CHFA Celebrates the Leaders Shaping Canada’s Natural, Organic and Wellness Industry
Presented during CHFA NOW Toronto, the annual awards recognize achievements across the industry, from longstanding leadership and advocacy to entrepreneurship, retail, sales, brand building and distribution. They give the CHFA community a chance to recognize the people and organizations driving progress in the sector and contributing to its continued growth.
Notable award recognitions include Stewart Brown of Genuine Health, who was inducted into the CHFA Willie Pelzer Memorial Hall of Fame, Ian Walker of Left Coast Naturals and Hippie Snacks, who received the John Holtmann Leadership Award, and Peter Neal of Jonluca Neal and Neal Brothers Brands Inc., who received the Industry Voice Award.
The 2026 awards also recognized leaders driving change across key areas of the industry. Sanjiv Jagota of Nature’s Source received the Agent of Change in Regulatory Affairs Award, and Angie Wood of Calgary Co-op was named this year’s Woman of Influence.
Excellence across retail, sales and the broader supply chain was also recognized, with awards presented to individuals and organizations representing businesses of all sizes and areas of the sector.
The 2026 CHFA Industry Achievement Award winners are:
- Willie Pelzer Memorial Hall of Fame Award: Stewart Brown, Genuine Health
- John Holtmann Leadership Award: Ian Walker, Left Coast Naturals / Hippie Snacks
- Industry Voice Award: Peter Neal, Jonluca Neal / Neal Brothers Brands Inc.
- Agent of Change in Regulatory Affairs: Sanjiv Jagota, Nature’s Source
- Equity & Impact Award: Joni
- Trailblazer Small Business Award: Mitsoh
- Woman of Influence Award: Angie Wood, Calgary Co-op
- Excellence in Retail Sales: Nathan Froese, Community Natural Foods
- Excellence in Sales: Johnny Hribar, Propel Natural Brands
- Retailer of the Year Award: Nature’s Emporium
- Brand Excellence Award: St. Francis Herb Farm Inc.
- Best Boutique Broker: Blume Natural Sales and Marketing
- Best Large Broker: Propel Natural Brands
- Distributor of Distinction: UNFI Canada
Ahead of CHFA NOW Toronto, CHFA community members nominate individuals and organizations whose work has made an impact across the industry. The awards recognize contributions throughout the natural, organic and wellness ecosystem, from emerging businesses and independent retailers to established brands, brokers and distributors.
This year’s awards were supported by Presenting Sponsors, Purity Life Health Products LP and Salus, along with our Award Supporting Sponsors: Blume Natural Sales and Marketing, BrandSeed Marketing Inc., Connect Brand Management, iLevel Management Inc., Indigo Natural Products Management, LeBeau Excel Ltd., Loblaw Companies Limited, MNP LLP, NuStart Marketing Ltd., Pure Lab Vitamins Inc. and Salud Brand Management.
For more information, please visit chfanow.ca/toronto and follow on Instagram at @cahealthfood.
