New study reveals Canadians spend $2.5 billion annually on natural health products

    TORONTO, Oct. 14 /CNW/ - Health-conscious Canadians are buying and using 
natural health products in record numbers, says a new study sponsored by the
Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) in cooperation with the Canadian
Natural Products Association (CNPA) and the Canadian Homeopathic
Pharmaceutical Association (CHPA).
    According to study findings - from the second and third quarter of 2005 -
sales of natural health products in Canada exceed $2.5 billion annually and
the natural health products sector employs close to 25,000 people. The study
also reveals that Canadians have access to a wide range of natural health
products through approximately 2,700 health food retailers, 650 stores which
feature traditional Chinese medicines, 7,600 pharmacies, hundreds of direct
sellers, thousands of alternative health care practitioners and through direct
purchases via the Internet.
    According to CHFA Chairman, John Holtmann, the study findings answer some
key questions being asked by both industry and government about how large the
industry really is and what consumers are buying. "This study verifies what
people in our industry have been saying for years - that natural health
products are making an increasing contribution to the nutrition and health of
Canadians," said Holtmann. "This industry profile illustrates the extent to
which Canadians have come to recognize the important role of alternative
medicines and the link between a healthy diet and good health."
    Recent reports and surveys completed for the federal government further
endorse the growth and significance of the natural health products sector.
These reports indicate that over two-thirds of Canadians buy natural health
products and consumers currently have over 42,000 natural health products to
choose from.
    CNPA spokesperson, Benoit Fortin, observed that the NHP industry is a
Canadian success story. "This is an industry that adds value to products and
ingredients produced in all regions of Canada and one that will continue to
grow and attract investment in domestic manufacturing," he said. "Canada's
reputation for high quality products extends to natural health products. Our
member companies see enormous potential for growth in exports, driven by the
benefits these products deliver." The industry's vision is supported by the
Leverus study and other studies that suggest the annual North American market
for natural health products to be approaching $30 billion.
    Another important finding of the study is that homeopathic medicines and
traditional Chinese medicines are being used more frequently by alternative
health care practitioners in treating patients and that Canadians are buying
more of these types of natural health products. CHPA President, Yvan
Bourgault, expressed optimism that homeopathic medicines will ultimately enjoy
the same recognition in health care in Canada that has been achieved in Europe
and Asia, and will be supported by Health Canada's Natural Health Products
Regulations. "We are pleased with the fact that Health Canada has a stronger
recognition of the therapeutic use of homeopathic medicines in health care. We
hope that this translates quickly into improved access to products by
consumers and their health care professionals," said Bourgault.
    The industry study, conducted by Ottawa-based Leverus Inc., also
highlights that the concept of 'self-care' is being embraced by government
departments involved in health care funding and delivery as a means of easing
the burden on the system and containing costs. Recognizing that consumers want
to be more involved in promoting and maintaining good health, Health Canada
has described self-care as "one of the pillars of health care and health care
reform in Canada today". The study notes that use of natural health products
is being recognized as being key to realizing the potential societal and
economic benefits of self-care.
    Adds Holtmann, "The natural health products industry is committed to
ensuring that Canadians have access to safe, effective and high-quality
products and that consumers have the information they need to make informed
choices."

For further information: Jonathan Noyek, Communications Manager, 
Canadian Health Food Association, (905) 479-6939, 1-800-661-4510