as 30 per cent of their income.

Expo East has been recognized by a U.S. industry publication, Tradeshow Week, as one of the 50 largest trade shows in Canada with a documented attendance of 3,800 in 2005. It ranks 34th in the country.

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.