My first blog marks the unveiling of a new look and expanded website content to incorporate the needs of functional food and natural health product manufacturers under the BCFPA umbrella. As BC’s largest manufacturing sector it is important that food and natural health product manufacturers have a voice – to government and the public. By joining BCFPA, FF NHP representatives will become part of that voice and benefit from the opportunity to network and share best practices with their peers.

Food manufacturing, including natural health products is BC’s largest manufacturing sector, both in terms of shipments and jobs. In 2008 food processing shipments were $6.9 billion, and the industry employed 30,700 people; 18% of total manufacturing shipments and 18% of all manufacturing jobs.

Source: Statistics Canada, CANSIM Table 304-0015 and Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, Prepared by BC Stats (January 14, 2010)

There are many similarities between food and natural health product manufacturers, particularly with regard to human resources, technology and operations, sales and marketing. The synergies between FFNHP and food processing companies will allow BCFPA to provide greater value and take advantage of opportunities for joint capacity building undertakings.

New BCFPA - FFNHP members are encouraged to join BCFPA's active committees and peer groups in order to network, share best practices and gain peer support. A new Natural Health Products Group will address issues specific to the FFNHP industry.

Come learn about the benefits of membership at our Functional Food and Natural Health Product welcoming event on January 26th at the Great Little Box Company on Mitchell Island in Richmond.

Best Wishes,

Nico Human
CEO, BCFPA

Testimonial: Since joining the BCFPA we have uncovered many new Government initiatives which support our processing industry. It also provides an avenue to interact with other similar businesses which fosters new ideas for sales and marketing. BCFPA enables our Industry to have a voice in the government. The strength is in numbers, so join BCFPA and get our concerns and issues heard.
Musa Ismail, TaQwa Halal Foods