DERRY, NH (Feb. 27, 2013) – Forty years ago, MegaFood was founded on a fresh idea that dietary supplements could be made from farm fresh whole foods. Today, the company has continued to pioneer the whole food supplement movement by launching more than 50 varieties of whole food supplements designed for men, women and children.

“The biggest risk we took was building our own plant, which involved investing in a low-temperature, fooddrying technology that allowed us to effectively deliver the whole food supplements,” says Carl E. Jackson, former owner and president of MegaFood. “Initially it was not a popular decision. There was a lot of eye rolling because it was far more expensive than we anticipated, but I knew it was the right thing to do long term to deliver uncompromising quality whole food supplements.”

The food-drying technology partnered with intel from researchers at the University of New Hampshire is what MegaFood now coins as its Slo-Food Process. The unique technology is a gentler way to make whole food supplements, optimizing the potency and bioavailability while staying true to the intention of whole foods.

Another part of MegaFood’s legacy built by Jackson is a comprehensive, state-of-the-art analytical lab enabling the company to test all raw materials and finished products to ensure potency and purity are met.

“The more you can test your products, the better off you are,” says Jackson. “It was another expensive idea but the payback is in knowing, without a doubt, that you can tell your customers it is done right.”

Flashing forward to 2013, MegaFood has many more fresh milestones in the works. Now under new leadership of CEO, Robert U. Craven, the company has begun building a unique partnership with Dr. Andrew Weil to bring science-based educational programs and products to natural products retailers and their customers.

“MegaFood has a legacy of taking the road less traveled and we will continue to break the mold as we move forward,” says Craven. “Carl Jackson always said it’s going to be expensive, it’s going to be tough but if you stick with it and have faith, you’ll find it’s the right thing to do. That dedication and vision at MegaFood holds true to this day.”

MegaFood will host its 40th birthday bash during Natural Products Expo West for conference attendees on Sat., March 9, at booth 1256. Attendees will journey back in time by visiting a psychedelic photo shoot capturing the best and worst of 70s fashion, with instant uploads to Facebook and Twitter. Retailers will have a chance to win a Kindle Fire or the grand prize all-expenses-paid trip to Dr. Tieraona Low Dog’s Herbal Intensive Course. The birthday celebration will start in the morning from 10-11 a.m.; DJ Carmin Wong will be mixing a progressive 70s set from 1-3 p.m.; and Dr. Low Dog will be making a guest appearance at 4 p.m.