CHFA NOW Vancouver is Canada’s premier trade show dedicated to all things natural, organic, and wellness. Held at the Vancouver Convention Centre this is private, industry-only event that I was excited to be able to attend.
Created for buyers and sellers this is the best way to discover and learn more about unique and up and coming products from the mouths of the creators and makers themselves.
Benefits of attending include the ability to discover a curated selection of the latest products and innovations that will help transform your business. The ability to gain knowledge and increased expertise with expert-led sessions, trend forecasts, and hands-on learning. All of which were designed to keep business owners ahead in this fast-evolving industry. This is also a great way to network and build potential partnerships opportunities.
This year saw over 900 exhibitors and it was hard to see them all, let alone narrow down my favourites. Categories include food, beverage, non-alcoholic drinks, natural health products, skincare, beauty, healthy home, sexual wellness, and packaging. For those who have never been, the show can be overwhelming as there are manned booths wall to wall of the entire convention ballroom, and plenty of vendors eager to showcase and educate.
This year’s trends includes the following (as taken from the press release)
Healthspan Habits: Anti-Inflammatory Eating Meets Cellular Health
Longevity is moving into everyday eating with comfort foods shifting from restriction to balance made with anti-inflammatory fats, while cellular health becomes part of daily wellness routines through functional foods and supplements.
Conscious Connection: Healthy Earth, Healthy Body
Clean is evolving, and consumers are increasingly seeking tested products with
transparent sourcing and safety claims that protect both people and ecosystems.
Wellness Simplified: Fewer Ingredients, Bigger Impact
Simplicity stands out, and consumers are gravitating towards brands and products
that feel simpler, with minimal ingredients and no additives.
Intentional Packaging: When Sustainability Becomes The Story
Greater transparency into product materials, as packaging is now part of the health
conversation among consumers, not just sustainability.
GLP-1 Journey: Nutrition That Supports The Shift
Discover a new wellness ecosystem that supports muscle health with high-protein and low-sugar snacks and beverages designed for everyday nutrition.
Best of all is the ability to get up close and personal with so many new and local goods. Tasting samples and taking full sized products home to try and discover for yourself.
My personal favourites and the most memorable standouts include a whole section dedicated to showing Christmas 2026, in February. Here, they had the trees and decorations, plus packaging that we can expect under our trees in December.
There were a handful of products making their Canadian debut this weekend. This included ESW Beauty, a Korean skincare brand giving out face masks inspired by drinks. And already familiar in American stadiums is Path, purified water with added electrolytes. They are known for their customizable bottles and Canadians should be seeing a Blue Jay’s version in the near future.
I am always amazed by the innovation in the plant-based category. Juicy Marbles and Swap Foods are making plant-based meat substitutes that are wondrously accurate. Textural takes to pork lion and chicken breast, but a lot more tender and juicy.
I discovered Yo Yolks’ poached plant eggs last year, and this year I was just as impressed by their runny sunny side up version of eggs.
I always say I can’t be vegan because I love cheese too much, but with Vitolife’s non-dairy cheese and Elmhurst plant based sour cream I can see this changing.
In short, this remains one of my favourite conventions for a reason, and I am already looking forward to next year’s. For more information on CHFA, check out the link below.
