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Editorial: A Taste of Europe
[2008/05/12] [By Len Monheit]
This past week, for the first time, I had the chance to participate in VitaFoods in Geneva, Switzerland. This annual event has grown significantly over recent years (some sources cited a 20% increase in attendees and booths this year over last) and unlike FI Europe several months ago, really did focus on our world of functional ingredients including a very well rounded services area and an emerging center for finished products on the show floor.
| Editorial: From Economics to Local – a Week in Industry
[2008/05/05] [by Len Monheit]
Returning last week from SupplySide East in Secaucus, New Jersey, I was struck by implications of the ‘think global, act local’ mentality that is driving business including organic, sustainable new era ventures around the world. This regional success serves to remind us that both global context and regional activity is frequently required for overall business success. While we can have a nice, small community feel in Secaucus, the US dollar and natural and international economics also is a force to reckon with.
| Editorial: It's Show Time
[2008/04/28] [By Len Monheit]
Some of the industry will embark today for Secaucus, New Jersey, there to participate in SupplySide East, and many will subsequently be on their way next week to Geneva for VitaFoods. Whether (and how) an organization participates is an individual decision, but in this age of accountability, payback and ROI will be closely monitored. And just maintaining the ‘same old’ relationships doesn’t cut it; for many organizations these days, new business opportunities are the bottom line.
| Editorial: One Step Forward and Two Steps Back
[2008/04/21] [By Len Monheit]
Last week must have been a confusing one for consumers of dietary supplements and natural health products. A meta-analysis of 67 randomized clinical trials touted a link between supplements and mortality, at the same time that other science was showing that multivitamins with folic acid and vitamin D had new potential health benefits. At still the very same time, within the industry, liberal 'borrowing' of science continues to discredit and devalue those actually doing the science. Is it any wonder we seem to take two steps back for each step forward?
| Editorial: Politics and Passion
[2008/04/14] [By Len Monheit]
Last week, for the second time in my life, I had the opportunity to participate, with my industry colleagues, in the Natural Products Association Lobby Day on Capitol Hill. As both a Canadian, and representative of the trade media, it was perhaps appropriate that I was offered the chance to roam and attach at large, but I found myself, for the better part of the afternoon, tagging along with the New York state delegation. And what a day did I have......
| Editorial: Global Market Opportunities - Finding the Sweet Spot
[2008/04/07] [By Len Monheit]
This past week, I participated in a panel discussion on Global Market Opportunities in Vancouver as part of the Canadian Health Food Association’s Expo West, listening as companies challenged panelists on the merits of different market trends and regulatory environments. Thoughts like 'the grass is always greener' and 'be careful what you wish for' ran quickly through my mind. Somewhere in the middle is probably the regulatory happy spot. In the meantime, while we're stuck with the infrastructure of our current regulatory environment, within it, much can change to create a better, more differentiating business climate.
| Editorial: From Heparin to Ethnobotany
[2008/03/31] [By Len Monheit]
The past week has been busy, on and off headlines. Beginning with headlines first, the Baxter heparin issue continues to percolate, with product recalls in both Canada and the United States (thanks to those emphasizing this point), and a scramble to confirm the presence of over-sulfated chondroitin sulphate. Whether or not this is a 'supplement' issue is the subject for debate, just as it is for a couple of FDA recalls which hit at week's end. Both of these issues, along with subjects discussed at last week's Natural Health Products Research Society annual conference, "Science Across Borders" make one aware of our tradition, our fragility as a sector, and fundamentally, the global forces at work that affect us all.
| Editorial: Musings From Expo and Nutracon
[2008/03/24] [By Len Monheit]
Over the past few years, I’ve typically wrapped up Expo West, SupplyExpo and Nutracon with a few comments and observations, and true to form, I’ll attempt to do so yet again. From sales meetings to dinners, from receptions to educational seminars, from fashion shows to dances, the out of show-floor environment now means that for many, the show-floor experience is now a series of one hour blasts sandwiched between major off-floor commitments. I know it was that way for me. I'll try to cover a few of my thoughts and observations......
| Editorial: A Touch of Organic
[2008/03/10] [By Len Monheit]
As I examine recent news releases, one can’t help but get an inkling of the looming importance of organic for us all as it makes its mainstream move. The development of the National Organic Program in the US and the establishment of standards around the World have been and will be pivotal as that sector seeks legitimacy, credibility, and the preservation of the ideals at its core. Yet, the promotion of organic ingredients has not paralleled those of finished products-not by a long shot. Does that mean they have limited importance and relevance?
| Editorial: Success on the Wings of Innovation
[2008/03/03] [By Len Monheit]
When my colleagues and I first started in this industry as Nutrachoice.com several years ago, we observed a fragmented industry wrestling with issues such as product development and introduction, differentiation, industry legitimacy and credibility, and overall, a challenging environment to keep ahead of intense competition. In many respects little has changed, and that certainly holds true for those faced with the task of innovating in this tough environment.
| Editorial: Supplements and Functional Foods
[2008/02/25] [By Len Monheit]
Last week’s column focused on observed disconnects between research, policy and industry, and the last several days have not only reinforced that theme, they’ve provided me a perspective from totally outside our industry as well. Ranging from considering the evolution of emerging science into health policy decisions to strategies for online marketing within and outside our sectors, the week was a busy one.
| Editorial: Fundamental Disconnect
[2008/02/19] [By Len Monheit]
I’m in the middle of attending a workshop here in Canada that has placed academia, government, associations, researchers, regulators and industry in the same room to discuss formation of a sector strategy for natural health products and functional foods. As one would expect, there are grossly differing points of views and perspectives on priorities being expressed. One thing which is becoming abundantly clear is that even though everyone is talking collaboration and networks, entrenched and vested positions are being continually reinforced.
| Editorial: A Foundation in Science
[2008/02/11] [By Len Monheit]
Ask any leader in this industry and somewhere in the dialogue, you’ll hear them reiterate a commitment to science as the key to mid-term and long term viability and value. Whether representing an ingredient company or finished product manufacturer, the obvious need for science and substantiation is paramount, sometimes not so much for differentiation, as for legitimatizing claims to support the efficacy of the natural health product/ dietary supplement. In our current industry, scientific assets and relationships (clinical, analytical, microbiological) must be cultivated. This current week’s news has two releases that specifically address this issue and that bear noting.
| Editorial: It's Nutracon Time Again
[2008/02/04] [By Len Monheit]
Each February for the past few years, it seems I get called upon to answer the why of SupplyExpo and Nutracon. This year is no exception and as March looms on the horizon, so too do these two events, each with distinct value propositions.
| Editorial: The Vibrant Organic Community
[2008/01/28] [By Len Monheit]
This past weekend, for the first time in a few years, I had the opportunity to attend the Annual Organic Agriculture Conference in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. I now remember clearly why I so enjoyed it and the community feeling and excitement which surround it. The commitment of participants to change behavior and perspective is relevant not only to organic, but is the energy at the core of other grassroots-built communities as well.
| Editorial: The Age of Social Media
[2008/01/22] [By Len Monheit]
The term social media is the term used to describe "participatory online media" and to some might be just the latest phase in a constantly transforming online world. And like any concept or tool, it must be a fit for culture, sector, opportunity and potential, otherwise it's just the "latest, greatest" in a long line of soon to be forgotten concepts. Is there something about the concept that adds tangible value? Can it be an asset for feedback, product development, marketing, customer relationship management, and a lot of other core business practices and principles?
| Editorial: The Power of Relationships
[2008/01/14] [By Len Monheit]
Whether referred to as the power of relationships, relationship capital, network resources, or merely simply ‘the people you know’, the sum value of your organization’s relationships can sometimes represent one of the largest intangible assets your company possesses, and be a more significant influencer of corporate performance than many factors that really do appear on the company balance sheet. Perhaps more so than some, this industry is driven by relationships. There are many groups and individuals that should be actively cultivated and there is another group we meet along the journey that is just as important.
| Editorial: A Continuing Review of 2007 – Perspectives for 2008
[2008/01/07] [By Len Monheit]
We’re less than one business week in and already the environment is shaping up, at least for regulatory issues. Several other items, observations and trends for '07 will likely have continued impact in 2008. The status of health claims and implementation of rules and regulations will be the defining ground of an increasingly globally connected sector. External factors such as currency issues and trading block politics, and internal practices such as education and outreach will provide the basis for increased company differentiation.
| Editorial: News In Review - 2007
[2007/12/17] [By Len Monheit]
As the year draws to a close, and we contemplate the holiday season (and a bit of the year in review), it’s appropriate to spend a few moments on the highlights, achievements, accomplishments and milestones of the year that is concluding. In this column, I’ll start by listing some of the more significant announcements and news items we’ve posted on NPIcenter over the course of the year. Early in January, I’ll be back to you with an analysis on why these have been selected.
| Editorial: Sport Supplement Headaches
[2007/12/10] [By Len Monheit]
An article that appeared last week in USA Today has raised again the issue of sports products and the presence of banned substances. The study, performed by UK-based HFL Labs and aggressively promoted in sensationalist style by the US group Informed-Choice, claims that 25 percent of supplements are contaminated with steroids. There are at least three aspects of this news that have raised the ire of industry at the recent course of events.
| Editorial: Real Nutritional Genomics
[2007/12/03] [By Len Monheit]
For several years now, we’ve been hearing scientific visionaries tell us of the promise of nutritional genomics, and the emerging science and understanding of both gene expression and the impact of nutrition at a molecular level, make these interesting approaches for further research. Research that hit the headlines last week caught my eye, and might be a solid indicator of the real potential of nutritional genomics (or nutrigenomics).
| Editorial: Nutraceutical Ingredients - Just Do The Math
[2007/11/26] [By Len Monheit]
The North American nutraceutical marketplace has several touchpoints with the realities of global economics and in no position on the value chain is this more significant than in the raw materials area. Are purchasing practices evolved and conscientious enough to discriminate between good and bad inputs? Frequently not, as even fundamental economics can be ignored in the drive to lowest priced ingredients.
| Editorial: Perspectives on Globalization
[2007/11/19] [By Len Monheit]
I fight this battle repeatedly – how important is a global perspective in understanding the dynamics of our evolving industry? Can one exist in a myopic North American or U.S.- only environment and be ready to face all competition, develop new and innovative products, understand and rationalize all emerging science, effectively manage convoluted supply chains, and maintain long-term control of one’s business prospects? I submit that the answer is a resounding ‘NO’.
| Editorial: SupplySide West concludes '07 main show schedule
[2007/11/12] [NPI Daily]
Yes, another SupplySide West is in the books and with its conclusion comes the end of the main industry events for 2007. While I still need to gather a few impressions from others, here are a couple thoughts and observations that have come to me in the past week or so. Stay tuned……industry’s adolescence promises to be an interesting time.
| Editorial: Musings and Observations: Around the Nutritional Products World in a Thousand or So Words
[2007/11/05] [By Len Monheit]
Heading into this week’s SupplySide West, it seems appropriate to take a quick step back from day to day operational crises and urgencies and to take stock of where our industry world stands amidst EU harmonization, six months after a US supplement GMP rule, a magnifying glass on ingredients, inputs and quality standards, and fundamentally a continuing over-arching drive towards health management in the personal choices consumers are making in foods, beverages and lifestyle decisions. Observation : It’s becoming increasingly clear that ingredients and inputs are becoming more and more important, globally, as an enabler of good practice in the nutritional products industry.
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