Interview with Randy Sihota submitted by Lizbeth Wall, Past President CCA BC, November, 2020

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Nationwide Natural Foods is a Canadian owned and operated family business since 2000, specializing in the distribution of various domestic and imported products to retailers across Canada. They offer a wide selection of natural, organic, gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian products, with products ranging from dry, refrigerated, and frozen.

I had the opportunity to ask Randy Sihota about his family owned business.

Randy has been involved in the natural and organic food industry since he was 13 years old.  He can remember in 1987, when you heard the term gluten-free products you were referring to very bland products and Rice Cakes were the talk of the town.   Randy became interested in the gluten-free business after attending the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) show in May of 2018.

It is important to Nationwide Natural Foods that those with Celiac Disease and gluten sensitivities have a lot of food options and a network of individuals to reach out to and help them through the transition in eating and lifestyle changes.
Randy does not have any immediate family members with Celiac Disease, but he does have friends and relatives that have the disease.

He has been distributing gluten-free items for a long time through Nationwide Natural Foods.  After talking to a local manufacturer whose brand Nationwide distributes, he suggested that Randy start his own brand. The brand that he started was WesCana Foods, which manufacturers organic and gluten-free oats. Their products are produced in Regina Saskatchewan and are packaged in BC in a dedicated gluten-free facility.

It has been challenging to learn about the manufacturing, branding aspect of the business but their success has resulted in being listed in many accounts across Canada, with great potential for growth.

They have learned that they must thoroughly check the packaging to ensure compliance with Canadian labelling and packaging laws and ensure acceptable GS1 standards are maintained. (standards for business communications, such as bar codes).  This enables other retailers to have access to their products.  They must also be prepared to answer consumers requests.
Randy hopes that in the future his company’s products will be a household staple enjoyed at breakfast.  Soon he will introduce baking items for consumers to enjoy.

Currently Nationwide sells Organic Gluten Free Quick, Rolled and Steel Cut Oats and their products can be found in many Natural and Organic Retailers across Canada. He is happy to provide a complete list of where his products can be purchased upon request.
His products are special because Purity Protocol is a farm-to-plate method of ensuring that oats are gluten-free and have met requirements for seed stock purity, as well as criteria for growing, harvesting, transport, storage, processing and manufacturing (gfco.org).  However, this standard definition of Purity Protocol does not dictate final production lot sizes nor sampling and testing protocols.  A certificate of analysis is also done once the product is shipped out from the plant.  This is done to ensure the final product is gluten-free.

I asked Randy, “If you were starting over, would you have done things differently?”  He replied, “I should have listened to those supporting me from the beginning and started sooner.”

This is a family-operated business where every employee is treated like a family member at Nationwide. The family atmosphere helps Nationwide differentiate themselves in the market. They are dedicated to providing customers with the highest level of quality products and customer service in addition to affordable pricing.  Purchasing, logistics and distribution are closely monitored to ensure maximum efficiency.

Nationwide has had steady growth since 2000 and their goal is for continuous improvement of the services offered to our retailers. Our customer base includes major and independent grocery stores, specialty stores, coffee shops, and bistros.
We wish Randy and Nationwide Food great success.
 
 Randy Sihota
Operations & Business Development 
7083 Venture Street
Delta B.C. V4G-1H8
Tel: 604-952-4696 ext.6 Fax: 604-952-4699
Direct:604-952-4695 Cell:778-885-0348
Email: randysihota@nationwidenaturalfoods.com
Website: www.nationwidenaturalfoods.com