Trailblazers and Innovators Take Centre Stage at CHFA’s First Annual Industry Achievement Awards

TORONTO — September 22, 2025: The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) hosted its reimagined CHFA Industry Achievement Awards, dedicated to recognizing excellence and innovation in the natural, organic, and wellness (NOW) industry on Saturday, September 21.

CEO Bob Oommen and the A.Vogel/Bioforce Canada Team took home the Brand Excellence Award at last weekend’s CHFA Industry Achievement Awards

Following months of excitement and anticipation, the awards night delivered on its promise of a remarkable evening, thoughtfully enhanced to truly celebrate the individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact in the NOW space. Previously awarded twice a year, the awards are now presented annually, coinciding with CHFA NOW Toronto, Canada’s largest conference and trade show in natural, organic, and wellness.

New awards were introduced to the coveted lineup to recognize even more individuals and brands making positive and impactful strides in the industry. First-ever awards include the Best Small Broker, Best Large Broker, Distributor of Distinction, and Industry Voice Award.

CHFA is deeply committed to celebrating its members and fostering an environment where the community can come together to inspire, support, and uplift one another. This commitment and community-driven approach is reflected in the awards process itself, as winners were selected either through industry-wide voting by CHFA members or evaluated by the CHFA judging panel, comprised of passionate leaders with years of relevant experience.

The CHFA Industry Achievement Award winners for 2025 are:

1. Brand Excellence Award: A.Vogel/Bioforce Canada
2. Retailer of the Year Award: Healthy Planet
3. Trailblazer Small Business Award: Hive Retail Solutions
4. Woman of Influence Award: Melinda Zoccoli, UNFI Canada
5. Excellence in Sales: Kathy Banks, Indigo Natural Products
6. Excellence in Retail Sales: Chris Siabanis, Longo’s
7. Best Small Broker: iLevel Management
8. Best Large Broker: LeBeau Excel
9. Distributor of Distinction: Jonluca Neal
10. Industry Voice Award: Benjamin Walker, BNQ Management
11. Willie Pelzer Memorial Hall of Fame Award: Randy Whitteker, ONFC
12. John Holtmann Leadership Award: Matt Breech, TallGrass Natural Health
13. Equity & Impact Award: Jewels Under the Kilt
14. Agent of Change in Regulatory Affairs: Linda Biggs, Joni

For more information, please visit chfanow.ca.

About CHFA

The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) is Canada’s largest trade association dedicated to natural, organic and wellness products. As a national not-for-profit association celebrating 60 years, our members include manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and importers committed to getting more healthy living products into the hands of more Canadians.  Visit chfa.ca for more info.

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