In this issue - Summer 2024

Radical approach

It's over a year since Julie Goodwin sold her Welwyn Garden City store in order to focus her full attention on the nearby Hertford business.

Times had been tough throughout the pandemic and the subsequent inflationary challenges, but since that sale the Hertford store and therapy rooms have been revamped and a posh new logo designed.

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Cream rises in Devon

Starting a health store business towards the end of 2022 might seem as gloomy as a damp winter night.

For Kathy James-Castle, "it's been a very interesting journey".

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Seeing positives in difficult times

Despite difficult times for some, independents on the high street seem to be doing well overall, according to wholesale and distribution co-operative Suma.

Ordering is robust as everyone has been planning ahead for what will hopefully be a busy summer, says co-op member Sophie Ziegler-Jones.

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Why food matters

As rates of obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes continue to soar, "What should I eat?" has become one of the most important questions of the 21st century. As a doctor specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive health problems, my patients ask me this question all the time. They deserve evidence-based answers.

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Secret Shopper Reports

This Midlands store scored highly in every category for online shopping and must now be a front-runner for the 2024 Award to be announced early next year.

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Health Food Institute: Give us this day... what's in our bread?

According to the latest news we are moving away from the anti-carb diet which has hit bread sales. This is excellent news for the bakery industry as it is currently witnessing increasing sales, predicting that the market for bread will grow by 15% during the next couple of years, with total sales of £7.8bn–£9bn

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Health Stores UK: An easy way to make a difference

In a recent interview, the Director General of the HFMA, Martin Last, described his job as the privilege of his life because he had been "given a chance to make a difference". It's a comment that says something about the person, but also about the role of trade associations.

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Health Stores Ireland: Let's do this together

While coffee baristas, sommeliers and maître d's have defined roles within their sectors, nutritionists or nutritional advisors don't seem to carry the same kind of clarity and kudos within health food retail.

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Health Food Manufacturers' Association: One year on

It is now a year since I took on my role as Director General of the HFMA. A role which provides its own challenges but that I am thoroughly enjoying. I have been involved with the HFMA for most of my 30-year career in the Health Food Industry and have been a company member of HFMA, on Council, a Vice Chair, and a Chair, so to be able to lead this organisation is a real honour.

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Read articles from the Spring 2024 issue here.