

Our most anticipated event, CHFA Launch Pad, is back in Toronto this September. This “Dragons’ Den” style competition puts 8 selected brands, head-to-head in front of industry vets on the judging panel for a chance to launch your product ahead of the rest.




Get In Front of the Action!
Launch Pad Pitches
Location: RM 217 – 219
Friday, April 22, 2022
5:00–6:15 PM PT
Also available to Live Stream!
Congratulations to Our Vancouver 2022 Winner
Congratulations to All Our Finalists
About Charles Chang

Charles Chang is a serial entrepreneur who has started many successful companies including Lyra Growth Partners and the leading plant-based nutritional product company, Vega. Vega earned Charles many accolades such as: Fastest Growing Companies, Best Workplace, Best Managed Companies and Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2015, Charles led the sale of Vega to White Wave Foods (NYSE: WWAV) for US$550 million.
In 2016, Charles helped establish the Charles Chang Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Simon Fraser University, an interdisciplinary home and academic hub where people and ideas converge to foster entrepreneurial thinking and action. He also co-founded PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs, a non-profit organization that helps elementary school students develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Charles lives with his family in West Vancouver, BC and is an active member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO), an avid golfer, fly fisherman, mountain biker, skier and Whistlerite wannabe.
About Ryan Benn

Ryan Benn became President of Alive Publishing Group in 2005. Ryan’s accomplishments have been recognized with many honours including the John Holtmann leadership award.
Alive Publishing have introduced numerous new products and services through the years. With the launch of alive USA, alive@work, alive connect, the alive Summit and the acquisition of delicious living magazine and CNHR, Ryan and team have transformed alive into a global powerhouse with an audience of over 30 million readers.
About Shelley King

Shelley King is a strategic, decisive, and highly respected leader in the Canadian technology commercialization, innovation, and investment space. For 25 years, she has married her scientific background in academia with her in-depth knowledge of entrepreneurship and industry to help Canadian innovations go from a bright idea to a market-ready product. As founding CEO of NPC, Shelley has positioned Canada as a global pioneer and trailblazer in the natural product sector. NPC has made connections with more than 800 organizations nationally, involved more than 600 companies in its development pipeline, invested in 10 early-stage enterprises, and experienced two exits.
Previously, Shelley was VP, Research and Business Development for Genome Atlantic, where she catalyzed industry-academic relationships, putting Canadian genomics research on the international map.
Shelley holds an MSc in medicine specializing in neuroscience and an MBA from Memorial University. She currently sits on the board for the Metabolomics Innovation Centre and Smart Landing Program Canada.
Up & Away
By Aeryon Wellness
Booth #720 at the Purity Pavilion

Up & Away is the first, 100% pure Boric Acid, shelf stable, vegan, vaginal suppository kit on the market today. Simply put it "Up" and it goes "Away."
IMPACT Bar
By Algi
Booth #541

The IMPACT Bar is the first algae-based food product available in Canada. Made with 6 clean ingredients, the IMPACT Bar is a plant-based energy bar offering long lasting energy to sustain you through whatever adventure awaits.
OPUS Expertly Handcrafted
By Opus/Atlas Brand Management
Booth #940

Opus was created with a passion for creativity and the perfect cocktail experience... with none of the prep work.
BLIS Probiotics
By BLIS Technologies Ltd
Booth #745

Introducing BLIS Probiotics—advanced probiotics for the mouth and throat, backed by 30 years of science and research.
Healthy Hippo
By Healthy Hippo Naturals / Propel Natural Brands
Booth #651

Healthy Hippo is the only candy on the market using pure Monk Fruit Concentrate. The candy is filled with sweetness without junk - it is free from sugar alcohols, and stevia.
Honibe Travel Packs
By Honibe / Propel Natural Brands
Booth #615

Travel-friendly gummies made with Canadian honey, free from artificial sweeteners, colours, flavours and preservatives.
Botanical Wellness Butter
By Mangata Apothecary
Booth #1409C (Incubator Alley)

Mangata Apothecary’s new line of herb infused body butters is directed towards the whole community—relieving dry hands and skin for everyone.
Immuno10 Probiotic Oat-Based Smoothie
By Yoso / Jonluca Enterprises Inc
Booth #534

This is the FIRST ready-to-serve oat-based smoothie in Canada. It’s completely plant-based and is packed with 10 billion probiotics.
Immuno10 Probiotic Oat-Based Smoothie
By Yoso / Jonluca Enterprises Inc
Booth #534 (Incubator Alley)
Here’s What’s up for Grabs:
$15,000 in advertising, plus a feature editorial with Grocery Business Magazine
This Commerce Life podcast promotion
CHFA NOW Booth in 2023
Finalists will get the opportunity to be a part of a 2-hour claims workshop hosted by Shopper1st. This workshop will give you an overview of shopper behaviour principles, triggers to purchase and global best practices on claims that help your product move off the shelves.*
*Valued at $4,000
Who You Have to Win Over:
About Charles Chang

Charles Chang is a serial entrepreneur who has started many successful companies including Lyra Growth Partners and the leading plant-based nutritional product company, Vega. Vega earned Charles many accolades such as: Fastest Growing Companies, Best Workplace, Best Managed Companies and Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2015, Charles led the sale of Vega to White Wave Foods (NYSE: WWAV) for US$550 million.
In 2016, Charles helped establish the Charles Chang Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Simon Fraser University, an interdisciplinary home and academic hub where people and ideas converge to foster entrepreneurial thinking and action. He also co-founded PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs, a non-profit organization that helps elementary school students develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Charles lives with his family in West Vancouver, BC and is an active member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO), an avid golfer, fly fisherman, mountain biker, skier and Whistlerite wannabe.
About Ryan Benn

Ryan Benn became President of Alive Publishing Group in 2005. Ryan’s accomplishments have been recognized with many honours including the John Holtmann leadership award.
Alive Publishing have introduced numerous new products and services through the years. With the launch of alive USA, alive@work, alive connect, the alive Summit and the acquisition of delicious living magazine and CNHR, Ryan and team have transformed alive into a global powerhouse with an audience of over 30 million readers.
About Shelley King

Shelley King is a strategic, decisive, and highly respected leader in the Canadian technology commercialization, innovation, and investment space. For 25 years, she has married her scientific background in academia with her in-depth knowledge of entrepreneurship and industry to help Canadian innovations go from a bright idea to a market-ready product. As founding CEO of NPC, Shelley has positioned Canada as a global pioneer and trailblazer in the natural product sector. NPC has made connections with more than 800 organizations nationally, involved more than 600 companies in its development pipeline, invested in 10 early-stage enterprises, and experienced two exits.
Previously, Shelley was VP, Research and Business Development for Genome Atlantic, where she catalyzed industry-academic relationships, putting Canadian genomics research on the international map.
Shelley holds an MSc in medicine specializing in neuroscience and an MBA from Memorial University. She currently sits on the board for the Metabolomics Innovation Centre and Smart Landing Program Canada.
About Millia Wong

Millia Wong is an experienced leader in retail merchandising, having spent time in both the Fresh & Grocery businesses at Loblaw Companies Limited and being part of the Centre of Store & Natural Foods team since 2018.
Born and raised in Ottawa, Millia has been a lifelong naturals customer and enjoys discovering new health & wellness products in Canada and on her travels.
Winner Announcement
CHFA Industry Achievement Awards
Location: Ballroom A in the Vancouver Convention Centre
Saturday, April 23, 2022
5:00 – 7:00 PM PT
What Does It Take to Win?
Judges are on the hunt for innovative products, a strong business plan, and a killer pitch to seal the deal.
Think your product is the next big thing?
Tell us about it by completing the application below, and you could be one of the eight finalists selected to go to the show.
The Rules:
- You must be exhibiting at CHFA NOW Toronto 2022
- Your product must be new. New flavours or new packaging formats do not count.
- Your product must have launched/will be launching between September 1, 2021 and August 31, 2022
- Your product and marketing material must comply with Canadian regulations
- Application deadline is August 12, 2022.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Past Winners

Aeryon Wellness
CHFA NOW Vancouver 2022

Sperri
CHFA Connect - Fall 2021

Save da Sea Foods
CHFA Connect - Spring 2021

Nuts for Cheese
CHFA Connect 2020

Level Up Superfoods
CHFA West 2020

LOOP Mission
CHFA East 2019

The Green Beaver Company
CHFA West 2019

Partake Brewing
CHFA East 2018