NOW and Then

Consumer expectations are changing—and the wellness industry is evolving alongside them. In this episode, Lynsey Walker and Ashley Cornell explore what the conversation around packaging and microplastics means for brands, why ultra-processed foods are becoming impossible to ignore, and the consumer trends shaping product innovation—including the surprising rise of sardines. They also preview key c...

What separates a CPG brand that scales from one that stalls? In this special edition of NOW & Then, Lynsey is joined by industry leaders from across the Canadian natural, organic, and wellness CPG industry to introduce CHFA's new Greenhouse Growth Sessions—an interactive learning series designed specifically for emerging brands. From preparing for buyer meetings and navigating product clai...

In this episode, Lynsey and Ashley are joined by CHFA’s Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs and Quebec Relations, Jules Gorham, to chat about the biggest trends and conversations emerging from SIAL Montreal and the Plant-Based Foods Conference. Together, they explore the rise of gut health, evolving plant-based preferences, affordability-driven consumer behaviour, and the growing demand for func...

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, ke...

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 updat...

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 Vancouver Discover conferen...

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 a...

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 challenge fatigue, anxiety, and sleep issues cut across every age...

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 deadline...

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 plans New GMP Guidance (Version 4.0) for NHPs Import reminders for...

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 indust...

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 foods The latest changes to Canada’s Competition Act and...

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 indus...

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 requ...

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 accurat...

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...

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...

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 admi...