Canadian natural health products investment deal to support “promising young companies”
13 Sep 2018 --- Consumer nutritional supplement brand Nature’s Way and Natural Products Canada have signed an agreement to co-invest in innovative natural health product opportunities in Canada. The output of this partnership will continue to feed consumers’ needs for natural product solutions, a category that is already growing by 5 percent in Canada.
Nature’s Way and Natural Products Canada will co-invest in early stage Canadian companies working in natural products sectors such as nutritional supplements, medical or functional food, or dietary ingredients and technology. Along with investment, the partners will provide unprecedented access to markets, distribution channels and advice.
“We are very excited to explore these opportunities with Natural Products Canada,” says Matt Schueller, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Nature’s Way headquarters in Green Bay Wisconsin. “The caliber of products developed in Canada is a natural fit with our mission to help consumers meet their health and nutrition goals.”
“The partnership with Nature’s Way will give nascent Canadian NHP companies a significant advantage,” says Shelley King, CEO, Natural Products Canada, a not-for-profit corporation focused on commercialization of natural products in Canada. “Early stage capital is essential. But this combination of insights, network, global presence, and smart money will help Canadian NHP companies reach their full potential.”
The initiative is jointly financed by both companies with each party leveraging additional assets to strengthen the investment. NPC will seek to identify potential investable opportunities, tapping its national network of companies, research institutions and innovation hubs. While Nature’s Way will use its experience in marketing and distribution to help investee companies refine their products and business plans, and access key partners and clients.
“We are very excited about what this partnership with Natural Products Canada can bring to our business not only here in Canada but throughout the broader Nature’s Way network,” says Steve Chiasson, General Manager of Nature’s Way Canada. “The research and innovation happening in Canada is second to none and is buoyed by a highly engaged network of support organizations like NPC. We are eager to review the best opportunities to complement our portfolio.”
