High Tide Inc. reports that its Canna Cabana cannabis retail brand ranks first among Canadian retailers for brand awareness and several key consumer shopping measures, according to a report by Toronto-based media agency and marketing consultancy Rebel & Thorn. The report found that 36 percent of cannabis consumers surveyed nationally were aware of Canna Cabana in Q3 2026, up from 29 percent a year earlier and eleven percent in Q4 2021, when the company introduced its discount club model. Canna Cabana also recorded the highest awareness in every region measured, led by Alberta at 55 percent, Ontario at 42 percent and Manitoba/Saskatchewan at 37 percent. High Tide CEO Raj Grover attributed the results to the company’s value-focused discount club strategy, supported by its Cabana Club and ELITE members and store teams. He said the company sees further opportunities to expand its customer base and strengthen its retail presence. (High Tide Inc. – www.hightideinc.com)……
Lovo, formerly known as Nutri Group, is introducing its new brand identity and products to grocery stores in Québec and Manitoba. Owned by Québec farming families since 1987, the company grades, processes and distributes more than 2.4 billion eggs annually, or approximately 200 million dozen, making it one of Canada’s leading egg suppliers. With the launch of Lovo, the company aims to create a closer connection with consumers while bringing new energy to the egg category. The brand’s first products include two new flavours of pickled eggs and free-run shell eggs featuring naturally darker yolks. The new packaging and products have begun appearing at major grocery chains across Québec and Manitoba. Lovo says the launch builds on more than 40 years of experience and reflects its goal of encouraging consumers to rediscover eggs as a versatile everyday food. (Lovo – www.lovo.co)………….
The Canadian Health Food Association has identified four emerging trends expected to influence Canada’s natural, organic and wellness industry in 2027. The trends will be showcased at CHFA NOW Toronto, taking place this week at Exhibition Place, where more than 1,000 brands and industry professionals will gather to preview new products and innovations. The first trend, Texture Takeover, reflects growing consumer interest in sensory experiences, with crunchy, soft and gummy products gaining attention, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z. Micro-Rituals highlights a shift toward simple, intentional wellness habits that can easily fit into daily routines. Raised on Wellness focuses on children, as parents increasingly seek natural, nutrient-rich products that combine health benefits with convenience and enjoyment. The fourth trend, Passed Down, points to renewed interest in traditional food preparation methods, including fermentation, baking, pickling, preserving and slow cooking, as consumers seek simplicity and authenticity. CHFA says Canada’s wellness sector generated $26 billion in sales last year. Many of the emerging products will be featured in The Greenhouse, a new CHFA NOW program designed to introduce retailers to developing Canadian natural, organic and wellness brands and help connect them with industry opportunities. (Canadian Health Food Association – www.chfa.ca)……………
More than one in five Canadian small businesses, 22 percent, are in weak or critical condition, according to new research from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. The survey also found that only 18 percent of small business owners would recommend starting a business now, while 50 percent would not, highlighting what CFIB describes as an entrepreneurial drought. Among those who believe it is a poor time to start a business, 88 percent cite the high cost of doing business, followed by economic uncertainty, 86 percent, excessive taxes, 65 percent and government regulation, 53 percent. CFIB says rising costs, weak consumer demand and uncertainty related to the Canada-U.S. tariff dispute are causing many businesses to delay hiring, investment and expansion. With Parliament returning, CFIB is urging the federal government to introduce measures aimed at reducing costs and improving competitiveness. Its recommendations include cutting the small business tax rate, increasing the small business deduction threshold and introducing a lower capital gains inclusion rate for small firms. (Canadian Federation of Independent Business – www.cfib.ca)……….
STROM Group is proud to announce that Strøm Old Quebec has been named Canada’s Best Day Spa at the internationally recognized World Spa Awards, for the third year in a row. The honour reflects the expertise and standards consistently applied across the Group’s ten destinations and diverse brands, reinforcing the company’s vision to elevate well-being through balance, nature, and purposeful growth. The World Spa Awards also announced that Guerlain Spa Toronto has been named Canada’s Best Hotel Spa for the third year in a row. Located inside Hotel X Toronto, Guerlain Spa offers an elevated retreat in the heart of the city, blending French elegance with modern wellness practices. (STROM Group – www.stromspa.com) & (Guerlain Spa Toronto – www.hotelxtoronto.com)………..
On Thursday, September 24th, cosmetics brand Smashbox Canada takes over Sam James Coffee at 331 Adelaide St West in downtown Toronto for a one-day pop-up activation inspired by the product’s ‘retoucher in a bottle’ positioning. Attendees can receive a personalized shade match, enjoy a complimentary Dual Filter Cold Brew, capture the moment at a Smashbox Polaroid station, and take home full-size complimentary Smashbox products while supplies last. (Smashbox Canada – www.smashbox.com)……….
Juan Valdez, the internationally recognized Colombian premium coffee brand, has arrived in Canada for the first time. Starting this month, Canadian consumers can find a selection of the brand’s ground and whole-bean coffees at retail locations across the country. The brand is entering the Canadian market through the retail channel, with a national presence at Maxi and No Frills with Loblaw Companies, Adonis with Metro Inc and independent grocers, as well as Amazon and participating retailers’ e-commerce platforms. Through this rollout, Juan Valdez is initially reaching more than 400 points of sale and will continue expanding its presence across the country alongside new retail partners. (Juan Valdez – www.juanvaldez.com)…………
Happy Belly Food Group Inc. reports that its Heal Wellness brand has signed a franchise agreement for Moncton, New Brunswick, with an experienced multi-unit quick-service restaurant operator, marking the brand’s first franchise agreement in the province, continuing the brands expansion across Atlantic Canada. “Our franchisee’s experience managing multiple restaurants provides a strong operational foundation as we enter the province,” said Happy Belly CEO Sean Black. “We look forward to supporting them through the development process and bringing Heal’s fresh, better-for-you offering to the community.” (Happy Belly Food Group Inc. – www.happybellfg.com)……….
Have a great week and don’t forget, buy Canadian……….