The Natural Wellness Ingredient Gaining Momentum in Canada

TORONTO, March 31, 2026 – As Canadian consumers increasingly seek natural ingredients and preventative wellness solutions, a European Union-backed campaign is highlighting PDO Chios Mastiha, a centuries-old natural resin from the Greek island of Chios, as a distinctive Mediterranean ingredient for Canada’s growing functional food and natural product sectors.

PDO Chios Mastiha: A Protected Origin

PDO Chios Mastiha is exclusively cultivated in the southern region of Chios and protected under the European Union’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) system. Derived from the Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia tree, its cultivation is geographically restricted and follows traditional harvesting methods practiced for generations in the island’s Mastihohoria villages, ensuring authenticity, traceability, and consistent quality.

Harvesting and Forms of Mastiha

Mastiha exudes from the tree through small incisions as teardrops, initially flowing as a clear, gummy liquid that solidifies over 15–20 days into irregular pieces. The hardness of the resin depends on ambient temperature, exposure time, and tear size, making production a rare and demanding process. The resin can be converted into powder through grinding, and Mastiha oil is also extracted through steam distillation.

Produced on Chios by local producers, PDO Chios Mastiha is available in three forms:

• Natural Mastiha Gum (resin tears) – Traditionally chewed for freshness and digestive comfort, this aromatic resin has been used for centuries for oral hygiene and wellness. Its cultivation is inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• Mastiha Powder – A finely ground form suitable for functional foods, specialty formulations, nutraceutical applications, and culinary innovation.
• Mastiha Oil – A concentrated aromatic extract valued for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, used in premium food products and personal care formulations.

All formats maintain strict PDO certification standards, guaranteeing origin, quality control, and sustainable production.

Growing Scientific Interest and Market Opportunity

Beyond its cultural significance, Chios Mastiha has attracted growing scientific interest, with research highlighting documented antibacterial activity and naturally occurring bioactive compounds. Canada’s functional food and natural product sector was valued at approximately USD 7.17 billion in 2025 and is projected to continue growing.

Mediterranean ingredients with established heritage and controlled geographic origin are increasingly appealing to Canadian importers, specialty retailers, and product developers. PDO Chios Mastiha offers a certified European ingredient combining tradition, research, and versatility, representing an opportunity to introduce a relatively undiscovered ingredient to the Canadian market.

For further information or inquiries, contact [email protected].

The EU-backed campaign “Premium European Products: Better Knowledge, Better Choices” aims to enhance awareness of certified European agricultural products in international markets, highlighting authenticity, traceability, sustainability, and heritage. ETHEAS and LDC invite Canadian importers, distributors, and foodservice leaders to explore collaboration opportunities.