Protein chips among competitors for Most Innovative Product award at CHFA
Eight emerging Canadian brands are preparing to compete at the 2026 CHFA Launch Pad on Friday, September 25, during the CHFA NOW Toronto trade show. Held at the Automotive Building at Exhibition Place in Toronto, the event stands as Canada’s largest trade show dedicated to the natural, organic and wellness industry. Among the finalists is Snackish, a protein chip.
Snacks that feature protein are experiencing a surge in the convenience snack aisles, and wellness is a growing trend that is feeds into the demand for better-for-you products.
The annual competition provides promising Canadian consumer packaged goods brands in the natural, organic and wellness sectors an opportunity to showcase innovation to leading retailers and industry stakeholders. One brand will take home the title of Most Innovative Product, along with a prize pack designed to propel its next stage of growth. Past winners have experienced sales growth and expanded retail partnerships following their participation in the showcase.
Finalists will receive two minutes to pitch their brand and product in a format of their choosing to a judging panel of industry experts. This year's panel features Isabèle Chevalier, president of NAD Capital Inc., Shelley R. King, chief executive officer of Natural Products Canada, and Steve Hollingsworth, CEO of Nature's Emporium.
Following each pitch, the judges will ask questions to evaluate the presenter's product, business model and vision before selecting the winner.
This year's winner will receive a prize pack valued at more than $25,000 alongside opportunities to build brand visibility. The package includes $10,000 in customized brand consultation from Brand Natural; a $10,000 retail media and brand visibility package from In Conversation with Bruce W. Cole; promotion across CHFA's owned channels; media exposure through announcements and placements; a booth at the next CHFA NOW trade show; and a complimentary CHFA one-year membership.
