BIO

Michael Theodor’s unique background led him to becoming a leader in the Canadian organic and natural product industry. Born into a business family in the US, Michael learned from an early age from his father, a specialty food distributor, about service, accountability and customer loyalty. In the days before cell phones, internet, fax machines or any of the technology we take for granted now, Theodor’s family business had to ship orders for carnivals and circuses to an empty lot, in a city or state far away, and it had to arrive on a specific day before the show rolled into town! All of these skills and disciplines had a strong impact on Michael. In the late 60’s, when values and lifestyles were changing, Theodor learned about nutrition, raw foods, yoga, meditation and much more. This led to his interest in organic products and when arriving in Canada in the early 70’s his vision for selling organic products turned into a budding business opportunity.In 1980 he started Michael Theodor Brokerage, Inc, Canada’s first organic and natural products brokerage company. ”MTB” launched many of the industry’s biggest brands throughout the years in Canada like Rice Dream Beverage, Silk, Jason Natural Cosmetics, Natrol, Avalon, Yogi Tea, Green and Blacks Organic Chocolate, Nature’s Plus Supplements and many more, including the first PC Organic product launched by Loblaw’s in 1987.

In 2013 he sold Michael Theodor Brokerage Inc. and formed MT Consulting Services
which provides various levels of consulting to a wide variety of clients for supplements, organic foods, HABA and organic commodities. Some of these clients are long term and are 7 or 8 figure projects. MT Consulting also has handled offshore projects with both US and Canadian clients into several high volume Asian countries. With many top level contacts as a result of years of multi-category experience in the organic and natural products industry, MT Consulting brings effective, results oriented services to clients.His 42 year background in the organic, supplement and natural products brokerage business brings industry depth to the client’s project. Michael is an integral partner in these projects, and his many years brokering organic products and supplements in the natural channel in Canada provides a wealth of experience. In 2006, Michael was the recipient of the CHFA “Hall of Fame Award”, Canada’s highest industry award. He enjoys mountain biking, and open ocean and mountain river swimming in Canada’s Beautiful British Columbia.

Michael Theodor

ACHIEVEMENTS

In the 42 years he has been in the organic business, he has had many “firsts” in Canada:


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  • First to develop the organic soft fruit business, Organic Connection, from BC’s Okanagan Valley and sell organic fruit to natural food retailers around BC and Alberta. At the time there were 2 or 3 growers using organic methods in that region….today 100’s of organic farmers are there growing a wide range of organic crops, including organic wine.
  • First organic/natural products brokerage company in Canada, starting in 1979
  • First organic/natural products broker to feature brand management to manage brands in various “categories”
  • First organic/natural broker to handle natural HABA and supplements in Canada
  • First and only broker ever chosen for the coveted CHFA Industry Hall of Fame Award, Canada’s highest award, voted on by industry peers
  • First to take a leadership position against GMO’s as a member of the board of directors of the CHFA, which resulted in national media in Canada and made GMO’s “a Canadian national issue” in 1999 and 2000
  • The only Canadian Natural & Organic Broker chosen by WUSATA & The US Consul in Canada to be the lead speaker for US natural companies wanting to come into Canada

MT Consulting

In the spring of 2013, after over 33 years as one of Canada’s leading organic and natural product brokers, Theodor sold his company to a large conventional broker.

Shortly afterwards, with his proven track record & high level of skills, Michael formed MT Consulting, to assist companies wanting to market their products in Canada.

These include:

  • Overall planning for the Canadian market
  • Broker selection and management (if required)
  • Business and marketing plans
  • Pricing strategy for the Canadian marketplace
  • Distributor selection
  • Growth strategy
  • Assisting with sales in Canada in various channels
  • Good ongoing communication to ensure success
  • Provide both French translation & Canadian regulatory services to ensure your project meets all the Canadian regulations
  • Provide access to online re-sellers
  • Suggest high quality graphics art support for packaging and presentations(PPT)

AWARDS

 
AwardAwarded ByDateBrand
Highest percentage increaseRachel Perry1988
Outstanding Sales AchievementRachel Perry1989
My Favourite BrokerNatrol1992
Broker of the yearMrs. Leepers Pasta1992
Outstanding Service AwardMrs. Leepers Pasta1992
Broker of the yearRachel Perry1993
Broker of the year1993
ALIVE Silver Excellence awardBest new food 91-941994Imagine Foods
Certificate of AppreciationStrength Systems1994
ALIVE Gold Excellence awardBest Beverage1995Rice Dream Non Dairy Beverage
ALIVE Silver Excellence awardOrganic Veg Juice1995Muir Glen Organic Vegetable Juice
ALIVE Silver Excellence awardBeverage1996Rice Dream Non Dairy Beverage
ALIVE Bronze Excellence awardBest new product1996Imagine Foods Non Dairy Puddings
ALIVE Bronze Excellence awardCosmetics1996Jason Natural Costmetics
ALIVE Excellence Awardoutstanding contribution1996Imagine Foods Non Dairy Puddings
ALIVE Gold Excellence awardBeverage1997Rice Dream Non Dairy Beverage
ALIVE Silver Excellence awardBest Food1997Muir Glen Organic Pasta Sauce
ALIVE Bronze Excellence awardFood1997Muir Glen Organic Tomato Juice
Outstanding Service AwardYogi Tea1997
ALIVE Gold Excellence awardBeverage1998Rice Dream Non Dairy Beverage
Broker of the yearYogi Tea1998
Million dollar clubJason1999
ALIVE Bronze Excellence awardGreen Foods2003
ALIVE Silver Excellence awardChocolate Bar (Dark)2007Green and Blacks Organic
ALIVE Silver Excellence awardBar2007Organic Food Bar
ALIVE Gold Excellence awardAntioxidant2007Nature`s Plus
ALIVE Bronze Excellence awardNatural Food2007Prairie Harvest Organic Pasta
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CLIENTS

Michael had the privilege of working with the following organizations:

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As well as these brands…

Bio-K + Farm Foods Wholesoy Nature’s Warehouse Wholesome Sweeteners Shady Maple Organic Maple Syrup
Soyco Rachel Perry GURU Vega KIJU Organic Juice Utopia Organic Tomatoes
One with Nature Earth’s Own Toffurella Galaxy Foods Whole Alternatives Prairie Harvest Organic Pasta
Bumble Bar Dairy Fresh Essentia Water Natural Nectar (US) Good Karma Ethical Bean Organic Coffee
Solo Bar Maisie Janes Queen Helene Sunbutter Jamieson Laboratories Julie’s Organic Ice Cream
Mill Creek Nielsen-Massey Que Pasa Genesis Today Lancetre Organic Cheese Manitoba Harvest
Helen’s Kitchen Tints of Nature Xyla Eco Max Evergreen Organic Wheatgrass Juice

 

CONTACT


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Contact Information

Phone:

Office:   604.664.0697
Voicemail: 604.617.7789
 
Cell: 604.617.7789
Fax: 604.670.0036

 

Email:

michael@mtconsulting.ca

 

Skype:

Mptheodor