Webinar: 'COVID-19 and Supplement Sales: Making Sense of the Sales Spike and the New Normal'
Join CRN and Natural Products Insider on Friday, April 17, from 12–1:30 pm Eastern for a webinar on the recent sales spikes in the dietary supplement market, consumer demographics and behaviors, and what companies can expect going forward. Attendees will get information not only on transaction data, but also on insights into what consumers are thinking—are supplements seen as an insurance policy? A quest for optimal health? A quick way to boost immunity?
CRN’s senior vice president of Communications, Brian Wommack, will moderate a panel discussion with IRI Worldwide, NMI and SPINS. Panelists will compare chain drug and mass retail sales with ‘natural’ channels and give advice on how to allocate stock among distribution channels for manufacturers facing limited supply chains. UPDATE: Now available on demand.
CBD remains relevant as consumers seek products to support mental health during COVID-19 pandemic
As consumers seek support in managing stress, improving sleep and addressing other areas of mental health during the crisis, it is more critical than ever to establish a legal pathway to market for CBD-containing supplements to protect consumers and ensure access to safe and beneficial products. 
Earlier this month, The Collaborative for CBD Science and Safety (CCSS) officially launched with the goals to encourage science-based research into the potential of CBD and other cannabinoids and ensure the quality and safety of CBD and CBD-containing products available for consumers. CRN is one of 10 CCSS steering organizations charged with developing and advocating for policies to improve safety and quality of CBD and CBD-derived products and encouraging research into CBD and other cannabinoids. The CCSS serves as a forum for sharing perspectives, educating and advocating for CBD, and promoting an environment that prioritizes public health and safety. Learn more in this one-pager or via the CCSS website.
Dietary supplement trade organizations applaud FDA enforcement against illegal COVID-19 product claims
CRN, with the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), and the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) commended FDA's recent enforcement actions against marketers making deceptive claims about supplements claiming to cure or prevent COVID-19. In a joint statement, the trade associations urged for continued enforcement action from FDA to protect consumers.
Earlier in February, the industry reminded consumers and retailers that while research supports the use of certain dietary supplements to maintain healthy immune systems, these products may not claim to treat, cure or prevent COVID-19. Retailers of dietary supplements should refuse to promote, stock or sell any dietary supplements that are presented as treating, curing or preventing COVID-19.
Industry responsibility more important than ever during COVID-19 pandemic, CRN's Mister says
CRN President & CEO Steve Mister is calling on dietary supplement companies to step up self-policing as demand soars during the COVID-19 pandemic and FDA has acknowledged inspections would be curtailed. In an article for New Hope Natural Media, "Supplement industry must self-police as demand soars, FDA retreats," Mr. Mister advises, “Now is the time for companies to double down on their quality controls. Re-evaluate your analytical methods…Upgrade your testing methods for incoming ingredients and ask hard questions of your third-party laboratories…” Being accountable, trustworthy, and responsible has never been more critical, he noted. “We all have a role to play to insure that consumers get the highest quality dietary supplements every time.”
How can CRN help?
Let us know how you're doing and if you're facing any new problems. We want to help in any way we can. We are grateful for the role of retailers every day, and we especially value your leadership now.
QUESTIONS ABOUT NEED TO KNOW?
Please contact Holly Vogtman (hvogtman@crnusa.org).