When it comes to healthy lifestyles, B.C. residents – or at least those living on the west coast – are leading the nation according to Canada Organic Trade Association.
Although the province of B.C. contributes just 13 per cent of the national organic production, food and beverage sales in B.C. account for 22 per cent in Canada. These findings suggest that B.C. residents and specifically Vancouverites are keen to adopt healthy eating habits. The number of B.C residents purchasing products with “made in Canada,” “non-GMO” and “organic” designations demonstrates an appreciation and consciousness for natural foods.
Naturally, an increased demand for healthy living is providing a boost to business as well, and B.C. businesses are booming. B.C. entrepreneurs have taken their enthusiasm to live healthy one step further by developing products that compliment this growing lifestyle.
This past weekend’s Canadian Health Foods Association West Tradeshow at the Vancouver Convention Centre featured 650 exhibitors like Victoria-based Rumble. Paul Underhill created the nutrient-dense supershake in an effort to manage Cystic Fibrosis – a debilitating and normally fatal lung disease. The beverage is 100 per cent all-natural formula that’s free of artificial ingredients/preservatives and naturally sweetened without cane sugar.
Other leading local brands that have gained national recognition in the $3.7 billion industry are Natural Factors, Daiya, Nature’s Path and leading plant-based nutrition company, Vega. These companies were also among the talent showcasing at the expo.
With 78 per cent of Vancouverites purchasing organic goods on a weekly basis, the local leaders in the natural food industry will continue to receive strong support in the Lower Mainland.
Natural foods image via Shutterstock
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