Industry News Healthy Planet’s Monica Walker named Grocery Business Whole Health Innovator

Monica Walker, head of food and grocery for Healthy Planet, is the 2024 recipient of the Grocery Business Innovator in Whole Health award.

She has been active in the health and wellness sector since coming to Canada from the U.K. in the early 2000s. For six years, she owned and operated a health food store in Toronto before entering the supply side where she worked in sales at Marsham International Food Brokers and Ontario National Food Company. She joined Healthy Planet in 2018.

Muhammad Mohamedy, general manager at Healthy Planet, worked with Walker before she joined the company six years ago.

“Monica has worked in the health food and grocery industry for over two decades, and brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion to Healthy Planet. We have been fortunate to have her on our team as the head of food and grocery for the last six years.

Her dedication to the industry and providing quality products to communities all over Ontario has been nothing short of remarkable. She consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership and negotiation skills, faces challenges with resilience and strength, and is overall, a wonderful person who we are happy to call family. We are so proud of her and her achievements, and will always be cheering her on along the way.”

Ali Davies, vice president of sales for UNFI Canada, says Healthy Planet is an important natural independent retailer in Ontario that understands innovation is key to success. “We have built a strong relationship over the years. They are focused on growth and understand how important innovation is in the natural space. They have a partnership approach that has enabled their business and brands to flourish. Monica is a key part of this and creates win-win solutions with her partners to hit the sweet spot for consumers.” 

Serene Martin, director of national marketing and business development for Tree of Life, says “Monica keeps us on our toes and is a massive supporter of Tree of Life, for this we thank you Monica. We’re honoured to call her an esteemed colleague and I am pleased to call her a friend.”

Brian Jackson, managing director of CPG Brand Management, has only known Walker for a few years but says her reputation preceded her.

“Monica is a high energy leader with her foot on the pedal for growth and innovation. It is her industry intellect and comprehension of the health and wellness space and her decisiveness on what is needed for Healthy Planet and its shoppers that has really impressed me. She encourages vendors to not only present what is new, but to think about what is next and what is different.”

The Grocery Business Innovator in Whole Health is an annual award that recognizes individuals or businesses who contribute to the growth of the health and wellness category through innovative strategies, creative initiatives and overall commitment to the health and wellness space in grocery.