Hello and thank you for your interest in learning more about our New Product Consideration Process. We have developed this web area to answer your questions and provide you with the required procedures and forms that allow us to most effectively and efficiently review your product.

Please read this section thoroughly to ensure your product receives the attention it deserves.

About ONFC

Ontario Natural Food Co-op has been providing the natural food industry with high quality natural food products since 1976. Our mission is to support a sustainable food system by providing, with integrity, quality service in the distribution of organic and natural foods and products within a socially responsible, co-operative network.

As the needs of our customers evolve, we have become well known in the natural food industry for sourcing chemical-free, organic, quality Canadian products. Our integrity and ethical approach is highly valued by our customers and respected and acknowledged by our competitors.

New Product Criteria

When considering new products, they must at minimum be:

• Free of chemical additives and preservatives
  
• Free of artificial flavours and / or colours
  
• Free of growth hormones
  
• Free of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) (<1%)
  
• Free of white sugar (highly refined)
  
• Free of hydrogenated / partially hydrogenated oils
  
• Be of redeeming nutritional and health value
  
• Bilingually labelled (English/French, pending any CFIA exceptions)
  
• Labelled with a UPC code
• Meets all CFIA labelling regulations

• Certified organic
  
• Canadian in origin and/or locally produced
  
• Fair Trade certified (where applicable)
  
• Kosher
  
• Minimally processed or refined
  
• Influential in positive environmental and social change

"Why the Stringent Criteria? Other Distributors are More Flexible."

Though the criteria list may appear limiting to some, it strongly reflects the values and beliefs of our company. This approach is highly valued both within our organization and by our well established customer base.

Product Submission Process

If your product matches the above criteria, please:

1. Download the form below (2 tabs) and return via email (address is on the form).
   (right-click and choose "Save Target As...")
   
   ONFC Product Consideration -- General Info Form, Product Details Form
   
   
2. Send two samples of each of your products/flavours/types to:

   Ontario Natural Food Co-op
   Attention: John Landsborough
   5685 McLaughlin Road
   Mississauga Ontario
   L5R 3K5

"What Happens Next?"

Upon receiving your samples and verifying your form, your product line will be presented to a committee and discussed. If we have any further initial questions, we will be in touch with you.

If the initial review is favourable, your product goes to "Costing", where we determine any shipping costs (if you do not deliver to our dock) and our price to our customers.

"How Long Does the Process Take?"

The Consideration process varies considerably. You can help shorten this time by ensuring your forms are complete. In general, the process takes 3-4 weeks. This timeline will increase pending additional questions from our committee.

"May I Set Up a Product Presentation Meeting With You?"

Due to the large volume of submissions we receive, we ask that you fill out the required form and mail in the samples. Upon intial review and approval, we may then contact you for a presentation, if we feel an in-depth discussion is required..

"I Still Have Questions..."

No problem. Just Email Us!