Health Stores Ireland (IAHS) is to take over the running of the Health Food Institute (HFI), with effect from 1 March 2026, it has been announced today. 

Founded in 1979, HFI has served as an independent, non-profit professional body promoting training and excellence across the UK health food industry for over four decades. Following the retirement of the current HFI Council and administrator, the carefully planned transition ensures the Institute’s operations continue seamlessly while aiming to expand its reach to serve both the UK and Irish markets.

John Frisby, chairman of the Health Food Institute, said: “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 organisations 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 recognise 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.”

Under IAHS administration, HFI will continue to deliver its core Professional Diploma Courses, providing health food professionals with the foundational knowledge required to operate and contribute to the modern health store. The Institute’s mission remains “committed to providing relevant retail training for health stores across the UK and Ireland”.

Health Stores Ireland chair Leroy Smith said: “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 organisation, and we are honoured to carry forward the legacy that Alison and her council have built for our sector.”  IAHS President Erica Murray said: “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 necessary to maintain the high standard of service expected in health food stores.”

HFI’s long-term supporters, Members and Fellows, will be offered new benefits, with access to exclusive content and events in the coming months. The entity, trademarks, logos, and legacy of HFI remain unchanged. IAHS will soon appoint a new council to guide future operations.