Health Food Institute administration taken over by Health Stores Ireland
The council of the Health Food Institute (HFI) has announced that its administration has transferred to Health Stores Ireland (IAHS).
The change follows the retirement of the HFI council and administrator and was planned to ensure a smooth transition as it extends its reach to serve both the UK and Irish markets.
John Frisby, chairman of the HFI, says: “I am delighted to announce that the administration of the Institute is being fully transferred to Health Stores Ireland. After much thought and consideration, the councils of both organizations mutually agreed that the transfer would be highly beneficial for ongoing independent training within our industry.
“The members of the HFI council are extremely proud of what has been achieved over the years since its formation in 1979. Many thousands of students have undertaken the HFI Diploma courses, and we are proud to have helped develop knowledge and recognize excellence within health food stores throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“I would like to thank everyone involved over the past 47 years and particularly Alison Collingwood, our administrator, who has supported our students from the very beginning. I am confident that the future of the Institute and frontline training, in the hands of the Irish Association, will flourish and thrive for another 47 years.”
“We are proud to have helped develop knowledge and recognize excellence within health food stores throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland”
Commenting on the move, IAHS chair Leroy Smith says: “It was an easy decision for us to make when first mooted. The independent health trade in Ireland and the UK is built on the pillars of this organization, and we are honoured to carry forward the legacy that Alison and her council have built for our sector.”
IAHS president Erica Murray adds: “Health Food Institute's reputation as an independent body striving for excellence in consumer service will be maintained. We will be urging every health food store in Ireland and the UK to ensure that all staff are trained to Diploma 1, with at least one staff member achieving Diploma 2 in each store. This should be the minimum level of foundational training to maintain the high standard of service expected in health food stores.”
The institute’s long-term supporters, members and fellows will be offered new benefits with access to exclusive content and events in the coming months. IAHS says it will appoint a new council to guide future operations.
By Jane Wolfe, contributor