Nature’s Way Canada, a company that produces a wide range of all-natural health products, has formed a partnership with Natural Products Canada, a non-profit that commercializes natural product companies  in Canada.

The two organizations announced their shared commitment to co-invest in early-stage Canadian companies that are developing innovative natural health products in a statement last week. 

Nature's Way is a brand of nutritional supplements that includes an expansive line of omega-3 supplements, herbs, probiotics, vitamins and minerals, and other natural health products. The company is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, but also has Canadian offices in Dartmouth.

Natural Products Canada is an organization that supports companies across the country that develop products from natural sources. It has already invested in five companies, including two from Atlantic Canada: Fredericton-based Chinova Bioworks, and Charlottetown-based Island Water Technologies.

The groups plan to invest in similar businesses that are developing natural health products, or NHPs, like nutritional supplements, medical or functional food, or dietary ingredients.

Along with investment, the partners plan to provide access to their markets, distribution channels and advice.

“The partnership with Nature’s Way will give nascent Canadian NHP companies a significant advantage,” said Shelley King, the CEO of Natural Products Canada, in the statement.

“Early stage capital is essential. But this combination of insights, network, global presence, and smart money will help Canadian NHP companies reach their full potential.”

Investments will be jointly financed by NPC and Nature’s Way with each party leveraging its own additional assets to strengthen future investments.

“We are very excited about what this partnership with Natural Products Canada can bring to our business, not only here in Canada but throughout the broader Nature’s Way network,” Steve Chiasson, the General Manager of Nature’s Way Canada, said in the statement.