the Natural Health Industry

Nature’s Source, a traditional health food store founded by Sanjiv and Mona Jagota, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It has three stand-alone locations in the greater Toronto area. Additionally, Sanjiv owns and operates 13 Nature’s Signature stores, all located inside Metro grocery stores, spanning across Southern Ontario.

1)Tell us about both of your backgrounds and what inspired you to start Nature’s Source?

Sanjiv – I studied Health Sciences in both University and College and worked in the pharmaceutical industry. From there, I transitioned into the Health Food Industry where my passion was.

Mona – I studied Commerce and have worked with Nature’s Source from day one. I oversee the finance department.

2)Over the past 25 years in the natural foods industry, what are some of the key observations, challenges and how have things progressed?

We have seen more emphasis on research and more awareness to natural health. One of the most pressing issues is pricing. Some health food store owners don’t have business expertise, and they think everything is about offering product at a low price. We spend too much time competing against discounters. Low pricing doesn’t get us anywhere. Margins continue to be an issue for retailers, he adds, along with finding ways to keep staff in the industry. Attracting and keeping clients is also an everevolving quandary. I also believe the future for health food retailers is based on the exchanges taking place between customers and store staff. I think if retailers are going to exist in the marketplace, we have to get stronger in customer service, in how we do things in the retail selling space. We have to offer more on the retail floor than we do today. We have to give people a reason to shop in our stores, and not seek other methods or destinations to buy their supplements.”

3)How is Nature’s Source different from other natural health stores?

Our approach has been to carry evidence-based products that are therapeutic and free of artificial colours and flavours. The vast majority of our store staff are health professionals, such as registered nutritionists, naturopathic doctors, and sports nutritionists.

4)What supplements are most important for children, men, women, and seniors in general?

To begin with, the basics should be Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Magnesium and a Vitamin B Complex. The supplements needed by people change as their nutritional needs change as we go through various stages of life: childhood, adolescence, adulthood, pregnancy, post-partum, middle age, and elderly.

5)What are some of the common health issues the South Asian community is dealing with and which products do you recommend?

Our community is generally concerned with diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure and mental illness. It is best to speak with our in-store experts to ensure the correct mix of natural health products and to avoid conflicts with medications, which is often underplayed.

6)Food lacks nutritional value, so (in your opinion) which supplements are most required in today’s environment, based on the western diet?

Probiotics and digestive enzymes are very important. Probiotics help maintain the correct microbiome for efficient digestion, supporting immune functions, and making vitamins B and K available for the rest of the body. Digestive enzymes help break down various foods of lower nutritive value, and make the nutrients available to be absorbed by the intestines.

7)What is the most common/ popular supplement sold in your stores and why?

Plant-based protein has recently become very popular among all age groups. Many people use it to make sure they get enough energy and protein in the diets. Some people find it easier to digest than whey protein.

8)In your opinion, what is the greatest factor to determine good health beyond supplements?

Avoiding white sugar, white flour, and pop! Exercise and good sleep go a long way to promoting better health. Working closely with a practitioner is a big bonus!

9)As a husband-wife team working together in business, are there any tips you can share with our readers?

We stay out of each other’s lanes; Mona is much smarter than me in many areas of the business which I try to stay out of and vice versa.

10)What are your future plans/goals for the company?

We will continue to serve the communities we are in the best we can and continue to grow into new communities across Ontario.

11)What are your thoughts on the www.saveoursupplements.ca campaign?

Health Canada is purposing new regulations which will have a negative impact on the availability of natural health products in Canada. I am not sure our vendors will be able to keep up with the costs of adapting. With their costs going up, consumers will be impacted, making their health journey that much more expensive. One thing for sure is that we will lose the depth of range of products.