July 2022 Newsletter
CHFA NOW West 2022 / East 2022 | New Brands | Article: Post Pandemic Travel | Featured Brand
CHFA NOW West 2022 / East 2022
CHFA NOW trade show is an amazing opportunity to meet new people, boost brand awareness, and increase product visibility. A lot of great conversations have happened with the show attendees, which resulted in more independent stores and chains have added iLevel brands’ products to their shelfs. We have also found new partners, which enrich our portfolio. You can learn more about them later in newsletter.
Moreover, this event promotes building relationships outside and within the company, as we get to know each other better, and have fun experience, working together. We invite you to meet our crew in person and grab some samples from our brands in the upcoming CHFA NOW East 2022 show, being hosted at a new venue, the Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto.
New Brands at iLevel
Hippeas
Canada, June, 2022 – HIPPEAS®, Chickpea Snacks, is spreading The Peas & Love in Canada by partnering with iLevel Management, Inc.. iLevel Management will be acting as HIPPEAS®’ sales broker to Natural Health Food, Grocery, Mass Merchandise and Drug Stores in Canada. The team at HIPPEAS® is pleased to be working with iLevel’s sales team to market and increase sales of HIPPEAS® products across the Canadian market.
“As we continue to build excitement and momentum around the HIPPEAS® brand, iLevel Management’s vast experience and perspective in building and scaling emerging brands will be invaluable to help grow our Chickpea Puff Snacks and establish ourselves in the Canadian market,” Russ Stirmell, Director of Sales.
“As plant-based diets and a strong focus on health and wellness continue to become more mainstream in Canada and beyond, HIPPEAS® has tremendous growth potential in the better-for-you snack category,” Jimmy Vaid, President.
HIPPEAS® Chickpea Puffs will come in three flavors including: Vegan White Cheddar, Vegan Nacho Vibes and Bohemian Barbecue. HIPPEAS® Chickpea Puffs have 3-4 grams of plant-protein and 3 grams of fiber per 1oz. serving. Other better-for-you attributes include being verified Non-GMO, certified gluten-free, vegan/dairy free, kosher, nut and soy free and totally delicious.
About HIPPEAS®
HIPPEAS®, known for its iconic yellow bag with a chickpea smile, debuted in Q2 of 2016 in the US and the UK, with a line of Chickpea Puffs that quickly took over grocery aisles with unprecedented traction. HIPPEAS® is on a mission to shake things up. HIPPEAS® is calling all snackers to #GivePeasAChance® while also doing good in the world. Chickpea plants release nitrogen back into the earth, so they’re naturally good for the planet. True to their mantra of Peas, Love & Giving Back, HIPPEAS® is proud to support local Feeding America food banks across the country by donating food and aiding in disaster relief efforts.
For more information, visit HIPPEAS.com and follow along on Instagram @hippeas_snacks
Slice of Life
Slice of Life partners with iLevel Management
Caledon, Ont. — Slice of Life is pleased to announce their partnership with iLevel Management Inc. iLevel Management will be acting as Slice of Life’s sales broker to Natural Health Food stores, Major Grocery Chains and Food Service throughout Canada.
The team at Slice of Life is excited to be working with iLevel’s impressive sales team to promote and market Slice’s breads and to expand and increase its brand awareness throughout Canada.
“This marks the next step and evolution of our brand, and we’re really excited about it,” says Rose Candido, co-founder of Slice of Life. “Our gluten free, low carb products sit in line with iLevel’s vision to promote healthy, natural products. Their expertise with healthy products will be invaluable to us and we are extremely excited to be combining forces with such an amazing organization.”
About Slice of Life
Slice of Life is the brainchild of husband-wife duo Mauro and Rose Candido. Their gluten-free bread was launched as not only a solution to Mauro’s own health concerns, but also to meet the overwhelming demand of people who have issues with bloating, indigestion, tiredness, and sluggishness after consuming gluten. Slice of Life products are effective in that they contain only a handful of ingredients, and the signature loaf has just 1.5 carbs per slice.
After countless recipes and trials, the first loaf of Carb Wise Bread was created. The almond flour– based product is low-carb, gluten-free, packed with additional nutrients and suitable for those with celiac disease and diabetes. This product was followed shortly thereafter by the release of Slice of Life’s Cinnamon Raisin Bread.
Building on the success of its signature Carb Wise Bread, Slice of Life has recently released a Dark Chocolate and Banana along with a Blueberry Carbwise loaf. The products come after months of experimenting with different flavour profiles and combinations to extend the company’s product range. Similar to Slice of Life’s other products, these new breads contain no added preservatives or sugar and are made with all-natural ingredients. They are more a twist on the original. They’re also more on the dessert side so you can use them to make french toast or as part of all sorts of other recipes.”
For more information, visit www.sliceoflifefoods.ca
Post Pandemic Travel
Travel has come back in a big way in the aftermath of the pandemic. 2 years of hibernation and various global protective measures had restricted entree for traveling across boarders near and far for far longer than people could have ever anticipated. Now, with majority of populations having access to vaccinations and, as we have learned to adapt to the new world of hybrid flexibility in work life balance, Travel is on the agenda for a lot of us. So much so, that some airports and airlines have declared there will be foreseeable delays and even cancelations due to staff shortages, weather and other scheduling reasons. Gas prices are on the rise but even still, rental cars and bus transportation services are selling out and boarders are lined up with people needing to just get away.
So, as we readjust to a new normal that includes traveling again, its important to be adaptable, mindful and prepared for all of the new, unexpected and challenging aspects of what it takes to be welcomed as a visitor in post pandemic times. Here are a few tips to keep top of mind for getting your travel back on.
Before leaving to go anywhere- do your research. Find out any travel restrictions, pandemic protocols and any specific information about your destination that could be useful, like if they require masks or proof of vaccination status and even what the weather forecast is looking like. Check to see if your destination has been hard hit and take care to get a feel for the social climate of the area to understand how they feel about tourism after everything that has happened.
For domestic travel, using ground transportation like buses and trains lowers your carbon footprint and can be a great way to take in the sites. Check transportation websites to see if there is any delays or cancelations that could cause hiccups in your itinerary. You may have options to rebook with another carrier or for another day. If you have travel insurance, check to see what is covered and keep copies of your insurance numbers handy. It’s also smart to send your itinerary and travel documents to family or friends in case of emergency.
In anticipation of limited Wi-Fi access (because you never know!), charge all of your electronics before you go and ensure you have chargers and adapters that are easily accessible. Download shows, podcasts and reading materials ahead of time for handy entertainment and don’t forget to take pictures of (or print out) travel documents to stay prepared.
Function and fashion can go hand in hand and be a lifesaver so dress comfortably and pack lightly! Sitting in a car, at an airport or train station for hours is a real possibility- so comfy footwear, a travel pillow and a good set of wheels for your carry on can make a world of difference. For check-in luggage use packing cubes to stay organized and do final edit before you go- maybe lighter packing means you can do more shopping once you reach your destination! A reusable cotton shopping bag is lightweight and easy to bring along for travel purchases and helps reduce waste. Delays, long layovers and lost luggage can be a hassle if you are not prepared. Pack a small towel, soap or shampoo bar and extra undergarments in your carry on in case you end up somewhere you were not anticipating.
Health and Hygiene are a traveler’s best assets these days. If you plan to travel, more now than ever it should be the norm to ensure you are feeling good and taking care of your own health before heading out on a trip. Being fresh and clean won’t make anyone mad (unless that includes heavy scents/perfumes that could cause allergic reactions), so be well rested and showered up before you head out, to get a good start.If you suspect you might be suffering from SAD, it is important to speak to your Doctor who can help determine if you need a physical exam, lab work and a possible diagnosis from a mental health professional. If left untreated, symptoms can get worse and lead to complications.
Stay hydrated by traveling with a refillable water bottle (be sure to research the drinkability of the water in the area you are visiting), and pack snacks that are healthy and keep you full. Almonds, veggies and a protein can keep you satisfied long after the concession stands close and bringing your own food helps curb junk food intake. You can visit local grocery stores in the area to get a feel for the culture, save a few bucks and keep your diet on track. Its also a good idea bring along probiotics to keep your digestive system regulated when traveling to avoid that pesky travel constipation.
COVID-19 taught us how easily germs can spread and endanger us, so why wouldn’t you take the extra steps to protect yourself. Even if masks are not required by your transport carrier or area you are visiting, keep an N-95 mask, a small hand sanitizer and pain medication/vitamins on you to stay prepared. It’s a good idea to keep your vaccine passport records along with your health insurance somewhere accessible when traveling just in case you are asked or have to seek any kind of medical assistance.
Facing changes or delays to upcoming travel plans are to be expected in a lot of cases this season, so being prepared might just be the key to ensuring stress levels stay down and you get the most enjoyment that you can out of your trip.
Featured Brand
BSA
Non-alcoholic, obviously.
BSA is the top-rated brand in Canada dedicated to non-alcoholic craft beer.
Its mission is to normalize drinking less alcohol by introducing consumers and the NA industry to a fresh and delicious alternative.
At BSA, we embrace and promote our Non-Alcoholic label. As the first NA craft beer company to do so in Canada, we’re promoting a drink-less culture through design, strategic marketing, and innovative communication. In just one year, we jumped from 1 to 6 products, and are now available in over 1500 POS throughout the country. Through a unique design approach and an unparalleled enthusiasm for our mission, we’re creating a new and younger generation of NA consumers. Quality non-alcoholic beer for quality times with all your top qualities intact.
« We are very excited to start working with iLevel to grow BSA outside Quebec. We had a huge success here and a lot of media attention. We’re confident we can reproduce that success and reach out to the new generation of Canadian NA consumers » — Jerome Gagnon, Cofounder — BSA
Products now available through Jon Luca:
Smooth IPA — A slightly bitter IPA that won’t have you gritting your teeth. With citrus and passion fruit aromas brought out by Galaxy hops, it has a lightly cloudy yet silky body. A smooth beer for feeling light-hearted, never light-headed.
Tropical Sour — Sour but not too sour. The Tropical Sour beer has balanced fruity aromas and a subtle cereal finish. With a lightly coloured body topped with a nice smooth head, it’s a deliciously exotic refreshment.
Raspberry Sour — A raspberry sour with just enough fruity punch. Dense, smooth, and with a purplish red body, it offers the fragrance of ripe raspberries and a sweet yet tart taste. Enjoy all the fizz without any of the fuzz.
Blonde Pilsner — The easy-to-drink Czech-inspired blonde. We have the Saaz hop to thank for its floral aromas, balanced with a fine cereal taste. Enjoy it anywhere, anytime.
Learn more about BSA and new updates, visit: bieresansalcool.co
