Products embracing environmental sustainability, healthier options poised to take advantage of global demand

There’s been a steady increase in interest in nutrition and how we can sustainably supply enough healthy food to feed our growing population. Natural Products Canada’s 5th annual investor meeting with Nutrition Capital Network provided a great setting to discuss the opportunity that lies within this challenge, and to showcase some of the early stage Canadian companies that are leading the way.

A fan favourite of the annual meeting, Nick McCoy of Whipstitch Capital kicked things off with an inspiring look at the investment trends in the food and nutrition sector. As usual, Nick provided thought-provoking stats to bring some perspective to the audience of seasoned investors and new entrepreneurs. In particular, he showed the impact that ESG investment is having on the space, and how brands with strong commitments to social and environmental sustainability are well poised to capitalize on this trend.

We also heard from Ted Fleming of Partake Brewing, makers of the award-winning non-alcohol craft beers. Ted is an alumnus of the 2019 edition of the NCN-NPC meeting, and went on to raise his first investment round during the pandemic – no small feat! Ted shared some of his learnings from that experience, as well as other lessons he’s learned in building a company that is based on his personal values and passion for the product, while leveraging the growing consumer interest in a no/low alcohol lifestyle.

The event also featured a panel discussion led by Sue Coueslan of Natural Products Canada on the challenges the pandemic presented to Canadian companies, and what investors and entrepreneurs can glean from that in the months ahead. While the worst of the COVID-related disruption is over, each of the panelists (Kyley Paul of Natural Sci Reg; Bernard Verkaaik of The Greater Goods; and Melissa Mountain of Mountain2) had actionable advice to help companies weather the turbulent environment of supply chain issues, price increases, and increased competition that is forecast to persist for the foreseeable future.

We also had a sneak peek into a topic that is exploding in the health and wellness industry: mushrooms. NPC’s Colin Garrioch interviewed Chris Murray of FoxNRTH about Canada’s involvement in functional and medicinal mushrooms – particularly the fascinating new field of psychadelics derived from mushrooms in the treatment of mental health issues. Chris’ background in the legal cannabis industry allowed him to give a unique perspective on this new opportunity and Canada’s potential role in it.

Of course the main attraction of the two-day event is the presentations from the 15 promising Canadian companies in the food and nutrition space. They ranged from functional ingredients and branded foods, beverages and supplements, to a bio-based alternative to plastic food containers. Each of the companies was shepharded through NCN’s proven process led by Mike Dovbish, including vetting by a committee of investors and industry veterans, and matching with an appropriate mentor to help develop and refine their business plan and pitch. And it definitely paid off! The pitches were clear and concise, and the presenters provided excellent answers to the questions from the audience and the investment panels comprised of Kristi Miller (NPC Ventures); Matthew von Teichman (MAVTL Holdings); Chelsea Stanimir (Lyra Growth Partners); Steve Chiasson (Nature’s Way); Alex Billingsley (Maritime Natural); and Mark Blackwell (Builders VC).

“The preparation by the companies coupled with the sophistication of the investor really made for a powerful virtual event,” says Shelley King, CEO of Natural Products Canada. “We are grateful to Fasken and Natural Sci Reg the Canadian sponsors who help make it possible for us to introduce these innovators to such an esteemed network of industry investors and leaders.”

Interested in learning more about the event or the companies that presented? Please contact us.