New Product Consideration
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.
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 labeled (English/French, pending any CFIA exceptions)
- Labeled with a UPC code
- Meets all CFIA labeling regulations
Products considered favourable include those that are:
- 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
Products not meeting the first criteria set are not reviewed.
Products not fully meeting the second criteria set are given secondary priority.
"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:
ONFC Product Consideration -- General Info Form, Product Details Form
Ontario Natural Food Co-op Attention: Kate Jarvis 5685 McLaughlin Road Mississauga Ontario L5R 3K5
- Download the form below (3 tabs) and return via email (intake@onfc.ca). (right-click and choose "Save Target As...")
- Send one samples, Canadian packaging, of each of your products/flavours/types to:
"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 initial 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!
