veganz: at full steam - organic & wellness news · the veganz brand offers high quality...

Benz in Germany. In 2008, I had a burnout and took some time off. Then I fell in love with a woman who was a vegetarian, so I tried out the vegetarian lifestyle and soon afterwards became a vegan. Back then it was difficult finding vegan foods, and I stood in the grocery store wondering which products I could buy - and that is when I hit upon the idea of opening a vegan supermarket! We found a suitable location in Berlin, found investors, staff and See VEGANZ on page 9

See MENUS on page 4

See PACKAGING on page 14

ENTREPRENEUR

By Annemarie Kruse

Veganism continues to be one of the major influences in the European organic industry. In Germany especially, vegan food is trending very strongly. In the country’s capital veganism has already become part of the mainstream. No other city in Germany has so many vegan cafés, restaurants and retailers than Berlin. And supermarket chain Veganz has played a crucial role in this development.

In just four years, the Berlin-based Veganz chain has become the biggest Vegan supermarket retail group in Europe. The company operates ten stores in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, has its own food label and successfully distributes its products in several of Germany’s biggest supermarket and drugstore chains.Founder Jan Bredack explains

how the Veganz group began: “I was a manager, working for car manufacturer Daimler

TRENDS

MERCHANDISING

Restaurants and caterers are pushed for healthier menus

The Veganz brand offers high quality

products in attractive packaging

By Warren Beaumont

US foodservice wholesalers servicing restaurant & catering markets, restaurants, event caterers and retail foodservice at mainstream supermarkets and specialist wholefood and organic retailers are just some of the ‘catering’ channels where there is increasing demand for organic and sustainable fresh and packaged foods such as ancient grains, ‘superfoods’, dairy-free, vegetarian and gluten-free, as consumers seek out healthier and tastier foods and beverages, including ethnic and global flavours.

Packaged food and beverages that are organic, sustainable and Fairtrade certified may be missing out on growing demand for sustainable products coming from global restaurant and catering and retail foodservice channels, a trend that is being seen in North America, the UK, Europe, Australia and many other countries.Specialist restaurant chains

such as Le Pain Quotidien, EXKi, Pret A Manger expanding globally, and retailers with ever expanding organic and wholefood eat

By Cíntia Taylor

As supermarket shelves become fuller with a larger offering of foods and beverages, the importance of the right packaging increases as well. They must stand out from the competition while conveying a number of messages: the content, the product’s image, its principles. In the sector of organic foods,

The bumpy way towards sustainable packaging

their sustainability ethics also play an important role in consumer’s perception. But how much of it translates into reality? “You can’t talk about

sustainable packaging,” says Professor Roland ten Klooster, who is the chair of Packaging Design and Management at the University of Twente, in The Netherlands. At the recent

products and in early 2011 opened the first Veganz store in Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg neighbourhood.”The store was an immediate

success. On opening day, it was almost mobbed by excited consumers. Today, the chain has 170 employees and operates eight stores in Germany, three of them in Berlin. In June 2014 Veganz opened its first supermarket in Vienna, the Austrian capital, followed just one month later

organicwellnessnews.com

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FRANCE: Second European Organic Market

600 exhibitors and 3 000 brands within 4 areas: Organic & Tasty, Natural Beauty, Health & Fitness and Eco-friendly solutions

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Veganz: at full steam

Jan Bredack, Founder of Veganz, first vegan retail chain started in Berlin, Germany. ©Galya Feierman

EVENTSExpoalimentaria: Best food show in the region P.10New: Sustainable Cleaning Products Summit P. 21 More new exhibitors at Expo East and BIOFACH AMERICA P.15Coming up: Berlin’s Natural Cosmetics P.20

LEGISLATIONNot all quinoa was made equal P.10 New organic equivalency agreement P.16

INGREDIENTSCHIA WORLD : Update about the tiny seed P.12The amazing Baobab P. 25 Have you tried birch and maple tree waters P.27 Chufa keeps making headlines P.27

Organic & Wellness News � Fall 20152

Table of contentsEDITORIAL

Adriana Michael, O.W.N, Founder & editor in chief

According to Technomic’s Center of the Plate: Seafood & Vegetarian Consumer Trend Report released in March, 67% of Americans indicated that a vegetarian meal can be just as satisfying as the non-vegetarian version.

In addition, 74% of consumers who have increased consumption of vegetarian options over the past two years cite health as the reason.

“Healthy menu options are becoming more important to driving traffic and sales. As operators add healthy fare to menus, they should consider seafood and vegetarian dishes if they align with their concept and menu positioning,” the food researcher said.

Technomic’s report not only confirms that health

is a strong reason why consumers eat these foods, but also shows that health concerns are driving consumers to increase their consumption of these foods.

Adding seafood and/or vegetarian options on the menu can help to drive traffic and sales by broadening appeal to those looking for something healthy to eat or who simply like these foods.

Further, offering vegetarian options will help attract younger consumers. Among those who eat vegetarian or vegan entrées, far more younger (45%) than older (30%) consumers say they follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

However, while adding vegetarian dishes to menus can help restaurants drive sales, there is concern when companies offering vegetarian foods make incredible investments developing formulations that mimic meat based foods. One may wonder at what extend those foods provide real nutrition. To start exploring the vegan sector, our cover story features Veganz, the first international vegan retail food chain. This edition also shows how organic foods are finding

great exposure in the food service (see P.1,4,8). And how more large supermarket chains seeking expansion are looking not only at mergers and acquisitions, but at cooperation and alliances (see P. 8,17,18). Superfoods, one of OWN’s favorite topic covers this time the baobab, the birch and maple tree waters (P. 25,26). Watch out for the versatile chufa (P.27) and Chia World starts with an interview with entrepreneur Juan Pablo Altamirano of GoldFoods USA (P.12). Another topic of interest is efforts made to find solutions to our ever-growing volume of packaging, also in the natural and organic sector. Read what Professor Roland ten Klooster says on P.1.Besides the established international fairs for natural and organic products OWN is covering more local and regional events such as the 3rd National & International Forum for Organic Agriculture in Colombia and the Green Summit in Barbados. Imagine if every country could host at least one of such events each year? They offer a wonderful stage to nurture relationships and build cooperation opportunities.Thanks for reading. See you at the fairs.

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Organic & Wellness NewsTM Produced by Premergo International IncTM. Mailing Address 2706 Alta Vista Drive, Suite 1007 Ottawa ON K1V 7T4 Canada. P:+1 613 707 2067 www.organicwellnessnews.com ISSN 1718-9128 Publisher and Chief Editor Adriana Michael [email protected] Contributing Editor Warren Beaumont [email protected] Editorial Assistant Lorin Bocian [email protected]

Project Consultants Lucia Lorente [email protected] Alex Wolski [email protected] Correspondents Pablo Perez Alvarez, Annemarie Kruse, Ditte Christina Lustrup, Gloria Newmann, Andrew Ofstehage, Clara Cecilia Paz, Sara Rengifo, RuthMoisa Stoute, Cintia Taylor, Lesly Vera Copy editing Rudy Otter Layout More In Typo Ltd. & Design. Legal Milton & Associates. For reprints & permissions contact the publisher. Premergo International Inc. does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material contained herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident or any other cause or whatsoever. Premergo International Inc. is not responsible for the content of the advertisements included in this publication. Organic & Wellness NewsTM and Organic RouteTM are registered trademarks owned by Premergo International Inc.

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EntrepreneurVeganz: at full steam 1UHTCO’s high quality Peruvian ‘superfoods’ launch into north Asia 22Food ServiceRestaurants and caterers are pushed for healthier menus 1A look at North American Restaurant & Catering Wholesalers 4US speciality gourmet outlets grow to top $18 billion in sales 8MerchandisingThe bumpy way towards sustainable packaging 1RetailGoing local is the new Global 7Whole Foods new concept store set for 2016 16Kroger’s King Soopers launches e-commerce for natural & organic 17National CO+OP Grocers signs 6-year deal with UNFI 17E..Leclerc, Rewe strategic alliance to develop organics 18Choices Market bulks up in Vancouver to move to 10 stores 18A.S. Watson opens health & beauty flagship store in Hong Kong 19Mergers & AcquisitionsCanadian organic firms scale up with acquisitions of organic, natural brands 8Ahold, Delhaize merger to tackle US market 17Australian Yarra Valley Snack Foods sold to Tyrrells UK 18Legislation & CertificationNew CODEX standard for quinoa proposed 10US and Switzerland sign organic equivalency agreement 16IngredientsCHIA WORLD 12Baobab - superfood with a social conscience 25Happy Tree: The coconut water from the north 26Sealand Birk: Tapping into the Power of the Birch Tree 27Could Chufa Be the New Quinoa? 27Health & BeautyNew Nordic introduces first organic fish oil 24Special ReportSpotlight on the U.S. Market 15Country ProfileColombia could become a leading player in the organic sector 22TrendsU.S. consumers see organics as healthier, but labeling is perceived as an “excuse to charge more” 15ResearchBotanical Council says echinacea preparation effective in early flu cases 20EWG identifies 12 cancer-causing chemicals 26EventsMore foods with added value at Expoalimentaria 2015 10Barbados hosts first Green Summit 11Expo East and BIOFACH AMERICA attract more new exhibitors than ever 15Australia’s new Naturally Good Expo backed by exhibitors 19Berlin’s Natural Cosmetics Conference heralds Vivaness’ 10th anniversary 20Sustainable Cleaning Products Summit debuts in Paris 21More international organics boost Natural Products Scandinavia 28Calendar 30

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Advocating for an Andean Quinoafrom the original source to

your plate, as nature intended

in or to go options, such as Whole Foods Market, Wegmans supermarkets (both US), Monop (France), Planet Organic (London), Urban Fare (Vancouver/Canada) and Aboutlife (Sydney, Australia) are among the leaders.

According to the US National Restaurant Association Shows’ ‘What’s Hot in 2015: Top Restaurant and Food Trends’, annual sales in restaurants—defined as all meals/snacks prepared away from home, including takeout meals and beverages—hit $709 billion, a $26 billion increase from 2013-14. There are currently one million restaurants in the U.S., with 47% of all spending on US food happening in restaurants.Market research firm

Euromonitor International indicates that global consumer foodservice value increased

over 5.4% in 2014, with more than US$2.7 trillion dollars in sales. Full service restaurants

accounted for the largest proportion of sales globally, followed by fast food and cafes/bars. And the US Food and Drug

Administration has introduced a national standard for chain restaurants to display calorie

counts and will also ban artificial trans fats in retail and catering.With consumers wanting to

know more about the food they eat, every week brings new headlines about a national foodservice brand pledging to reduce or remove food additives from their menu or products, according to US speciality foodservice research company Technomic. Drawn from exclusive Consumer Trend Report data and distilled into a 3.5-minute video, Technomic’s “Consumer Connect 2015: Attitudes Toward Additives”

delves into the decision drivers, preferences and need states that create demand for clean, additive-free food and transparent sourcing.“Today’s consumers want

wholesome, nutritious foods they can feel good about eating, and that increasingly translates into demand for natural and additive-free ingredients. More than half of

consumers tell us they want greater menu transparency, and more restaurant chains are moving in that direction,” said Kelly Weikel, director of consumer insights at Technomic. “These are big industry

shifts. The challenge to operators is making the right decisions that will resonate with their consumers and be a good long-term fit for the brand. Our industry research can help identify which food labels garner the most consumer attention and how to leverage food concerns into better sourcing decisions.”

Some findings detailed in Technomic’s “Consumer Connect 2015: Attitudes Toward Additives” video: Health: More than 60%

of consumers say natural meat is healthier, and 43% choose additive-free food and beverage because of better health. More specific terms have an even greater impact on consumers’ choices: 78%

see “no artificial sweeteners” as healthier, and 73% say that antibiotic-free food or beverages are healthier. Taste: 30% of consumers

say GMO-free foods and beverages are tastier, and 21% think that additive-free means better taste. Price: 31-35% of consumers

would pay more for GMO-free proteins, and 33-42% of consumers would pay more for antibiotic-free proteins.In the UK, Mintel estimates

that total UK pub turnover reached £22.6 billion in 2014, up from £20.6 billion in 2010, with catering largely

driving growth in the market, according to a Mintel report in June and its Pub Visiting UK 2015 report.Senior drinks analyst at

Mintel, Chris Wisson, said, looking at one region of the market, while many pub goers in Yorkshire and North East are not overly interested in higher quality pub grub, it is this side of industry which is

propping up market growth.“Since 2010 alone, pub

catering sales have risen by 21% to reach an estimated £7.3 billion in 2014. In comparison, sales of alcoholic drinks have risen by just 5%, to reach an estimated £11.2 billion in 2014,” Mr Wisson said.Mintel’s research shows that

the rejuvenation of pub grub is such that over a third (38%) of pub goers now expect pubs to have a high quality food menu, while 54% say they could be encouraged to visit pubs or bars more often in the coming year if they had more appealing food. �

TRENDS

1 - Quinoa is a superfood increasingly finding its way onto restaurant & catering menus • 2 - Prepared Foods on display at a US based Whole Foods Market • 3 - French retailers Monoprix & Monop organic and high quality products in retail foodservice

By Warren Beaumont

Retail sales of organic and natural food and beverages in the US, is growing strongly, reaching $35.9 billion in 2014, an 11 per cent rise on the previous year (OTA survey).

A look at North American Restaurant & Catering WholesalersWhile organic foodservice is

currently not a large market, it is also growing with more foodservice distributors sizing up the market to meet customer demand. More national foodservice operators are joining industry leader

United Natural Foods (UNFI) to supply organic meats, dairy, produce and a wide range of foods, beverages and wines to hotels, restaurants, caterers and retail foodservice operators. At the core of UNFI’s

distribution operation are six

main units: UNFI, UNFI Canada, Trudeau Distributing Company, Tony’s Fine Foods, Albert’s Organics and Select Nutrition (and Honest Green e-commerce). The company operates 33 distribution centers that serve the US,

Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, Bermuda, South Africa, Asia and Australia.United Natural Foods, Inc

carries and distributes more than 80,000 products to more than 40,000 customer

See WHOLESALERS on page 8

MENUS(Continued from page 1)


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locations throughout the United States and Canada. The Company serves a wide variety of retail formats including conventional supermarket chains, natural product superstores, independent retail operators and the food service channel. In June, UNFI reported that

net sales for the nine months ended May 2, 2015 were US$6.12 billion, a 21.7% increase over the comparable prior fiscal year period. Fiscal 2015 net sales included approximately $661.1 million from the company’s acquisition of Tony’s Fine Food. Steven Spinner, president

and CEO said: “Demand for organic, gourmet and ethnic products continues to increase, and we have seen sales growth accelerate modestly in the first few weeks of our fourth quarter. “In combination with our

Albert’s Organics business, UNFI is well-positioned to capitalize on the consumers’ demands for fresh products. Additionally, UNFI’s investment in refrigerated infrastructure will serve as a catalyst towards increased growth and market share as the platform moves across the country.”

Other Wholesalers

Among the major restaurant, catering and foodservice wholesalers that may provide opportunities for organic producers and suppliers are The Chefs’ Warehouse, Reinhart Food Services, US Foods, Sysco Corporation and Food Services of America.

The Chefs’ Warehouse is a specialty food distributor that began sourcing products for high-end chefs over 30 years ago and carries and distributes more than 31,800 products to more than 22,600 customer locations throughout the United States and Canada.The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc.

said it focuses on serving the specific needs of chefs who own and/or operate some of the nation’s leading menu-driven independent restaurants, fine dining establishments, country clubs, hotels, caterers, culinary schools, bakeries, patisseries, chocolatiers, cruise lines,

casinos and specialty food stores. Founded in 1972, Reinhart Foodservice, L.L.C. said it is the 5th largest foodservice distributor in the US and one of the most progressive and efficient. The company provides fresh produce, proteins, ingredients, supplies and equipment to customers across the U.S.

from 30 distribution centers Reinhart serves every segment of the food industry, from independent and chain restaurants to schools and healthcare facilities, and is committed to the highest levels

of customer service, including providing its customers with menu planning assistance and nutrition services support.

Sysco Corporation said that is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. The company operates 194 distribution facilities serving approximately 425,000 customers. For Fiscal Year 2014 ended June 28, 2014, the company generated sales of more than $46 billion.In May, Chris Kreidler, CFO

and executive vice president of Sysco, addressed the company’s plans for organics and said of the organic food trend: “Nothing is too small for us to take advantage of and help our customers with. If there’s a trend, whether it be organic, whether it be natural, whether it be global, we can provide it.”

Food Services of America is part of Services Group of America (SGA), comprised of businesses providing a broad array of foodservice solutions to a wide spectrum of customers. A privately-held, family-owned broadline foodservice distributor, it serves customers throughout the mid-west, west and Alaska from 10 regional distribution centers. FSA customers include

independent and chain restaurants, schools, health care facilities, hotels, cruise lines and government foodservice operations – anywhere people dine away from home.

US Foods said that it is one of America’s leading distributors, serving independent and multi-unit restaurants, healthcare and hospitality entities, government and educational institutions. The company offers more than 350,000 products, including high-quality, exclusive brands that include a premium line of specialty ingredients sourced from around the world. The company proudly employs approximately 25,000 people in more than 60 locations nationwide. “US Foods is committed

to increasing the number of environmentally preferable products available to our customers. We’re making it happen by forming new partnerships to offer a growing list of sustainable products,” it said. �

“Demand for organic,

gourmet and ethnic

products continues

to increase,” Steven

Spinner, president and

CEO at UNFI.

Unfi’s Racine, Wisconsin distribution centre

WHOLESALERS(Continued from page 4)

www.organicwellnessnews.com 7

By Cíntia Taylor

The Internet has given us access to the world. It has brought us in touch with those across the globe, it has told us about places far away, it has shown us new experiences. But now it is facilitating our return to going local. The communication is

somehow different, but businesses like US-based Good Eggs, the British platforms Farm Drop and Bonativo are bringing back consumer’s engagement with farmers by allowing the purchase of fresh local produce online. These are three examples of

new online markets selling what once consumers would get from their markets or nearby farms. “Why should you go further

to get what you already have?” asks e-commerce expert Irena Chloé Angelov. She believes this is a logical change in consumer behavior: “A few decades ago everything was about going out there, exploring, trying exotic fruits – in the 1980s avocados and all those foods you wouldn’t normally see were hugely popular. Now we’re going back to basics. So, first you explore and then you go back to see what’s around you.” Irena points out to the

example of Copenhagen based Michelin star restaurant Noma, where Scandinavian seasonable vegetables are the stars of their dishes.

Mind the WasteAccording to the Food and Agriculture Program, some 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted or lost globally per year – that’s a third of food produced for human consumption annually. These online markets could help reduce these figures because they demand more planning on the consumer’s part: fresh produce is not always available or, to keep its carbon footprint to a minimum, transport may not be organized on a daily basis. “We’ve been spoiled,” says Irena. “We’re used to getting bananas and all these things we can’t get locally whenever we want them.” She adds there’s a mindset change that still needs to occur when planning the meals ahead, or measuring expectations. But that is already under

way, according to Amsterdam based mustard producer Kevin Corcoran. “People are more aware of their health. McDonalds was cool in the 1990s but now we’re paying

more attention to what we eat and we’re paying more for food.”

Cutting the Mustard Kevin is part of a new wave of farmers and producers willing to bring part of the food production and consumption back to basics. According to Irena, this new generation goes hand in hand with the trend to source locally. The first time Kevin Corcoran

made mustard it didn’t go that well. “It was awful,” he recalls, “But I could taste flavors and layers different from the normal mustard. So I gave it another try and another

is certain prices would go down with demand and by shortening the logistical chain (having consumers buying directly from farmers). Irena and Kevin don’t believe

local sourcing of fresh produce should be the only way to go. They see it as a consumers’ choice they believe makes sense for those who are looking into learning more about their food, its origins and its producers. And as Kevin adds, it’s about guaranteeing quality too: “Every jar that leaves my house I’m guaranteeing this is a mustard I’d eat myself. Farmers and small producers stand by their products. We’re proud of what we make and want to produce the best.” �

and I finally got the hang of it.” The result is the local brand Nieuwe Mosterd, which boasts six different flavors of mustard. As an art-director and

graphic designer, Kevin had no ambition of being a chef, farmer or producer. But his mustards soon became successful among his friends and from there to making it a business was a logical step. Together with his childhood friend Dimitri Mathijs, they have been producing the mustard out of Kevin’s kitchen and more recently they’ve been using the kitchen of a local restaurant to facilitate in

the production of their average 400 jars a month. “We have a few jars left in stock, but usually everything we make we sell.”

Small steps, big changesSmall scale local production still means higher prices which do not compete with larger conventional supermarkets. Kevin is aware his mustard will never be sold at massive numbers, but that is also not part of his ambition. Irena believes local sourcing

has to become more convenient in order to attract bigger crowds: “Same day delivery is something that needs to happen.” But she

Going local is the new GlobalRETAIL


By Warren Beaumont

Vancouver, British Columbia-based organic foods manufacturer Nature’s Path Foods has acquired the Country Choice Organic brand from New Century Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Grain Millers, Inc. adding 18 Country Choice’s products that include canister oats and grits, instant hot oatmeal pouches and cookies.And leading BC/Canadian

and global organic food ingredients supplier SunOpta has acquired the assets of Ontario’s Niagara Natural Fruit Snack Company Inc for $6.7 million, and also acquired US conventional and organic frozen fruit supplier Sunrise Growers for $450 million.Nature’s Path Foods co-

founder and executive vice president, sales and marketing, Arran Stephens, said that the deal allows both organizations to continue to build the organic segment to the benefit of consumers and retailers. Nature’s Path was Canada’s first certified organic food manufacturer.“We look forward to the

opportunity for the company to increase its presence in the organic hot cereal category,” he said.Grain Millers and Nature’s

Path have enjoyed a 30-year history of partnership and share a long-term commitment to the growth of the organic industry. The Country Choice Organic

brand will begin transitioning to Nature’s Path branded packaging in the fall of 2015. To streamline product overlap, Nature’s Path will be discontinuing several Country Choice Organic instant hot oat pouches. In late May, Nature’s Path

Foods announced it had pledged $20,000 in funding for the Prairie Organic Grain Initiative (POGI), which works to help Canadian organic grain growers expand into international markets. POGI, a pan-western

partnership between the Organic Alberta Council, the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate, the Manitoba Organic Alliance, and the Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia, is receiving $1.2 million in

Canadian organic firms scale up with acquisitions of organic, natural brandsfederal support under the Western Diversification Program (WDP).Also in May, the company

purchased 2,760 acres in northern Montana that will help increase organic farmland, attract and educate new farmers, as well as meet the growing demand for

organic grains and legumes.“As an independent, family-

run company, we have the freedom to put our money where our heart is, in support of sustainable agriculture—beyond just making organic products,” Arran Stephens said. SunOpta Inc. said in August

it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of Niagara Natural Fruit

Snack Company Inc. (“Niagara Natural”). “Niagara Natural is a growing

and innovative manufacturer of healthy non-GMO and organic fruit snacks, enhancing SunOpta’s existing healthy snack platform and focus on integrated consumer products,” SunOpta said.

“Niagara Natural is a strong strategic fit within our core vertically integrated consumer products strategy, aligning well with our focus on healthy and convenient snacking,” said Rik Jacobs, President and COO of SunOpta. Based in the Niagara Region

in Ontario, Niagara Natural is expected to generate approximately CDN $10

million in revenue in 2015, and has approximately 35 employees, all of whom are expected to join SunOpta. John Boot, who founded Niagara Natural in 2009 and serves as its president, will lead SunOpta’s combined fruit snack category. In late July, SunOpta Inc.

signed a definitive agreement to acquire Sunrise Holdings (Delaware), Inc. (“Sunrise Growers”) from an investor group led by affiliates of Paine & Partners LLC. Sunrise Growers generates

approximately $300 million in annualized revenues, supplying a diverse base of retail and foodservice customers from its facilities in California, Kansas and Mexico.This acquisition “provides us

with an immediate leadership position in frozen fruit that broadens and deepens our existing customer relationships and complements our leadership in the aseptic non-dairy category”, said Mr. Jacobs. After the transaction closes, Ed Haft, president and CEO of Sunrise Growers, will lead the frozen fruit operations. �

By Warren Beaumont

Led by high profile retailers such as The Fresh Market and Mariano’s, Specialty Gourmet supermarkets are making headway, now representing over $18 billion in sales, according to new data from information provider for the Natural, Organic and Specialty Products Industry, SPINS. With over a thousand stores

and nearly 10% growth, the channel is quickly evolving and expanding as more stores transition to a Specialty Gourmet format.With a dual focus on both

healthy and gourmet foods, these upscale, experiential stores attract variety-seeking shoppers that value unique taste profiles, in addition to the health, environmental and social benefits associated with natural foods. Natural and Specialty products account for just over half of dollar sales in Specialty Gourmet stores, but are driving nearly 70% of the channel’s absolute dollar growth.Since the launch of its

Specialty Gourmet service

US speciality gourmet outlets grow to top $18 billion in sales

Nature’s Path cereals take prime retail space at organic and conventional stores

in 2010, SPINS has defined the channel, strengthened its relationships with industry partners, and helped hundreds of retailers leverage information to support their business. A substantial increase in retailer participation is reflected in SPINS’ latest restatement of this channel.Many have expanded their

size and product offerings to better cater to their shoppers’ preferences and even traditional grocers are opening new upscale formats. This expansion is helping reshape the retail landscape, through both the number of new store openings and the much larger size of these newer stores.“SPINS invested in and

launched the Specialty Gourmet Channel in 2010. “By promoting a vibrant mix

of innovative, better-for-you products with a superior taste profile, specialty gourmet retailers have gained a loyal following among consumers and have delivered 10% growth in a channel that had been stagnant for many years,” SPINS CEO Tony Olson said. �

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by a Veganz store in Prague in the Czech Republic.The Veganz stores sell around

4.500 products from 400 brands sourced from different countries. The majority of the products are certified organic. The portfolio includes a broad range of frozen and convenience foods as well as cosmetics, household cleansers, personal care and even pet foods. Interestingly enough, Veganz’ customers do not just include vegans but also

consumers suffering from specific food allergies and intolerances. Bredack explains: “During the

first two years we concentrated on establishing work processes, developing relationships with manufacturers, finding new brands and, of course, running our supermarket. In 2013, the financial situation was solid enough to expand, and we started opening additional Veganz outlets.” In 2014, Veganz stepped up

the pace. Besides opening its first international stores, the company began distribution in some of Germany’s biggest supermarket chains, including Edeka, the Kaisers Tengelmann chain, discounter chain Netto, the Globus hypermarkets, and wholesale retailer Metro.In April 2015, Veganz

launched its own food brand: the range currently includes some 50 sku, but the company says that eventually the line-up will feature some 300 plant-based products.Bredack explains: “Our goal

is to make it easy for customers to try out vegan food, to make vegan products accessible to everyone. We are doing that by opening our own stores but also through distribution in conventional supermarket retail”.Veganz currently has some

580 POS in Germany and continental Europe. In most

of these outlets, Veganz sells the brands under its corporate logo in a dedicated product shelf. The first major distribution partner was Kaisers Tengelmann with 180 stores in late 2014; the most recent distributor is Metro’s Cash & Carry wholesale stores. With

the Metro group distribution agreement, Veganz has taken the first step into the potentially very lucrative wholesale and food service market. And this July, the company

announced that it had struck an exclusive distribution deal with Germany’s largest drugstore chain DM. Under the terms of the agreement, Veganz will distribute a portfolio of vegan brands, sports foods, supplements and superfoods in 54 DM outlets across the country. If the trial is successful, the Veganz portfolio will be rolled out across further DM stores. Bredack comments: “At the

moment, superfoods are the biggest trend - this is also the reason we have developed an exclusive superfoods and health foods portfolio for our latest distribution partner DM. The DM line-up will be unique to the German market. Convenience is also a growing trend since to-go products are becoming increasingly important for many consumers, including vegans.”With 1,686 German stores,

DM is the market leader in Germany’s highly competitive and constantly growing drugstore channel. The retailer operates an additional 1,453 outlets in 11 European countries, which makes DM a force to be reckoned within European health and beauty retail, too. As such, the chain is a valuable distribution partner. And Veganz is already think-

ing far beyond the European market. Bredack says: “At the moment we are plan-ning our entry into the US market. And I can imagine a global expansion - after all, the popularity of vegan products is growing continu-ously across the world.” The Veganz team will be attend-ing BIOFACH America – All Things Natural, co-located with Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore, September 15-17th. �

With the Metro group distribution agreement,

Veganz has taken the first step into

the potentially very lucrative wholesale and

food service market.

ENTREPRENEUR

VEGANZ(Continued from page 1)

• 1 - Veganz display of its own brand and other top German organic brands • 2 - Veganz attracts a diverse consumer base that shares the commitment to avoid animal based foods and products • 3 - Store at Warschauer Strasse Berlin


By O.W.N. News Network

Work on a new globally accepted standard is set to commence for the versatile Andean grain quinoa, which is known for its high nutritional content, after the US and Bolivia gained the go ahead to develop a new international standard, which is expected to take four years or less.The Final Report of the

38th Session of international food standards body, the CODEX ALIMENTARIUS Commission, was published in early July, with 38 standards adopted. Codex Alimentarius

international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice contribute to the safety, quality and fairness of international food trade and while voluntary, are often adopted for countries’ national legislation.Reactivated was the

Committee on Cereal, Pulses and Legumes, hosted by the United States, to start new work on a “Standard for Quinoa”, Codex advised in late July after the 38th Session held in Geneva, Switzerland, proposed by the Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes.

New CODEX standard for quinoa proposedThe Commission approved

new work on an international Standard for Quinoa and agreed to reactivate CCCPL to work by correspondence within the time frame allocated to the completion of the standard as presented in the Project Document i.e. four years.The Commission also agreed

to establish an electronic working group (eWG) chaired by the Plurinational State of Bolivia and co-chaired by the US, working in English and Spanish, to proceed with the development of the initial draft.

ORGANIC with LOVE!

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Lima - Perú

By Pablo Perez

Expoalimentaria 2015, held 26-28 August in Lima, was again a world showcase for the latest trends of ethnic, organic and gourmet foods and superfoods from the Andean region and Latin America in general. Purple corn chips with quinoa, chia and sesame

seeds, chocolate with sacha inchi sweetened with panela and cocoa powder with maca, passion fruit snacks, jams made with agave, cereal bars with

More foods with added value at Expoalimentaria 2015Physalis, and biscuits made of coca leafs, were just a sample of the variety of nutritious foods on display.In its seventh edition, the fair

is with no doubt an essential platform for the food trade in the continent. In an area of over 24,000 square feet, 587 exhibitors (425 from Peru and 162 from abroad) besides

fifteen country pavilions, showcased an extensive range of food and beverages, machinery, equipment inputs, packaging and services.

The Peruvian Exporters Association (ADEX), in collaboration with the Export Promotion Agency (PROMPERU) and three ministries hosted the fair, attended by over 33,000 visitors, 3,000 of them from overseas, according to Carlos Lozada, president of the organizing committee.

One of the main highlights at Expoalimentaria this year was the further development of the quinoa market, and the uncertainty experienced in

recent years. Quinoa is the most representative grain of the superfoods from Peru and its neighbors, conquering the organic and gourmet markets around the world.“After the disproportionate

price rise for some years, it plummeted in 2014”, said Daniel Castro of Rainforest Herbal Products SAC.

“Peru declared 2013 as the International Year of Quinoa and demand increased. Many government programs included a budget to buy the

• 1 - (Center) Carlos Samaniego of ECOANDINO with (LtoR) Natalia Samaniego, Jorge Martínez, Jenny Carhuas and Jamir Inga, with the products awarded at the Innovation Hall – “Cacao Mornings” and “Nutri Break” cereal bar with Physalis • 2 - Added value products made of quinoa were de main players at Expoalimentaria 2015. Display of cookies with maca, canihua and Peruvian cherry • 3 - Glicerio Felices Prado, general manager at, Wiracocha del Perú showing one of their products

The Commission expressed its appreciation to the US and the Plurinational State of Bolivia for facilitating this work.The main objective of the

development of the standard is to:• Establish the minimum

requirements for the safety and quality of quinoa grain, which must be fulfilled regardless of the quality of the product.

• Define the categories in which the quinoa can be classified according to its size and colour.

• Include the requirements for homogeneity in package and packing methods to be considered.

• Define the information that must appear when marking and labelling the package, according to the guidelines established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

• Refer to the Codex provisions on food safety and hygiene applicable to the handling of food products

Bolivia said in its submission that the scope of the proposed CODEX Quinoa standard would include quinoa varieties, cultivars and ecotypes, the grain of which is destined for human consumption, and trade in this grain. It would not include grain for sowing or for other purposes. �

grain. The price rose to 9 US dollars per kg. Everybody decided to cultivate it and the production duplicated. But in 2014 there was no more International Year of Quinoa and the government reduced its purchase. The surplus made prices fall”.“Meanwhile, in the export

market there were some refusals

from the US and Europe of some quinoa shipments, due to the presence of pesticides”, said Magdalena Díaz-Canseco, director of Grupo Orgánico


Nacional. “This happened because the extension of quinoa crops extended from the traditional area of origin in the Andean highlands to the Peruvian lowlands by the coast”. The coastal zone has been exposed to high levels of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for other crops.She said that while in the

highness of the mountains many microorganisms can not survive, keeping plagues more controlled in a natural way, is more manageable. On the coast, some producers didn’t know how to handle the situation, and they used forbidden insecticides. As a result, last year the production of thousand of tons was practically poisoned. “There are remains of this production, but “this year we have a more reliable product,” she adds.The prices have rose again,

although not to the previous levels. Quinoa’s price FOB is now around 3,5 dollars per kg, and everybody expects it will still go up a little bit to get a fair price for everybody along the supply chain.Distributors say the low prices

are allowing them to reach new markets, especially in emerging countries. Exhibitors at Expoalimentaria noticed the presence of more visitors from Asia, like Malaysia, Indonesia, and India. Sales have decreased in price but rose in volume.In spite of a few bumps,

quinoa has been again the star at Expoalimentaria this year. Interesting to note that more exhibitors presented products with added value, not just the grain in red, white and black colors, the flour, puffed or flakes, which is considered a further step in the consolidation of this Golden food in the world.Quinoa flavored with carrots,

peppers, fine herbs or garlic; quinoa powders or flours to prepare desserts like pudding, a pizza base or pancakes; quinoa with chocolate for breakfast; instant quinoa risotto or even a blend of cocoa, quinoa, purple corn and mesquite, where some of the new products seen at Expoalimentaria.“The new trend is going to be the developing of elaborated products, with added value. The organic market can make a better use of this kind of products, especially the Peruvian Superfoods”, said Jamir Inga, from the export

department at Ecoandino, one of the leading Peruvian developers and exporters of Superfoods. Ecoandino introduced a blend of cocoa, quinoa, purple corn and mesquite, which was awarded as the best cocoa and coffee product in the fair’s innovation contest.“We have reached a new

stage”, said Diego Peláez, of Bolivian food company Coronilla. This firm is known for its excellent formulations for pasta with quinoa and brown rice providing the texture “al dente” hard for others to duplicate. “Two years ago, there was lots of quinoa at this fair but in bulk. Nowadays, most of the offer is based on quinoa but almost everybody has products with added value”.One of the most appealing

sections at Expoalimentaria was Peru Natura, a pavilion featuring the best offer of Peru’s biodiversity. The area also focused on added value products, as Arturo Zevallos confirmed. He is the coordinator of bio trade promotion at PROMPERU.“We aim to take advantage

of our biodiversity and offer added value products, following latest trends: ready-to-eat, easy-to-peel, functional beverages, vegan foods and gluten and soy-free lines.”The fair that included a

comprehensive conference program and a business match will generate business transactions of over US$830 million, compared to the 730 million in 2014, according to the organizers.Expoalimentaria has satisfied

most buyers. “I found a lot of unique foods,” said Lu Lu of Chinese International Sourcing SCM. “Peruvian coffee is quite famous in the world but Chinese people are not familiar with it, so we came here to find good coffee. Organic coffee is quite good, so it is maybe going to be welcomed in my country,” she said.Carlos Gomez and

his spous, Estela from import/export enterprise Ecuadorian Cimexport, said that Expoalimentaria is a very comprehensive and international fair. “It has different sections, from every region and very competitive”. They said Expoalimentaria is the best Latin American food show they have seen so far.” �

By Adriana Michael

Barbados will host its first Green Summit on September 3rd at the Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park. The event is an attempt to connect the green business community with the government and agencies involved in sustainable projects on the island.The tiny paradisiacal

Caribbean island of Barbados has been surfing the green wave at a high pace. A good number of green initiatives have been arduously planting seeds to create what could become a model of sustainable development for the region.Having spent some time in

Barbados, I noticed there are significant projects, active professionals and talented people trying to make a difference for positive change. But even on a small island of just 46 square km it seems at times that not everyone is aware of what others are doing around you. There is the danger of duplication of efforts, misunderstandings and waste of valuable resources.

Barbados: on the road to increase local food production

Barbados hosts first Green SummitThe idea of the Summit was

suggested during an informal conversation with entrepreneur Ian Mc Neel, co-founder of the local grassroots organization Slow Food Barbados. Discussing the need to

increase the flow of information and cooperation opportunities between all players in the green sector and with other local and international private and government institutions, the time for a Summit seemed right. The plan rapidly materialized

thanks to incredible volunteers and the coordination of sustainability planner & permaculture designer Lani Edghill,Under the theme

“Regeneration” the Green Summit expects attendance of diverse organizations including the Ministry of Agriculture, Barbados Renewable Energy Association, Barbados Organic Growers and Consumers Association, Bellairs Research Institute, Caribbean Permaculture Research Institute, Be the Change Barbados, The Future Centre

Trust and Williams Solar. The Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) implemented by the United Nations Development Programme and PROPEL, the Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprise and Linkages, a project funded by the Canadian government will also take part in the program.The Green Summit will

be held at the Foursquare Distillery, one of the most modern and environmentally friendly distilleries in the world and with 250 years of history. �


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Anuncio Feria_02.indd 1 6/8/15 5:01 PM

Introducing a new feature with all news related to chia, the tiny slavia hispanica white and black seed. If you are a chia producer, processor or trader and would like to contribute to CHIA WORLD please contact [email protected] & Wellness News’s Adriana Michael spoke with Juan Pablo Altamirano GoldFoods USA co-founder and direct chia supplier about the current market for chia seeds, issues and opportunities.

AM: When OWN started promoting chia seeds, there were no other b2b media around with any information about the tiny seeds. Only one brand in North America was offering chia seeds taken from the original source in Acatic Jalisco Mexico to be grown in Argentina and Paraguay. One firm was selling them in the Chilean local market. That was over ten years ago. Now there is a boom. Demand for chia is everywhere. How many primary producers are currently offering chia for the international trade?

JPA: There are many new farmers and exporters who entered the business after the 2013 boom. High chia prices encouraged these new competitors, who didn’t understand the market and they produced more chia than the normal demand could buy. Prices dropped considerably, reducing the amount of chia planted in the 2015 season.Currently in South America

there are about 10 Bolivian suppliers, which represent 80% of the country’s production. In Argentina there are about 5, which also control operations in the neighboring countries. Paraguay has 3 producers, which represent more than 60% of the total production. The situation in Peru is radically different since the exporters generally buy chia in Bolivia and Paraguay and re-export it from there.

AM: The Chia Co. in Australia claimed to be the largest producer and exporter of chia seeds, although not certified organic. Do you think this is the case today? Have you an estimate of the

CHIA WORLDtotal production of chia seeds in South America for this campaign? And in Central America?

JPA: The leading producers are found in South America. Some of Paraguay’s companies handle large volumes. Other Argentine and Bolivian companies have been able to differentiate themselves by offering a large volume of high quality chia with safety certifications and large investments in certified organic plants.

AM: In the Spring 2015 edition of OWN you stated that laboratory tests have shown the best chia growing in South America comes from Bolivia, in particular Sta Cruz.

JPA: Normally, chia produced in Bolivia has more stable nutritional and microbiological value than the chia produced in other South American countries because of the climate. In Bolivia, there is less precipitation than Paraguay in the winter when chia is harvested and no frost. In Argentina, the quality is comparable in years when there is no frost. However, this doesn’t happen regularly. That is the main reason why many Argentine companies have invested in Bolivian crops.

AM: Early this year only 30% of your chia production was certified organic. Does this proportion reflect demand in the market, is the number increasing or do you see now more demand for conventional chia with higher volumes going to the large conventional food companies?

JPA: GoldFoods USA keeps a 30 per cent participation of organic production. Even though we are aware that the demand points toward the organic sector, considering the price level for organic chia at this moment, the additional value compared with the conventional does not compensate the reduction of production under the organic system and its higher production costs. There is more manual work in the organic system, more lab tests and certification payments. The existing gap should be more than $2/kilo between organic and conventional chia and the current gap is around $1/kilo.

AM: There have been previous attempts to create an association of chia producers, like those for other crops such as coffee, quinoa and sugar. How feasible has it been to create such an organization?

JPA: Fortunately, after much progress, the agricultural exporters of Bolivian chia joined to create a consortium of agro-exporters, including the leading agro-exporting companies in this sector. Their common goal is the integration of the productive chain with the cleaning and packaging processes, providing the best chia seeds in the market with high quality standards.

AM: In June this year you had a meeting with other key South American players in the chia market Could you indicate a couple of topics discussed and outcome of this encounter?

JPA: Exporters from Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Ecuador participated in the meeting. Topics evaluated included:* Stock 2014* Crop size 2015* Evolution in the European

and North American demand

* Emerging markets with strong participation: Australia, Japan, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia

AM: In most food ingredients, there is a tendency for commoditization. It is

“Chia is valued for its high level of Omega-3 and -6, but it has not yet been recognized

as a valuable source of protein, even though

it contains almost double that of quinoa”


quino aflakesquinoa flour

quinoapopquinoacereal

Visit us at ANUGA 2015

• 1 - At a chia suppliers meeting in Bolivia this past June (From L to R standing) Carlos Noel, Chia Corp German Cuéllar, Potenza Group,Francisco Aquino, Chia Corp., Tsuko Hochi, Bolivian Shoji, Gianni Calderoni, Solum, Matías Mayer, Agro Tigre, Cesar Hochi, Bolivian Shoji (Seating L to R) Siegfried Boss, Natural Crops, Luis Henrique Pereyra, Semear Juan Pablo Altamirano, Gold Foods USA and Marcelo Aspety, Granicorp• 2 - Chia seeds. Credit: O.W.N. Archive

happening with quinoa. How is the situation with chia?

JPA: Chia barely follows the commoditization trend because the market is still small and knows little about the high quality standards demanded by large industry, and the supply is unstable.

AM: Are there any innovations introduced in the chia farming, processing? What type of crop rotation is applied to chia seed production?

JPA: The agronomic aspects of handling supplies have improved by becoming more environmentally friendly. The tasks of harvesting and drying the chia plant has been modified to guarantee the absence of pesticides. Chia is most frequently rotated with sesame, dry beans, corn, and sorghum. We are working hard on

educating the public about the benefits of this millennial seed. CHIA PEARL. It is one of our new products, which has received a great response. It is distributed as a plant-based OMEGA-3 supplement with all of the benefits of being 100% vegan. Defatted chia flour is becoming recognized as a tremendous source of protein (25%), a superfood containing all of the essential amino acids. It is worth mentioning that quinoa captured the market as a gluten-free cereal with more protein (14%) than any other cereal. With regard to chia, it is valued for its high level of Omega-3 and -6, but it has not yet been recognized as a valuable source of protein, even though it contains almost double that of quinoa.

AM: Not all chia seeds are sold under the same price. There are different product qualities. What are the parameters for price variation? How do you recognize a high quality chia?

JPA: The prices vary greatly, depending mostly on the origin. Bolivian chia, in general, is more expensive than chia grown in Paraguay. Argentine chia prices are slightly lower than Bolivia’s. At the same time, the prices within the country vary depending on the quality and certification. Obviously, clean plants with quality standards such as HACCP or ISO 22000 are valued higher.Normally, all Grade A chia

seeds have between 28%-32% oil, and of that oil, 60% is omega-3 (alfalinolenic) and 17% is omega-6 (linolenic). To be classified as Grade A chia, seeds must have the following qualities:* Purity, more than 99.90%* Fat content, close to 30%* Low microbiological and

aflatoxin levels

* Bright color, between black, gray and white. Brown seeds aren’t normally good quality chia. They appear brown when they are not ripe or when there is too much moisture during the maturation process, which causes an increase in microbiological activity resulting in high levels of mycotoxins and reducing its shelf life.

AM: How do you see the near future of the chia market as a result of the boom? What are the challenges ahead and what are the advantages South American suppliers have if

compared with other countries?

JPA: In the near future, the chia market will return to normal prices, even though at the actual level, the price is below production costs. It’s important to understand that the price point should be more than $3.50/kilo in order to provide chia with high quality standards, since the yields are not very high and the yields of plants processed

for 99.95% purity are even lower. This is the main reason why the crop size in the three most important chia-producing countries of South America for 2015 has been reduced by 80% from the previous season. At this time of year when chia is being harvested, the first estimates indicate that production for 2015 will not exceed more than 10,000MT in South America. This represents only 15% of the volume obtained

in 2014. If this is confirmed and the demand rises steadily, there will be a chia shortage in 2016. Chia prices should reach a profitable level again. This is necessary and obligatory to be able to supply a growing world market with quality, responsibility, and continuity. A large investment is required to make this happen in order to satisfy an increasingly demanding market that is clearly growing. �


Sustainable Food Summit in Amsterdam, he raised a few eyebrows with his criticism towards the way Marketing has pushed the sustainability lingo into packaging without looking at the veracity behind the argument.He says packaging is just a

part of a far more complex chain: “Comparing materials

is what packaging producers often want, but then you are only comparing a part of the chain. Consumer behavior, loss in the chain, possibility to empty the packaging, recycling possibility in a certain market, all play a role and are often not taken up in claims.”Ten Klooster says the design

process of packaging must be managed in a different way, through which “the consequences of choices must be clear.” The simple choice of a color, for example, will involve a specific supplier, which in its turn must work with other suppliers. The University of Twente has been looking into actor networks to be able to map the consequences of each choice a company makes while choosing its packaging. The deeper they go in the actor networks, the more insights they will get. This means they can

use this information to balance their choices when designing more sustainable packaging.

Circle of LifeThere are good practices though. Looking at the end product, there are successful programs in several European countries, which see a good turn-around of bottles or cans being recycled. On top of that, there are innovative efforts coming to light. In particular there is a surge in using

biomaterials as an alternative to paper and plastics. US based Ecovative Design

has made some headlines with their proposition of agricultural waste and mushroom mycelium (a natural glue). Their compostable mushroom solution is now replacing plastic foam in the packaging of several goods including electronics, sport shoes and medicine. Across the Atlantic Ocean,

in Poland, Jerzy Wysocki got inspired by his family’s hundred-year-old milling tradition, and invented tableware out of bran. He says he was looking for a “solution that would allow to use by-product from mills, finding another application for bran, other than fodder or compostable waste, giving it another round in the production lifecycle.”

Sustainable chain?His company Biotrem promotes a zero waste policy. Apart from being compostable, the products are also edible. While not a substitute for bread, children in particular are said to enjoy having a bite. And they can be used for animal feed. If the consumer has no animals or has been able to resist the grain scent of the plate, they can opt to compost them. Wysocki guarantees “contrary to most other products

labelled as biodegradable or compostable that require the use of commercial composting facilities, our plates can be

quickly composted in a backyard composter.”The bran used in Biotrem’s products is sourced locally and Wysocki’s family ties with the milling sector has provided him

with a large network that he can now use for his benefit: “We know our neighbours well, and their production lines, so we are sure of the quality and origin of the material we buy. It’s organic, fresh and clean.” In addition, Biotrem ensures the bran they buy is produced for human consumption. And with Poland producing 170 million cubic tons of wheat bran a year, his company is just a drop in the ocean as they expect to use under 150

thousand tons in the next two years. While Biotrem is currently

focussing on tableware, it is also looking into packaging solutions with plans to introduce up to eight new formats this year and some other 10 in 2016. Challenges, however, remain

and Biotrem’s bran based material is still not a solution for every product. When Wysocki tells about Biotrem’s tableware, he focuses on its bread aroma that makes you want to eat your own plate, or on the fact that when used in a microwave it won’t overheat so it’s safe to handle. But even though they produce bowls, using them for hot liquids may result in culinary drama as the bran plates will dissolve within 30 minutes upon contact with hot water. Wysocki brushes it off saying “it’s plenty of time

PACKAGING(Continued from page 1)

MERCHANDISING

“Contrary to most other products labelled

as biodegradable or compostable that require the

use of commercial composting facilities,

our plates can be quickly composted in a backyard composter”

to finish your dish before it actually happens.”

The FutureFor Ten Klooster both solutions look promising and most initiatives to produce disposables from left overs seem sustainable. But without a clear analysis of the whole chain, “the question is if this will lead to a clear difference.For the time being, Ten

Klooster is focusing in studying the actor networks his

university is developing. The study is mainly being carried by students, but ideally Ten Klooster would like to work with companies. However he has found some are reluctant to provide information that may impact their public record of sustainability. Tests he has conducted on some of these materials have revealed different figures from those shown in their component lists. Transparency is therefore key in the process. A more serious approach to

packaging must also take place in the corporate corridors: “There is hardly a company with packaging skills in the management team. The packaging takes about 10% for its account concerning costs, but it can ruin the complete product, processing and sustainability and then it costs the tenfold.” �

• 1 - Dinnerware made out of bran by Biotrem in Poland • 2 - Jerzy Wysocki, founder and managing director Biotrem, Poland • 3 - Mushrooms were used by US based Ecovative Design to create this smart packaging solution


To share your news in print and online related to the upcoming BIOFACH India November 5-7 Kochi, INDIAContact: [email protected] Skype: organicwellness Ph: 1 613 707 2067

SPOTLIGHT ON THE U.S. MARKETSpecial feature to celebrate the 12th edition of BIOFACH America September 17-19, in Baltimore.To share your news in print and online related to this or any other BIOFACH fair contact: [email protected] Skype: organicwellness Ph: 1 613 707 2067

Related headlines available inwww.organicwellnessnews.com

TRENDS

Gluten-free market jumps to almost 70% since 2012

U.S. consumers boost organic sales in 2014, but trade gap in organic

RETAIL

US speciality gourmet outlets grow to top $18 billion in sales

U.S. consumers boost organic sales in 2014

entire food market which was estimated to have reached a turnover worth 780bn USD. Katharina Neumann, Project Coordinator at BIOFACH America, comments: “The OTA study once again confirms Americans’ increasing need for high-quality foodstuffs. This market trend is a giant opportunity, particularly for European organic products companies seeking to establish themselves in the USA.”This year marks the 12th

anniversary of BIOFACH America, and both trade shows are set to attract more visitors and exhibitors than ever this year. New Hope Media and

co-host Messe Nürnberg are expecting some 1,200 exhibitors to attend the two events. Some 30% of companies will be new brands and first-time exhibitors. BIOFACH alone will host some 160 organic certified companies presenting their products on a total exhibition space of 1,840 net sq m. The organizers estimate that in total, around 22,000 trade visitors will attend the two shows. Country pavilions this year

include Argentina - a returning exhibitor - and Poland exhibiting at BIOFACH America for the first time. Most international exhibitors are also coming from China, Turkey, Germany

By Annemarie Kruse

BIOFACH America - All Things Organic returns to Baltimore, Philadelphia, September 17th-19th. Once again, the event will be held in conjunction with Natural Products Expo East, the largest natural trade show for the region organized by US trade show company New Hope Media, a division of Penton Media, Inc. The organic market in the US

is growing by leaps and bounds and the East Coast accounts for around 47% of the country’s entire organic sector. According to a recent study by the Organic Trade Association (OTA), organic sales grew 11.3% to 39.1bn USD in 2014. And although the best-performing sub-category was organic non-food products such as textiles and especially cosmetics; organic fruit and vegetables accounted for a turnover of 13bn USD last year. In 1997, certified organic

products were still regarded as a niche in the US market, the OTA study comments. Today, organic and natural products account for 5% of the US’

EVENTS

COUNTRY PROFILE

EXPO EAST AND BIOFACH AMERICA ATTRACT MORE NEW EXHIBITORS THAN EVER

US CONSUMERS SEE ORGANICS AS HEALTHIER, BUT LABELLING IS PERCEIVED AS AN “EXCUSE TO CHARGE MORE”

and the Netherlands.The supporting conference

program offers lectures and workshops on a variety of topics, including the state of the organic industry, on-going ingredients regulations, and reforms - with a particular focus on non-GMO and “clean” ingredients. Other topics covered are natural products in the media and how shifting consumer expectations are affecting the food industry, the organic market, and consumer trends.In addition to the trade show

and conference sessions, there will be a range of events including the annual Harvest Festival, an outdoor event showcasing natural and organic brands in a farmers’ market atmosphere. Exhibitors can also book a number of special workshops, including the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), sponsored Herb Walk, which will visit the Maryland University of Integrative Health herb garden and James Duke’s Green Farmacy Gardens. There is also a Farm-To-Market Tour to some

By Warren Beaumont

New research from Mintel found that while organics would seem tailor-made for shoppers seeking foods and beverages that are healthier for them, their families and the planet, many Americans perceive that the organic label is an excuse to sell products at a premium. The biggest selling point for

organics is the perception that the products are healthier. Overall, 72% of US consumers purchase organic food and/or beverages for health or nutrition reasons, while slightly fewer (69%) factor environmental or ethical reasons in their purchase decision.

In fact, only 29% of consumers recognize that organic products are highly regulated, and 51% agree that labeling something as organic is an excuse to charge more. While sales of organic products

are on the rise, with the OTA’s 2015 Organic Industry Survey in the US showing certified organics grew 11% to US$39.1 billion, Mintel said that actual consumer penetration has plateaued.Female shoppers appear to

choose products that avoid certain characteristics: 43% purchase them because they do not contain unnecessary ingredients or chemicals, and the same percentage do

so to avoid food made with pesticides. And 73% of women and 71%

of men purchase organics for health and nutrition reasons. Those numbers fall to 31% of women and 29% of men who purchase organics because they are less processed than their non-organic counterparts, and 20% of women and 16% of men purchase organics because organic companies treat animals more ethically.

Products at a premiumGeneration X (51%) and the Swing Generation (57%) in particular regard an organic label as a premium price tag. Only 39% of Gen X trust that

organic-labeled products are actually organic. This number decreases to 35% of Swing Generation consumers. Furthermore, only four

in 10 Millennials (40%), the demographic that most supports organics, recognize that organic products are highly regulated. More than a third of all consumers (38%) regard organic as a marketing term with no real value or definition.“Our research finds half of

consumers (51%) say labeling something as organic is an excuse to charge more. Considering the typically higher cost of organic foods and beverages, consumers are increasingly hard pressed to

justify the added expense,” said Billy Roberts, senior food and drink analyst at Mintel. “As such, sales have hit

something of a plateau, where they likely will remain until consumers have a clear reason to turn to organics. This could come in the form of a growing number of lower-cost organic options, bringing a new degree of competition to the category.”

Love for Non-Millennial ShoppersWhether due to a lack of availability, the increased price, or simply a lack of desire for organics’ perceived attributes, organic food and beverages

of the most interesting farms and natural stores nearby.Neumann comments:

“BIOFACH America is the most important platform for organic and natural products on the East Coast of the US. This year, there will be more international exhibitors including brands from exotic countries like Lithuania and Paraguay. I am also glad that Poland is exhibiting at BIOFACH this year - the country is here for the first time but is already planning to attend the next three BIOFACH America shows.” �

Argentina Pavilion at BIOFACH America

See next page


clearly have room to grow, as only a third of consumers (33%) indicate they purchased a food or beverage labeled as organic within the last three months.However, organics consump-

tion is greatest among the younger generations with nearly half of Millennials (49%) choos-ing organic for at least half of their food/beverage purchases, a drastic comparison to the 43% of Gen X, 51% of Baby Boomers, and 58% of the Swing Generation who consume no organic products. Additionally, more than half of

Millennials (51%) indicate they feel better about themselves when they purchase organic products, a factor that declines notably among older generations, to less than a quarter of Baby Boomers (24%).While nearly three in five

Millennials indicate they purchased an organic food or drink in the last three months, purchase rates drop dramatically among Baby Boomers and older consumers. Millennials are significantly more likely to purchase high volumes of organics: 20% indicate that organics comprise at least three quarters of their total food/beverage purchase.

For Baby Boomers and the Swing Generation, organics comprise significantly lower portions of those consumers’ food and beverage purchases (just 6% and 2% respectively).Mintel’s Trend Prove It

research shows that organic companies will have to counter consumer scepticism by making green and sustainable practices part of their business model.Consumers are confused

when shopping for organics not helped by confusion over natural versus organic claims, and limited regulation of the term ‘natural.’ “Our research shows that only

29% of shoppers recognize that organic foods and beverages are highly regulated, and an even greater percentage (38%) regard organic as a marketing term with no real value or definition,” Mr Roberts concluded. �

Organic companies

will have to counter

consumer scepticism

by making green and

sustainable practices

part of their business

model.


US wholefoods and organics chain Whole Foods Market, Inc. is going on the offensive to combat the larger chains as organics becomes more mainstream and has announced the name of its new streamlined, value-focused brand as ‘365 by Whole Foods Market’, smaller footprint, quality-meets-value stores set to open in 2016.Industry trackers said that

The new retail concept targets the Millennials or Generation Y (consumers born between 1980-2000)

First WFM store opened last year in Ottawa, Canada’s capital

WHOLE FOODS NEW CONCEPT STORE SET FOR 2016

US AND SWITZERLAND SIGN ORGANIC EQUIVALENCY AGREEMENT

Whole Foods is losing at its own game as it’s being outsold in organic and natural food sales by the likes of Costco Wholesale stores, Kroger with its massive private label brands, and Trader Joe’s.Slated to begin opening in

2016, the new stores will offer convenience and everyday low prices on natural and organic products that meet the company’s industry-leading quality standards.Jeff Turnas, a 20-year Whole

Foods Market veteran, will serve as president of 365 by Whole Foods Market and will be based at the company’s headquarters in Austin. Mr Turnas was most recently president of its U.K. Region.“We are excited to introduce

365 by Whole Foods Market to bring healthy foods to even more communities with a fresh, quality-meets-value shopping experience that’s fun and convenient,” Mr Turnas said.

“A modern, streamlined design with innovative technology and a carefully curated product mix will offer an efficient and rewarding way to grocery shop.”We are now excited for the

next evolution to extend our offerings to a broader audience in a way that complements our successful Whole Foods Market brand, he added. Whole Foods market operates 422 stores globally, with 403 in the US, 10 in Canada, and 9 in the UK. �

By Annemarie Kruse

On 9th July 2015 Switzerland and the US signed an organic equivalency agreement. The new trade pact will facilitate the import and export of organic products between both countries. Under the terms of the

agreement, US products that carry a regional organic certification can be retailed as organic in Switzerland and vice versa, which eliminates the need for a double set of certifications. The US has already signed similar equivalency agreements with Canada (2009), the EU (2012), Japan (2013) and Korea (2014).“The arrangement opens

Switzerland for US organic farmers, ranchers and food makers,” said Robert Anderson, Senior Trade Advisor for the

US’s Organic Trade Association (OTA). “Equally important, coupled with the historic US-EU organic equivalency agreement, it creates streamlined access to continental Europe’s strong organic marketplaces, and promotes mutually beneficial flows of organic ingredients between Switzerland, Europe and the US.”Indeed, the fact that

Switzerland is not part of the European Union but sources ingredients from EU countries (and the other way around), has in the past complicated trade relations between Switzerland and the US. With the new agreement in place, both countries - as well as the organic markets in the rest of the EU - are set to benefit. Swiss organic agricultural

association Bio Suisse said that they welcome the agreement.

Switzerland is one of the biggest organic markets in Europe. In fact, the European Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) estimates that Swiss consumers have the highest per-capita rate of organic consumption in the world. According to Bio Suisse, the

organic food market grew 7.5% to 2,207bn CHF in 2014. This means that certified organic products now account for 7.1% share of the entire food market in Switzerland. Fresh produce and packaged goods were the most successful categories growing 4.5% and 7.3% respectively. The two largest supermarket

groups in Switzerland, Migros

and Coop, both reported an increase in organic food retail, as did the small yet growing organic specialty retail sector. And although organic farming in Switzerland is growing - Bio Suisse reports that last year, 5979 farms operated according to the Bio Suisse certification rules which marks an increase of 1.6% - the constantly rising consumer demand for organic products can’t be met by national agriculture alone. The organic market in

Switzerland is therefore relying on imports. Conversely, many Swiss manufacturers are eyeing up the lucrative US organic market, which according to OTA’s annual study grew 11.3% to 39.1bn USD in 2014. �

LEGISLATION

RETAIL

RETAIL


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Kroger’s King Soopers division has launched in Denver, Colorado in June, a new natural and organic product. It is an e-Commerce shopping service called KingSoopers.com/LiveNaturally, open to King Soopers customers who live in and around the Denver metro area, offering more than 36,000 natural and organic products.“ K i n g S o o p e r s . c o m / L i v e

Naturally extends the in-store shopping experience to create a true ‘endless aisle’ experience with ship-to-home service for thousands more healthy foods, vitamins, minerals and supplements than are available in our stores today,” said Kevin Dougherty, Kroger’s group vice president of digital and Vitacost.The new website utilizes the

technology platform and ship-to-home fulfillment network of Vitacost.com, one of the largest

KROGER’S KING SOOPERS LAUNCHES E-COMMERCE FOR NATURAL & ORGANIC

pure eCommerce companies in the nutrition and healthy living market. Kroger completed its merger with Vitacost.com in August 2014.

The company said it will test and learn in the Denver market before replicating the experience in other markets.King Soopers, Colorado’s

own full-service retail grocery chain, now operates 145 stores and 73 fuel center locations. In its first quarter 2015 results, Kroger posted 5.7% supermarket sales growth (excluding fuel) and operated over 2,600 supermarkets and 780 convenience stores. �

By Warren Beaumont

National Co+op Grocers (NCG), a business services cooperative for retail food co-ops located throughout the United States that includes leading natural and organic stores, announced that it reached agreement on a multi-year purchasing contract that names United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) as its primary distributor for natural and organic products through at least July 2021.UNFI has served as the primary

distributor for NCG food co-ops since the two companies signed their initial agreement in 2006. At that time, NCG represented 106 retail food co-ops generating $870 million in revenue. Under the new six-year contract, UNFI will continue to provide distribution services to NCG’s now 143 retail food co-ops, which operate over 190 stores in 38 states and generate over $1.7 billion in revenue.“We’re pleased to continue our

long-standing relationship with UNFI,” said Ben Nauman, NCG’s director of purchasing. “UNFI has been a key and valued partner in our supply chain. We look forward to continuing to work together on distribution programs that drive the growth of retail food co-ops and the cooperative economy.”

Beyond distribution, NCG and UNFI have worked together on various initiatives to support the promotion of natural and organic products and raise food quality and integrity. “It’s important to us that our supply chain partners share many of our values,” said Robynn Shrader, NCG’s CEO.“As a virtual chain, NCG is

one of our largest and fastest growing customers in the last 10 years” said Steve Spinner, UNFI’s president and CEO. “Our connections to food co-ops go back to our company’s founding and we are excited to be selected once again as the best fit to serve the needs of this important sector.”National Co+op Grocers

(NCG), founded in 1999, helps unify food co-ops in order to optimize operational and marketing resources, strengthen purchasing power, and ultimately offer more value to natural food co-op owners and shoppers everywhere. NCG is a winner of the dotCoop Global Awards for Cooperative Excellence and a Certified B Corporation. �

NATIONAL CO+OP GROCERS SIGNS 6-YEAR DEAL WITH UNFI

The new website utilizes the technology platform

and ship-to-home fulfillment network of

Vitacost.com


The Netherlands’ major grocer Ahold has agreed to buy Belgian rival Delhaize in a 25 billion-euro ($28 billion) deal that will create Europe’s biggest listed food retailer by market capitalisation and one of the biggest food retailers in the United States, according to Reuters.Ahold operates the

Netherlands’ major grocery chain Albert Heijn, while Delhaize is Belgium’s biggest supermarket chain.Reuters said that the two

groups generated two-thirds of their sales from the US grocery market and would have a combined 5% total market share.The combination will bring

four well-known supermarket chains on the US east coast under the same umbrella: Ahold’s Stop & Shop and Giant stores and Delhaize’s Food Lion and Hannaford markets.Together, the companies said

they will lower operating and purchasing costs to compete with Wal Mart and expand the reach of Ahold’s online grocery store Peapod, the largest such service in the US, to compete with Amazon.Ahold will take a 61% stake

in the new company, which will have 54.1 billion euros ($61 billion) in annual sales from 6,500 stores worldwide, including more than 2,000 in the United States and the rest

Delhaize supermarket, Brussels.

AHOLD, DELHAIZE MERGER TO TACKLE US MARKET

in the Netherlands, Belgium and Eastern Europe.The deal is expected to give

Ahold and Delhaize much-needed buying power in the fiercely competitive US grocery market after a recent wave of consolidation, as well as help them face the threat posed by booming discounters such as Lidl in Europe. Delhaize was pushing ahead with the merger in August, according to reports. �


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For information: � +1- 416-854-2754 • [email protected] • www.incagoldorganics.com

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Vancouver and BC’s largest natural and organic grocer Choices Market’s is set to reach 10 stores following the opening of a new store at Glenlyon Parkway at Marine way in Burnaby in July, its 9th store. The local retailer has a new store planned for Abbotsford later this year.The July opening at Burnaby,

east of Vancouver city, also accommodates the need for more space for its 20,000sqft production facility and a bulk

foods warehouse, with a scaled back retail store at the front. “We’ve simply outgrown

our existing Commissary,” said Ishkandar Ahmed, CEO, Choices Markets. “This new space will allow our executive chef to let his creative juices flow and allow us to offer more new, exciting and unique offerings to our customers. This move will ultimately allow us an even greater variety of fresh products in all of our stores.”A new Abbotsford store will

open in September. “The Fraser Valley is home to some of the greatest artisan food

Choices Market bulks up in Vancouver to move to 10 stores

producers that BC is proud to offer. At Choices Markets, we

can’t wait to stock our shelves with even more of these local treasures as we open our tenth location in Abbotsford, BC this September! It will be located in the strip mall at 3033 Immel Street,” Choices Markets said.Choices Markets opened its

first location in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood 25 years ago. Since then, the company has grown into a chain of 9 stores in BC, all specializing in natural and organic foods and carrying a range of natural wellness products. �

Choices Markets. The Kitsilano store.


French retailer E.Leclerc and the German REWE Group have decided to establish a strategic alliance expected to be effective in early 2016, announced by the CEOs of the two companies, Michel-Edouard Leclerc and Alain Caparros, in June, 2015.The two companies have

agreed on cooperation in specific projects where joint teams of E.Leclerc and REWE Group will work on strategic topics such as the further development of the organic products segment, cooperation in the travel segment, in import, as well as in the areas of electric mobility and energy. “In view of the major

alliances that have been newly established in European retail, we have therefore come to the decision that we will jointly take advantage of every possibility to improve the growth opportunities of our two groups,” Leclerc and Caparros said.In the context of the alliance,

REWE Group and E.Leclerc will

establish a joint purchasing company. In connection with the comprehensive alliance with E.Leclerc, REWE Group is going to leave the Belgian CORE cooperative, to been completed by 31 December 31, 2015.E.Leclerc operates 550 stores

in France and 80 stores in five other European countries with a total turnover of 45 billion euros. The cooperative REWE Group is one of the leading trade and tourism groups in Germany and Europe. In 2014, the company generated a total external turnover exceeding 51 billion euros and operated 15,000 stores with 330,000 employees in 12 European countries. �

E.LECLERC, REWE STRATEGICALLIANCE TO DEVELOP ORGANICS

RETAILAUSTRALIAN YARRA VALLEY SNACK FOODS SOLD TO TYRRELLS UKBy Warren Beaumont

Australia’s number one certified organic snacks and chip company Yarra Valley Snack Foods has been sold to UK premium crisp supplier Tyrrells Potato Crisps Ltd, the first international acquisition for the UK company just 15 months after Tyrrells crisps launched in Australia.This purchase provides the

opportunity to accelerate the growth of the Tyrrells brand in Australia and Asia. It is the first Tyrrells manufacturing base to be located outside the UK. The move by the UK’s fastest

growing hand-cooked premium crisp brand comes two years after Tyrrells’ sale to Investcorp in 2013. Tyrrells is based on a farm in the English county of Herefordshire. Yarra Valley Snack Foods

is based at Lilydale, Victoria where it upgraded its manufacturing facilities in 2014 with a 50% increase in capacity and continued to seek more export markets in Asia, helped by more demand for organic and gluten-free products. In Australia, Yarra Valley supplies

specialist retailers and major supermarkets, including Woolworths Macro organic private label.The snack food company

has been run for the past 12 years by managing director and majority owner Andrew Blain. “I am staying on as managing director for the Asia Pacific and to integrate the Tyrrells business in Australia into the Yarra Valley Snack Foods operation,” Mr Blain said.“We are extremely excited by

the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to working with the team at Tyrrells,” he added.

“It’s good to be able to keep local manufacturing going in Australia and not have to relocate offshore and it’s also good for local growers and will help them to continue to expand.”Yarra Valley Snack

Foods started in 1988 and became certified organic in 2006. It produces a large range of vegetable-based, natural, organic and gluten free chips and snacks under brands

such as Thomas Chipman, Hole-Sum, Mexicana, Puff-O’s, and Goody Goody Popcorn.Following the successful

launch of Tyrrells in Coles supermarkets in April 2014, the company is now established in over 37 countries. Global markets make up approximately 25% of its turnover, while the brand is growing at 30% a year.David Milner, Tyrrells CEO said:

“We are delighted to be investing in Australian manufacturing. Our hand-cooked crisps have been extremely well received in Australia, where consumers value well-made food with provenance”. �

Andrew Blain, Yarra Valley Snack Foods at the Fine Food show

Rewe’s Bio Concept


By Warren Beaumont

A.S. Watson Group has reached a new milestone with the opening of its flagship Watsons store on Yun Ping Road in Causeway Bay, marking the Group’s 12,000th retail store in the world. Spanning over three storeys

and covering an area of over 8,000 sq. ft., this new flagship health and beauty store is the largest Watsons store in Hong Kong incorporating Watsons latest store design in a contemporary and elegant style.

At the store’s opening ceremony on August 11, Mr Li Tzar Kuoi, Victor, CK Hutchison’s Group co-managing director and deputy chairman said. “Hong Kong has a special place in our hearts. Last year, A.S. Watson Group opened and refitted 76 retail stores in Hong Kong; and for this year, the number is expected to amount to over 80. The capital investment involved would be approximately HK$620 million over these two years.”With a history dating back to

1841, A.S. Watson Group was

Watson’s new Hong Kong store

A.S. Watson opens health & beauty flagship store in Hong Kongthe 14th company to register in Hong Kong. Starting as a small dispensary, the Group is now the largest international health and beauty retailer with 12,000 stores in 24 countries/markets as well as one of the fastest-growing retailers. “We plan to open 1,300 new stores this year across different markets – that is an average of 3 stores per day,” Mr Li added.Watsons, a subsidiary of CK

Hutchison Holdings Limited, is recognized as the No. 1 Pharmacy/Drugstore brand in Asia for seven consecutive years

and is one of A.S. Watson Group’s major retail brands.As an all-rounded health

and beauty store, the flagship store provides customers with

over 8,300 unique products, including organic skincare products and 840 healthcare and beauty brands, of which 250 are Watsons exclusives. �

By Warren Beaumont

Exhibitors at the Naturally Good Expo, Australia’s newest trade show aimed at the natural and organic market, has been welcomed as a success, after the failure of previous organic and sustainable shows. Held in Sydney 3-4 May, the Naturally

Good Expo was Australia’s first business-to-business expo focused on connecting brand owners, manufacturers, producers and suppliers with retailers and buyers in the specialist channel. The show attracted over 200 exhibitors showcasing products to Australian and international retailers and buyers. While most spoken with indicated it

was a superb show and that they will be back for the 2016 edition, several told O.W.N. it was expensive for a 2-day event. “The show was a huge

success and most exhibitors spoken to said they did good business,” said Andrew Jones, a director of Naturally Good

Expo exhibition organizers National Media. “We’re around 70% sold for the 2016 Expo in Sydney.”Up to mid-July, O.W.N.

spoke with six Australian-based manufacturers, suppliers and wholesalers of organic and natural products who exhibited at the Expo: Belinda Lawlor of Firstray wholesalers said that the new show was good for

the industry. “I believe that we picked up 2-3 new customers but it may take some time to evaluate whether it was a good investment,” she said.First-time exhibitor at

Australian natural and organic shows Andrew Terlich of At One Foods displayed its range of natural, additive

and gluten-free, At One Raw Superbars. The new snack bar manufacturer is already in 200 stores in Australia.Mr Terlich said he was happy

with the show and the quality of buyers and retailers and has signed up for the 2016 edition.Sergio Correa of Daabon

Organic said that the show was better than expected, and while the company saw a lot of

its regular customers, and it has not written any new business from the show, it will be back to exhibit in 2016.Specialist supplier of South

American organic foods, Olive Green Organics, found that the show was put together professionally. Despina Nikolakakos said that she was

impressed and had not seen an Australian show of this calibre for a while. OGO has booked for 2016.“We saw new buyers with a

good mix of retailers from large chains to small independents,” she said. “We’ve had enquiries that have turned into regular customers but not as many as we would like.”Antonette Golikidis of

organic baby skincare company Little Innoscents said the Expo allowed it to talk with large chains and independents, including grocery and pharmacy buyers.“We met new customers and

have already done business with some and hope to with others,” she said. “There was a good mix of buyers from Australia and international (mainly Asia). The organisers did a good job putting this event together, and we’ve already booked for 2016.”Organic foods manufacturer

Ozganics/The Right Food Group was happy with the show and company president Anni Brownjohn said that it’s been a while since the industry had a proper, industry-specific event.“The organisers presented a

very good show and I believe we saw the people that we wanted to see with a good mix of existing clients and new Australian and international buyers,” she said.The Naturally Good Expo

returns to Sydney on May 1-2, 2016, at the Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park. Look up: http://www.naturallygood.com.au/syd15/ �

Australia’s new Naturally Good Expo backed by exhibitors

• 1 - Activity at the impressive stand of leading certifier Australian Certified Organic • 2 - Anni Brownjohn of Ozganics, The Right Food Group, with Jenny Watling, Apples & Sage Organic Wholefoods


By Annemarie Kruse

In 2016, Vivaness is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and organizer NürnbergMesse is planning some special activities. Germany is the biggest organic beauty market in Europe. No other country has so many organic beauty brands in different price ranges or such a wide distribution in every retail channel than Germany. In 2014, turnover for certified organic cosmetics in the country grew 10% to over 1 billion Euro.Vivaness has positioned

itself as the top and only international trade event for the natural and organic cosmetics sector and has been running parallel to BIOFACH at Nuremberg fairgrounds each February. There will be a new visual design for Hall 7A, the show’s traditional location within the exhibition center, and the annual Vivaness Kongress will take place in a specially constructed conference room right next to the exhibition hall. Vivaness is also the co-organizer of the annual Natural Cosmetics Conference (Naturkosmetik Branchenkongress), which has become one of the most important dates on the calendar for the organic beauty industry in German-speaking Europe. The first Branchenkongress took place in 2008 as part of the BIOFACH/Vivaness trade show. In 2011, the Conference moved from Nuremberg to Berlin and since then, the event has become steadily more high-profile and international.Trade publisher Naturkos-

metikverlag is the organizer of

the Natural Cosmetics Con-ference. Attendees include trade visitors from beauty brands and companies, certi-fication associations, market research agencies, marketing consultancies, retailers and wholesalers, supermarkets and perfumeries, ingredients sup-pliers and packaging manufac-turers, formulators and R&D specialists, trade journalists and bloggers.

Central topicsEach year, the Conference has a different focus. In 2015, one of the key topics will be the new ISO guideline for natural and organic cosmetics.Because organic beauty is such

a big trend, more and more conventional brands are trying to jump on the bandwagon by launching “green” products or even coming up with their “certificates”. Industry observers fear that the new ISO guidelines might further weaken the distinction between certified organic and “green” cosmetics. At the Natural Cosmetics Conference, lectures and panel discussions will deal with this

controversial topic, outlining the pros and cons of the issue and debating how organic beauty manufacturers should handle the situation.

Another theme for discussion at the conference is the thorny issue of certifications. There is a plethora of national and international product certificates, and consumers are confused by the many regional, organic, vegan, kosher or fair trade seals. What is the best way to streamline things and what are the drawbacks of harmonizing distinctive national regulations into a single certificate? The Conference will also feature a special presentation on halal

certifications, an increasingly important seal for beauty brands in today’s international marketplace.Keynotes and lecturesKey note speakers this year include Dr. Ulrich Reinhardt from the BAT Foundation for Future Studies who will speak on the future of retailing. In his lecture, Reinhardt discusses how the consumption patterns of Europeans will change in the future and how the existing retail structures will adapt to these changes.Christoph Engl from

management consultancy Brand Trust is speaking on the challenges facing brands that operate in saturated markets: how can you expand your market share if countless competitors are crowding into the same sector? One solution is to emphasize a brand’s value rather than its price. Making consumers desire the brand is more important than making it famous.Alina Scheinker from market

researcher Euromonitor International will speak on trends in the global beauty market while Wolfgang Adlwarth from German consumer market research company Gfk is discussing how modern consumption veers between pleasure and responsibility. In today’s retail environment brands have to walk a tightrope between projecting authenticity and at the same time, offer their consumers an exciting brand experience.The conference program

also includes presentations, lectures and discussion panels on topics such as gender

marketing, organic and luxury cosmetics, retail trends, and social media communication. The event will provide detailed facts and statistics on the German and international organic cosmetics markets.A special panel will debate

the question of what today’s modern organic customer expects from a brand. What do organic beauty brands have to offer to these well-educated and committed consumers? And, even more importantly, is there still room for improvement?Another discussion will give

an overview of the organic beauty markets in Germany’s direct neighbor countries Austria and Switzerland. Despite the fact that Germany, Austria and parts of Switzerland share a common language base consumers in these three countries think and act quite differently.

Social eventsEach year, the organizers of the Conference also offer a Berlin Trend Retail Tour, which visits the city’s most innovative beauty retailers and organic cosmetics stores. And on the evening of the first conference day is the Branchenkongress’ traditional Meet & Greet social event for all participants.The Natural Cosmetics

Conference (Naturkosmetik Branchenkongress) will take place from 6th-7th October 2015 at the Ellington Hotel in Berlin, Germany. The Trend Retail Tour is scheduled for 5th October from 2 pm to 6 pm. The Congress languages are English and German with simultaneous translation. �

Elfriede Dambacher, publisher at naturkosmetik verlag e.dambacher, Conference organizer

Berlin’s Natural Cosmetics Conference heralds Vivaness’ 10th anniversary


New clinical research suggests that an herbal medicinal product containing a proprietary combination of a concentrated echinacea herb and root extract is as effective as the conventional antiviral medicine oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) in the early treatment of influenza. The results of the

randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial were

published in the open-access journal Current Therapeutic Research.For the study, researchers

recruited 473 patients who had exhibited flu symptoms for less than 48 hours from 29 primary care practices in the Czech Republic. The patients were randomly

assigned to take Echinaforce® Hotdrink syrup, a beverage containing an alcoholic extract prepared from freshly harvested echinacea

(Echinacea purpurea) herb and root (95% herb; 5% root) supplemented with European elderberry (Sambucus nigra), for 10 days, or oseltamivir for five days followed by placebo for five days. Echinaforce Hotdrink is

produced and marketed by A. Vogel Bioforce AG of Roggwil, Switzerland. It is not currently sold in the United States.The primary endpoint of the

clinical trial was the percentage

of patients with mild or no symptoms after one, five, and 10 days of treatment. At each time point, the researchers found that a similar number of patients had recovered in both groups. After day one, 1.5% of

patients in the Echinaforce Hotdrink group and 4.1% of those in the oseltamivir group exhibited mild or no symptoms; recovery rates for days five and 10 were 50.2%

Botanical Council says echinacea preparation effective in early flu cases

See next page

The Natural Cosmetics

Conference has become

one of the most

important dates for

the organic beauty

industry in German-

speaking Europe.

Echinacea supplement

EVENTS

RESEARCH


By Annemarie Kruse

The worldwide trend towards organic products and a green lifestyle is also influencing the home care market. However, although this sector has been growing in recent years, it is still lagging behind other organic consumer goods categories such as cosmetics or food. This coming October 20th -21st the first ever international trade conference for organic cleaning and household cleaning products will take place at the Marriott Hotel Champs-Elysées in Paris, France, as is the 7th edition of the EU Sustainable Cosmetics Summit.An initiative of UK market

research firm Organic Monitor, the Sustainable Cleaning Products Summit (SCPS) is the latest event in its line-up of conferences, which also include the Sustainable Food Summits (SFS) in Amsterdam, San Francisco and Sao Paulo and the Sustainable Cosmetics Summits (SCS) in New York, Paris, Hong Kong and Sao Paulo.Amarjit Sahota of Organic

Monitor comments: “Home

care brands have been slow to develop green formulations and adopt standards compared to the personal care and food industries. By tackling the major technical and marketing issues in this premier edition of the SCPS, we hope brands will start cleaning up their formulations.” The two-day summit will

kick off with two information sessions. Sustainability & Marketing Update covers the state of the European market for green household products.

Besides presentations on market data, trends and developments there will be papers on ethical retailing and green consumer behavior as well as case studies from brands and ingredients companies. The second session focuses

on Green Ingredients. A speaker from the European certification association Ecogarantie will offer an update on the standards for natural and organic home care and there will be a presentation on sustainable

surfactants and a case study. The summit also offers two workshops conducted by Organic Monitor: Workshop I will deal with Advances in Green Surfactants & Emulsifiers while the second workshop focuses on Reducing Environmental Impacts.

One brand that has successfully positioned itself as one of the biggest international natural cleansing products is Ecover. The Belgian company is this year’s SCPS keynote. Founded in 1979 its products are distributed in around 40 countries worldwide. Besides household cleaners and washing machine products, the Ecover line-up also includes

wellness and home care products in the Wellments range. At the moment, the brand has in Europe two “green” factories in Belgium and Northern France.Germany is one of the

brand’s key markets where Ecover is involved in some sustainable projects, including the Stadtbienen (city bees) initiative started in spring 2015. Honey bees, of which 75% of cultural and crop plants in Europe are dependent, have been dying at an increasing rate since the late 1990s. The reasons for this include monocultures, pesticides and parasites. In Germany, the death rate of honeybees has been around 30% per year. The non-profit urban bee-keeping association Stadtbienen e.V. has been developing a “bee box” to give bee swarms a new home, especially in city areas. In cooperation with several German organic supermarket chains, Ecover helped to raffle off these bee boxes. For further information on the SCPS, visit www.sustainablecleaningsummit.com �

Sustainable Cleaning Products Summit debuts in Paris

Sarah Bell, brand activator, Ecover Deutschland gmbh

and 48.8%, and 90.1% and 84.8%, respectively.Statistical analyses revealed

that the two treatments were, in fact, non-inferior to each other; that is, they were approximately equal in their therapeutic effects. When the researchers looked at a subgroup of patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza (as opposed to those with a clinical flu diagnosis), recovery rates still did not vary between the two actives. Finally, there was a trend

towards a higher proportion

of recovered patients after 10 days of treatment with Echinaforce Hotdrink.“This is yet another

significant human clinical trial that helps to document the clinical benefits of this specific Swiss echinacea extract,” said Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council, a leading non-profit research and education organization.“The size of this trial —

473 patients — is one of the largest echinacea clinical trials ever published,” added Blumenthal, who noted that the largest echinacea clinical trial in the scientific literature

— with 755 subjects — was conducted with the same Echinaforce extract, and showed a preventive effect

ECHINACEA(Continued from page 20)

against respiratory tract infections. “It is rewarding to see an

herbal products manufactur-er investing resources in a well-designed clinical study on a phytotherapeutic product,” noted Stefan Gafner, PhD, ABC’s chief science officer. “The combination of echina-cea and European elderberry has resulted in the same treat-ment outcome as the stan-dard drug oseltamivir in the study population, providing evidence for the safety and efficacy of this product.”There were also no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of antibiotic

Home care brands have

been slow to develop

green formulations

and adopt standards

compared to the

personal care and

food industries.

use, intermediate doctor visits, use of over-the-counter medications for symptoms, “ability to return to normal daily activities,” or physician and patient-reported efficacy of the treatments.“Echinaforce Hotdrink has here been demonstrated as attractive therapy for acute influenza treatment with better safety and comparable efficacy profile to the neuraminidase inhibitor Oseltamivir. Its availability as over-the-counter medicine allows for a very early treatment start, which is central for treatment success with any intervention,” the authors concluded. �

Echinacea flower.Credit: Sean Watson 123rf.com


By Warren Beaumont

UHTCO, a Canadian supplier of high quality, nutritious natural health and food ingredients and supplements known as ‘superfoods’ from Peru that includes its own brands of natural and certified organic products, has officially launched into Hong Kong and China following the recent Natural & Organic Products Asia 2015, Hong Kong show. The company believes

in good environmental management and conservation of the biodiversity and supports Fair Trade practices, and in having the ancient and traditional superfoods grown and processed in ways that retain and bring out the superior nutritional properties of the foods for your health.Products and brands include

the Peruvian Harvest range of ancient and traditional foods, Maca Pro, Yacon pro, Camu Camu C, Purple Corn C3G, Cacao XP, and Wira Sacha Inchi Omega Oil.UHTCO, which has a

presence in Canada, the US and Europe, has been selling into China for some time and has just launched into Hong Kong with the Peruvian Harvest range, UHTCO president and CEO Jorge Urena, and European manager Markus Pandur said. At Natural & Organic

Products Asia, Hong Kong, Jorge and Markus met with their new distribution partner for China/Hong Kong, Anita S.K. Cheung of i-Detox International Limited, who was appointed after a meeting at the Natural & Organic Products Europe London this April.

The Natural & Organic Products Asia show was held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, August 26-28.“Anita and Carmen from

i-Detox are considered pioneers of the introduction of (Andean) Superfoods into Hong Kong, and as the distributor will promote and sell UHTCO organic products

into Asian markets such as Hong Kong, Macau, the China provinces of Guangdong and Guangzhou, Malaysia and Singapore,” Jorge Urena said.“The NOPA trade show was

definitely a successful show for us, it was busy all the time, every day. People really were interested in quality and pleased about our products, as they had never seen anything like them. “Overall, we’re happy with

the results and reaction of the public. We were visited by many companies from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Indonesia, but as well from other parts of the world including Australia, New Zealand and even the US. We obtained very good leads, for sure we anticipate growth and market share increase.”

At the iDetox’s showroom Jorge Urena and Markus Pandur (on right), with Carmen and Anita Cheung (middle).

UHTCO’s high quality Peruvian ‘superfoods’ launch into north Asia

See UHTCO on page 28

See COLOMBIA on next page

By Adriana Michael and Sara Rengifo

Increased demand for produce free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in export markets is attracting Colombian food entrepreneurs and exporters to re-think farming practices. Seeking natural fertilizers,

biological pest control, more crop rotation and even organic certification is now seen as a way to increase productivity and competitiveness. The Colombian Minister

of Agriculture, Aurelio Iragorri, stated recently during an interview for the Dinero Magazine, that the country should adjust its products offering and avoid wasting time in conventional foodstuffs that are not active

Colombia could become a leading player in the organic sectorenough in the global context.“We should look for

Colombia’s food safety, import substitution, and export expansion. This is possible if we start to harvest organic products, like fruits and vegetables,” he said.Colombia is one of the

leading producers of tropical fruits and coffee in the western hemisphere. It has the world’s second richest biodiversity, thanks to its location in the Northern part of the continent between the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. The Andean mountains cross along its central territory and in the South, it shares part of the Amazon rainforest. The Latin American country enjoys ideal climate conditions and

geography for many crops in high demand such as coffee, tropical fruits and superfoods like Physalis and quinoa.Efforts to start organic

production began in 1998, but the lack of a clear policy and government involvement at all levels and in coordination

with the private sector has left the country behind in the development of its organic sector, compared to its neighbors. For instance Colombia,

known for its coffee and the famous campaign of Juan Valdes, is in 12th place as a producer of organic coffee, behind other Latin countries not even previously known as coffee growers.During the III National

and International Forum for Organic Farming celebrated on July 22 and 23rd, current initiatives to stimulate organic farming and local consumption of organic food were presented.Organized by the Bogota

Chamber of Commerce

in cooperation with Fedeorgánicos, a business movement of organic enterprises, the Forum was a success, attracting over 800 entrepreneurs, consultants, certification agencies and other industry players. The two-day agenda included seminars, workshops and trade show for members of Fedeorganicos to display their goods. Among the speakers

invited were Marie Mercui

of certification agency ECORCERT, ecopreneurs Natalia Cuadros of Granja Hortifresco S.A.S., Karen Langton Barreto of Tiendas La Canasta, and Richard Probst Bruce of GreenBizz Consulting SAS. International guest speakers

included Ming Liu, project director of Organics Brasil, a private-public program to increase international visibility and trade of Brazilian organic and sustainable producers; Jörn Berger, project manager with the German consulting firm Organic Services GmbH; and Adriana Michael, founder and editor in chief of Organic & Wellness News (O.W.N.)According to Adriana del

• 1 - (From L to R) Luis Betancur of FEDEORGANICOS, Adriana Michael of Organic & Wellness News O.W.N. Juan David Castaño of the Bogota Chamber of Commerce, Joern Berger of Organic Services GmbH and Ming Liu of Organics Brasil • 2 - Importers Vanessa Parra and Sebastian Zamora of Andean Valley Colombia, with Karen Lancton Barreto of La Canasta, a successul weekly home delivery service of organic and naturally grown and low processed foods • 3 - Bogota was the first city to introduce the “ciclovia”: stretches of main roads closed exclusively for bikers and pedestrians every Sunday morning. The successful initiative has been adopted in other cities and also in New York, Berlin and Ottawa.


By Warren Beaumont

The French bi-annual event for organic and ecological products returns to Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre this October 18-20th. Natexpo is an excellent way of entering the French

market, and it also provides French professionals with a window on the world for their exports.The high-end event is

expanding and expecting more professionals not only from French European speaking countries, but also from Germany, Spain and other parts of the continent and the rest of the world. Over 550 exhibitors and

14,000 visitors are expected to attend Natexpo this year. At the last show, 12% of visitors came from abroad, representing 64 countries. This year Natexpo has

already recorded an increase in its international figures, with around a hundred non - French exhibitors due to take

part from over 20 different countries. Newcomers such as Peru, Turkey, Luxembourg, Romania, Madagascar and Mexico bolster the list of represented countries. Bioitalia (Italian association for organic producers), Certysis (a

Belgian certification body), and Naturecrops (a specialist in organic quinoa from the Netherlands) are also among the registered exhibitors.Besides France visitors will

also be able to meet up again with exhibitors from the most traditionally represented countries: Germany, Belgium, Italy, Great Britain, Spain and Switzerland. The show will also be welcoming foreign visitor delegations from countries including the Netherlands and Canada.For the very first time

at Natexpo, international food and dietary products will all be grouped together in a single dedicated sector. This International Zone will give enhanced visibility to

international exhibitors; it also brings together the stands of suppliers of organic products, overseas certifying bodies and collective national pavilions. This new international sector

rounds out the four themed sectors which are easily

identifiable to make for an efficient visitor experience.* Organic & Tasty: foods

and wines;* Health & Fitness: health

food and food supplements;* Natural Beauty: cosmetics

and personal hygiene;* Eco-friendly Solutions:

personal accessories, household products, shop equipment.

Natexpo has consequently become an essential trade event in the Fall season to learn the latest international developments in the fields of organic food, supplements, cosmetics and other products made under ecologically

friendly methods and guidelines.The show is a reflection

of the booming French and international markets. France is the strongest organic market in Europe after Germany. For organic food alone it is estimated to be worth 5 billion euros at the end of 2014 across all distribution channels, a 10% rise on 2013. Nearly 9

French consumers out of 10 purchased organic at least once in 2014, and 6 out of 10 did so at least once a month.Another first for Natexpo

2015 located within the Eco-friendly Solutions sector is a feature entirely devoted

to the organic store of the future. The new space aims to provide support to specialist retail outlets faced with a host of developments observed in recent years.Natexpo is an initiative of

Natexbio, the Federation of the French organic sector, produced by the Spas Group. For further information, look up: www.natexpo.com �

More international exhibitors at Natexpo, top organic French fair

At Natexpo 2013 • 1 - Strong interest from visitors at the Sud Ouest France exhibits • 2 - Dairy foods, cheese presentation • 3 - Organic (Bio) food area

Pilar Rojas Mayorga, business consultant at the Bogota Chamber of Commerce, local demand for fresh and ecological food has risen in the last five years: “We have seen more eco-shops and new products in the national market.” Colombia currently has

53,000 hectares dedicated to organic production, which is just one percent of the total area for food production. Another estimated 40,000 hectares are farmed avoiding synthetic inputs but are not certified. Luis Betancour Zuluaga,

president of Fedeorgánicos, indicated that Colombia’ national organic seal has been available since 2006, but there is the need to develop the legal framework to validate the seal. The legislation has to be

updated, as it was based on the European norm of 1991. “One problem we are facing is

that the traces of pesticides and other toxic agrochemicals are showing in the fresh produce Colombia is exporting. Now more tests are conducted when a cargo is landing in Europe or the United States, and if the traces are high, the containers are declined, a significant loss for the Colombian exporters. On the other hand, Mr.

Betancour Zuluaga said that since the first edition of the Forum the ecological sector has improved: “We have noticed a better understanding among producers and consumers. Nowadays consumers can better recognize an organic product and the ecological enterprises know more about development and production. They are aware also of the advantages of this kind of production”.

COLOMBIA(Continued from page 22)

See COLOMBIA on next page


Bioexpo back in BogotáThis year Bogotá will also

host the VI edition of Bioexpo. This event is organized by the Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, in cooperation with the Cundinamarca’s Autonomous Corporation (CCA), the Botanical Garden of Bogotá and Propaís (the micro enterprises promotion agency). Bioexpo will take place at the city’s Botanical Garden from 4th to 7th of November.Bioexpo was born as a

place to promote sustainable production liaisons with the exploitation of natural resources, organic products and environmental services with high potential in national and international markets. The event, that aims

to increase information and trade opportunities

By Ditte Christina Lustrup and Joseph Unger

Scandinavian-based New Nordic has begun selling the first organic fish oil capsule in the world this year. Produced in Denmark, it was first launched in that country in March under the brand Dansk Ørred™ and as Nordic Fish Oil™ elsewhere. Karl Kristian Bergman Jensen and Marinus Blaabjerg Sørensen founded the company in 1990. Since then, New Nordic has built a global reputation and success with its large variety of food supplements including red krill oil and EYEQ fish oil that do not carry organic certification. More than 50,000 outlets in 50 countries around the world sell their products. So when consultant Henrik Uth, suggested last year they should add organic fish oil to the product line, it was a natural and swift course of action.New Nordic was able to

source the certified organic fish from a rainbow trout farm in Denmark that invested in a particular processing plant for cold pressing fish oil from the fish already being farmed for fillets. In contrast to most

among small and medium-sized enterprises, will have a “macro business round”, which will be an excellent opportunity for those who are looking for innovative ideas and green and sustainable businesses, and for those who have already launched their eco-products to the market. The organizers of Bioexpo

2015 expect corporate buyers from around 100 large firms and more than 600 small and medium-sized enterprises offering their products. The event will also be open to the general public to increase awareness.“Interest in healthy products

for local consumption and exports is growing around the country, not only in Bogotá,” said Vanessa Parra of Andean Valley Colombia. “Colombia’s main cities host a growing variety of quality restaurants and hotels demanding locally grown organic foods. The market for well known green imported

other fish oils on the market, New Nordic’s organic fish oil is cold pressed shortly after the fish have been taken from the water and is not heated or mixed with any chemicals. This more natural process

results in a combination of fatty acids that reflect what is naturally found in the fish, including a wider spectrum of fatty acids and a lower, unaltered content of the essential fatty acids EPA and DHP. To preserve the oil and protect it from turning rancid, New Nordic uses organic rosemary, which has been approved by the EU as a preservative.The main challenge was

to create a fish oil capsule that was both organic and capable of containing liquids, something that has not

brands is also opening.” Last year, Colombia experienced a 14% growth of foreign visitors, almost 2 million, according to the country’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.In the last few years,

Colombia has been present with a pavilion at BIOFACH Germany, the international fair for organic and sustainable products. And more firms carry organic USDA and EU certification or include natural ingredients in their lines when showing at the Colombia pavilion during fairs such as Sial Canada, Anuga, and Fruitlogistica. “It has been a long journey, and more ground needs to be covered,” said Alex von Loebell of Bioplaza, for years the first and only real natural and organic retail shop in Bogota, that recently started opening franchises. “We see that the organic sector in Colombia has finally taken off.” �

been done before, explained Bergman Jensen, New Nordic CEO. The capsules are made using organic vegetable ingredients, and will soon be available in other Nordic countries, the EU, and Canada.“We’ve just launched it as

fast as possible because we think it is a good product,” stated Bergman Jensen. While other products have been launched on a detailed plan and marketing budget, it was different with the organic fish oil, he explained. “There are some products where you just have a good gut feeling about it.”New Nordic has it

headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, home of the young fair Natural Products Scandinavia that takes place parallel to Nordic Food in November. The firm’s production, logistics and quality control are in Roskilde, Denmark. The company has a dynamic workforce of around 40 employees.Besides attending the fair

in Malmö New Nordic will also be present at this year’s Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore and the CHFA in Toronto. �

COLOMBIA(Continued from page 23)

New Nordic introduces first organic fish oil

Karl Kristian Bergman Jensen, co-founder of New Nordic in Sweden.


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By Annemarie Kruse

One of the latest superfoods to hit the organic food industry is baobab. The baobab tree (its generic name is Adansonia, after the French botanist Michel Adanson) is often called “monkey bread tree” since monkeys are said to consume its fruit.Another name for the baobab

is “upside down tree” which refers to the tree’s distinctive shape: a very broad, thick trunk and spindly branches that are reminiscent of roots. The baobab only grows leaves for around four months per year, and its blossoms only bloom for 24 hours.There are several different

species of baobabs, which are primarily native to semi-arid regions in Western, Central, Southern and Eastern Africa. The most common baobab species is adansonia digitata, which grows across most of the African continent, in parts of the Arab Peninsula and the Penang area of Malaysia.Depending on the species

baobabs can be up to 25 m tall and its trunks can have a diameter of up to 10m. And although baobabs look dry and grey on the outside, their trunks store massive amounts of water. Traditionally each part of the tree is consumed: pulp, leaves and fruits in a broad range of foods, beverages and traditional African medicine; the fibres of the bark is used for clothing, ropes, nets, baskets, boxes and other household articles, and the roots produce a red dye. The pollen is a useful ingredient for a type of glue.

Baobab beautyBaobab oil, pulp and leaf extracts are popular ingredients in cosmetics formulation, especially in anti-ageing and moisturizing beauty products. Baobab oil, in particular, is often used to stabilize oil blends or as a moisturizing substitute for plant butter in emulsions and lighter creams. Thanks to its very high percentage of fatty acids, especially palmitic, oleic and linoleic acid, baobab oil has superior moisturizing and anti-oxidant properties, which makes it a popular skin care for dehydrated and matured skin and skin whose barrier function has been disturbed. And the leaf extract of the baobab tree, with high levels of flavonoids, tannic acid and catechins, is widely used in formulations for acne-prone, impure and sensitive skin.

Baobab ingredients are now increasingly turning up in cosmetics in Europe and the US. German salon brand Rosa Graf, for example, has a baobab product range that includes an ampoule, light cream and 24-hour cream. Natural beauty brand Burt’s Bees from the US also sells a range of baobab products including a shampoo and conditioner, a hand cream

and intensive body lotion. UK organic brand Akamuti sells a baobab face oil while Demeter-certified organic brand Martina Gebhardt from Germany has an attractive baobab foot care range.Baobab beauty and food

manufacturers often combine their business with a fair trade angle. US fair trade beauty brand Alaffia, for example, specializes in cosmetics made with ingredients sourced in West Africa, including baobab and shea butter. The company works with women’s cooperatives, funding community projects in central Togo to help alleviate poverty and advance gender equality. Social business brand Aduna

from the UK is going one step further. The company says that it wants to make the baobab internationally famous so rural African communities can profit from a resulting boost in the global baobab trade.According to Aduna, some

70% of Africans live in rural areas, and around 90% of these communities depend on small-scale agriculture, which usually includes baobab trees. Each tree is community owned and wild-harvested, primarily by women, and up to 10 million African households could directly benefit from an increase in the international

demand for baobab products.To this end, Aduna has

built an entire social media and advertising campaign around the hash tag #makebaobabfamous. The company, founded by Nick Salter and Andrew Hunt from the UK, successfully pitched its business plan in the Virgin Pitch to the Rich competition, winning 100,000 GBP to support their campaign.

Aduna is working together with a grass-roots organization to harvest the baobab fruit from women’s cooperatives in rural areas of the Western Africa countries of Ghana and Senegal. Currently, there are eleven women’s communities that supply Aduna with baobab.The company buys the

baobab fruits at a fair price from these local farmers and markets the products in the UK and internationally. The products are packaged in eye-catching containers that are decorated with a classic African wax print pattern. Besides baobab, Aduna’s online store also sells moringa powder, which is also sourced from local African communities.Every year, ten percent of

Aduna’s profits go to the Aduna Foundation. The Foundation exists to support small-scale African producers in marketing their products internationally. It focuses on social innovation, capacity building and regulatory issues. According to a company’s release “the EU has very strict laws for natural products, many of which have the effect of excluding producers from developing countries. Punching through the red tape requires major investment that goes beyond the reach of small-scale producers”. �

UK based firm Aduna is committed to make the Baobab, known in Africa as the tree of life, internationally famous.

Baobab - superfood with a social conscience


By Warren Beaumont

US non-profit, human health and environment advocacy group the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has released its EWG’s Dirty Dozen; Cancer prevention Edition, its latest consumer guide that highlights 12 of the worst chemicals that are known to disrupt cancer-related pathways that gives consumers tips on how to avoid them.EWG said that from BPA to

lead and mercury, there are many potentially carcinogenic chemicals EWG has long recommended you avoid. Now, thanks to the ground breaking work of the Halifax Project, we’re learning that certain combinations of these and other chemicals could cause cancer by disrupting multiple pathways and overwhelming the body’s defences.“Scientists are only beginning

to investigate how certain chemicals may interact to contribute to cancer development. But given that we live in a sea of chemicals, it makes sense to begin reducing exposures to ones we know are bad actors,” EWG said.Here are EWG’s tips for

avoiding 12 harmful chemicals that have now been found

to also disrupt cancer-related pathways — known as cancer hallmarks. Look up:http://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-dirty-dozen-cancer-prevention-edition “You may be surprised by

some of the chemicals that made EWG’s latest list. Take atrazine – a chemical so potent that male frogs exposed to low levels of it can turn into female frogs. It is also one of the most widely used herbicides in the U.S.,” EWG said.“Adopting a healthy lifestyle

is key to reducing your risk of cancer, but cutting down on the number of toxic chemicals in your life is also critical to keeping you and your family healthy and cancer-free.”

Apples top Dirty Dozen list for 5th year Earlier this year, EWG

revealed that apples, peaches, and nectarines topped EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce Dirty Dozen™ list of the dirtiest, or most pesticide-contaminated, fruits and vegetables, according to a

new analysis of US government data. Apples turned up with the highest number of pesticides for the fifth year in a row, while peaches and nectarines moved up to the second and third spots. Nearly two-thirds of produce

samples tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and

analyzed by EWG for the 2015 Shopper’s Guide contained pesticide residues - a surprising finding in the face of soaring consumer demand for food without agricultural chemicals, EWG reported. EWG said that USDA tests

found a total 165 different pesticides on thousands of fruit and vegetables samples examined in 2013. “The bottom line is people do

not want to eat pesticides with their fruits and vegetables,” said Ken Cook, EWG’s president and cofounder. “That’s why we will continue telling shoppers about agricultural chemicals that turn up on their produce, and we hope we will inform, and ultimately, empower them to eat cleaner.”Apples tend to have the

most pesticides because of the chemicals applied to the crop before and after harvest to preserve them longer, analysts said. Other produce items on the

2015 Dirty Dozen™ list are strawberries, grapes, celery, spinach, sweet bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, imported snap peas and potatoes.Since leafy greens and hot

peppers were frequently contaminated with insecticides that are particularly toxic to human health, EWG highlights these items in its Dirty Dozen Plus™ category. �

Apple orchard pesticide spraying.

Organic produce, Aboutlife, Sydney Australia.

EWG identifies 12 cancer causing chemicalsThe top 12 worst chemicals are:

1 Bisphenol A (BPA)2 Atrazine3 Organophosphate pesticides4 Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)5 Lead6 Mercury7 PFCs (polyflurochemicals).8 Phthalates9 Diethlyhexyl Phthalate (DEHP)10 PDDEs (fire retardents)11 Triclosan12 Nonylphenol

By RuthMoisa Stoute and Adriana Michael

Naturally flavored bottled waters continue to be the craze with consumers who are consistently looking for the next best thing promoting health and well-being.The bottled water industry is

a $13 billion business where everyone on the Who’s Who list of beverage production is looking to infuse water with vitamin-rich concoctions. According to the Beverage Marketing Corporation, water consumption is enjoying an all-time high in the U.S with bottled water sales having grown by more that 7 per cent last year.Now, the Zegler trend-o-

meter is telling us that “tree water” is among the hottest new foods for 2015. Coconut water, step aside! Asparagus water, see you later! The new kid on the block it seems is maple water, boasting of close to 50 different nutrients but only half the calories and sugars (25 calories per 250 ml

serving) of coconut water.The irony is, according to

Happy Tree, innovator of the first cold pressed/HPP maple water, this “new kid” on the shelves of retail stores has been around for a long time. “Maple water has been cherished as a health tonic for thousands of years.

Native Americans enjoyed it to celebrate Spring, and it’s enjoyed in South Korea as a health cleanse”, the company told OWN.Maple water, not to be

confused with maple syrup, is the sap tapped directly from the maple tree during the spring season. The sap is pure

ground water that makes its way up through the roots of the tree, replenishing the tree with vital nutrients.It has the same consistency

as water but with a woody sweetness.Don’t worry about over

harvesting, Happy Tree tells its consumer audience. “A typical tree has 200 gallons of water running through it. This past spring we took an (average) 12 gallons per tree” it tweeted last week.Only formed last year, the

company announced in July that its sales had already tripled since March. It expanded its product line in June to include a version of maple water with a lemon twist.Growing consumer interest

in Happy Tree Raw Organic Maple Water comes with a challenge: supplying customers with a product that is produced for a very small portion of the year. “Maple water flows just once a year – in the spring – when the trees’ nutrients are in abundance...

The main challenge has been how to offer maple water in its natural form – unpasteurized and without preservatives or additives – all year round!”, the company said.And though keeping it raw

and organic means a limited shelf life, the company is keen on not compromising these traits. Even the packaging chosen for the product had to be sustainable. Our bottles are BPA-free, made in the US, and 100% recyclable. We obviously rather drink it straight from the tree, but we selected the next best viable option as far as sustainability is concerned”, they added.The company was able to

partner with Whole Foods Market to have the products available in about half of their stores, including stores in New York City, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Seattle markets. They can also be found in

many health grocers across the country, including The Fresh Market, Bristol Farms, Kings and Mom’s. �

Siblings Chaim (L), Ari (R ) and their sister Nomi Tolwin, founders of Happy Tree

Happy Tree: The coconut water from the north


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By Ditte Christina Lustrup

Though chufa, also named tiger nut, is still a fairly new superfood on the health-food scene, Nordic Chufa hopes that it will become just as popular and well known as quinoa. Maria José Perez and Liz

Christiansen founded Nordic Chufa in 2013 with the mission of bringing organic chufa to the Danish market. Now, three years later, Nordic Chufa’s products are available in most health food stores around the country. And Maria José hopes that the word about chufa will keep on spreading and that chufa will go from trendy, to mainstream. Just like quinoa, chufa is

an ancient food, which has been known and cultivated for thousands of years. Whereas quinoa is a grain that originates from South America, chufa is a tuber, which comes from the Mediterranean and Northern Africa.Chufa is also gluten free and

has a high nutrient profile which exceeds that found in most other tubers. It is rich in healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, contains 5 times as much iron as beets, and has almost twice as much

potassium as coconut water. Furthermore chufa is rich in magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc and vitamin E. It also holds an exceptional high content of fiber, which has been shown to protect against several lifestyle diseases. According to the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (2012), a high fiber diet can help protect against cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer and is also linked to a lower risk of type-2 diabetes and lower body weight. While people living in the

Mediterranean region have long known about its health benefits, it’s only a few years ago that chufa was discovered by the northwestern part of the world. In 2013, the same year as

Nordic Chufa was founded, Organic Gemini was the first to introduce organic chufa and chufa products to the US market. (See story in the Summer 2015 edition of O.W.N.) Just as quinoa can be used in

many different ways, so too can chufa. Products include chufa flour, granola, and horchata, a vegetable milky drink made with chufa, water and sweetener. In Spain, horchata is a popular drink. According

to Valenchiainternationale.com, Valencia alone is estimated to produce around 50 million tons of horchata

each year. Both Nordic Chufa and

Organic Gemini import their chufa products from Valencia, where it is sent after being harvested in Niger, Africa. Maria José and Liz both stumbled upon chufa in Spain many years ago, but it wasn’t until they discovered the many health benefits of the tuber, that they got the idea to bring chufa and horchata to Denmark.

“I wish that Chufa will come to stay… and that people will learn how to use it, and keep using it for the rest of their lives,”said Maria José. “I would like chufa to become just as

normal as quinoa is today. Fifteen years ago no one knew about quinoa, but today most people know what quinoa is,” she continued. For this to happen, she hopes

that more Danish companies will start using chufa in their products. So far only Aurion, a danish organic and biodynamic bakery , has used chufa in their organic bread.This has been one of the

biggest challenges for Nordic

Could Chufa Be the New Quinoa?

Birch Water: Tapping into the Power of the Birch Tree

Chufa. Though the public is very positive about chufa, they hope companies respond to consumer interest and begin using chufa in more of their products.

Whether or not chufa becomes as mainstream and popular as quinoa, it is yet for the future to show. Considering its high nutrient profile and many uses, there’s reason to believe it’s on the right course.Nordic Chufa will be

attending the regional health expo in Vejle in Denmark, and in the fall they will be at the international Nordic Food Fair in Malmö. �

Liz Christiansen and Maria José Perez, founders of Nordic Chufa

Display of dried chufa, flour and cookies at Natural Products Scandinavia

By Joseph Unger and Ditte Christina Lustrup

Throughout history, birch trees have served regional cultures with wood, medicine, and paper. Now the sap is becoming a favorite health drink known as birch water. Sealand Birk, the Danish company, founded in 2011 by Lars Poulsen, has increased production from 300,000 bottles per year to about 5 million bottles per year while the drink becomes a new

global sensation.As word about the benefits of

the traditional folk drink has spread, demand has increased so dramatically; birch water is being compared to coconut water. Its rapid emergence is gaining more attention for the quickly expanding functional foods category of plant and tree waters. Long known for its naturally sweet and pleasing taste in Scandinavia, Russia and China, birch water is becoming popular among those attracted to

it’s detoxifying, low-calorie rehydrating properties. Today Sealand Birk organic

birch tree water is sold on-line and in stores in more than 12 countries, including the EU, US, Australia and New Zealand. The drink comes from organic birch trees on a farm in Finland that took two years to acquire certification. Lightly pasteurized at the farm and with ascorbic acid added as a preservative, the birch water is bottled in Sealand, Denmark using

recycled plastic. The company sells its line of birch waters in glass bottles, cans and boxed cardboard made from birch bark. They’re available in five flavors: Elderflower, Blueberry, Raspberry, Ginger/Lime, and Original.

Health BenefitsEven though the constant

scrutiny of traditional medicine requires substantiation of claims of health benefits, birch sap has been used and valued for hundreds of years as a folk

remedy. It helps in to treat arthritis, kidney, liver and skin problems, hair loss, and other health conditions.Birch water has many

similarities to coconut water. It contains vitamins, electrolytes, antioxidants, and small amounts of minerals including potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and sodium. Its sweetness comes from the fructose and xylitol available in the tree sap. Xylitol is now being used as a commercial

See next page



Taking place on 1-2 November in Malmö, Sweden, Natural Products Scandinavia will boast exhibiting companies from 27 different countries. Returning pavilions include KRAV (Sweden), Organic Denmark, Menigo (Sweden), Soil Association Certification (UK), Agrarmarkt Austria Marketing, and Andalusia (Spain).

The Nordic region’s only dedicated trade event for the natural health, nutrition, beauty, skin care, and self-care market is co-located to the Nordic Organic Food Fair, where Scandinavian food and drink buyers will have even more opportunities to expand their international offerings with the introduction of new pavilions from Belgium, Valencia, and Greece this year.

In 2014, attendance was up 13%. By the time doors closed on its third edition, Natural Products Scandinavia had welcomed 3,558 industry professionals, compared to (compared to 3,158 in 2013 and received a wealth of positive feedback. Reflecting its strong international appeal, buyers from 51 different countries (including as far afield as Canada and China) were in attendance last year.

While the majority hailed from Sweden and Denmark (61% and 20% respectively), around 14% were international visitors from the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Germany, and Spain. Norway, Finland and Iceland added another 5% to the show’s bustling aisles.This year, total sales for

organic food reached over €3.1 billion in the Nordic region. With growth rates

sweetener because it is low in calories and doesn’t raise blood sugar levels. It also reduces tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel.“With the right marketing

and distribution strategies, these new waters will be a $2 billion business by 2025,” said Julian Mellentin, director of New Hope’s New Nutrition Business. “Birch sap is already a big thing in Northern Europe, and it’s been there in Russia, Belarus and all the eastern European countries as a natural thing,” said Lars Poulsen of Sealand Birk. With the overwhelming success of coconut water, industry analysts are predicting substantial growth in sales of birch water as more flavors are added, and distribution is increased.Sealand Birk harvests organic

birch water in a sustainable manner, encouraging forest conservation. The process of tapping the tree involves drilling a hole in the trunk and then using a conduct to lead the sap, or water, from the trunk to a container. When treated properly, the trees are not harmed and can produce again in the future. They can be tapped only once a year for a short period between late winter and early spring before the leaves form. During this time, each tree can deliver around 200 liters of birch water.Sealand Birch will be

attending the Nordic Food Fair in Malmö, Sweden in November, and the Fancy Food Show in San Francisco in January 2016. �

“Birch tree water is

similar to coconut

water and is becoming

a global sensation”

More international organics boost Natural Products Scandinaviaas high as 38% in Sweden and 30% in Norway, it is innovations like those being showcased at Nordic Organic Food Fair that has helped to fuel this expansion.Spain’s presence this year will

have the Andalusian Pavilion (hosted by EXTENDA export promotion and trade agency) and the Valencian pavilion (hosted by Fedacova), which will bring together eleven companies.The Greek

pavilion is hosted by EU Safe, Fresh, Simply Best, with fresh produce. Organic Denmark returns

with a bigger pavilion at Nordic Organic Food Fair and is promoting fifteen Danish companies this year.KRAV Sweden is back for

2015 with more exhibitors and an even larger stand. The recently formed organisation Organic Sweden is also

supporting the show.The UK’s Soil Association

Certification will return for a third year, with three new exhibitors confirmed on the pavilion.Visitors to both shows will

benefit from access to the latest natural food and drink products from world-leading brands. Top brands include V-Sell (Sweden), Planet Organic (UK), Lifefood (Czech Republic), Veganz

(Germany), Dagsmeja AB (Sweden), TypicalGreen (Belgium), Goodtrade Scandinavia AB (Sweden), Leader Foods Oy (Finland), Pure Beginnings (South Africa), Garbanzo Snacks Ltd (UK), and Feinstoff Vertriebs (Austria).For more information,

please visit www.naturalproductsscandinavia.com �

Natural Products Scandinavia attracts visitors and exhibitors that value quality and unique products and solutions

UTHCO believes there is a good market in China as people are taking more care of their health and consuming better quality foods and beverages. For the last 13 years, UHTCO has focused its efforts on its product differentiation and the main reason it is in business is the top quality, which it said meets its promise. People see that the product works and then they promote the brand by word of mouth.“Our success comes from our

focus on differentiation. The UHTCO organic maca is the highest quality on the market. Our yacon syrup is coloured orange, while others are black,” Mr Urena said, adding that the company’s products are distinguished beyond just organic certification.Markus Pandur said that there

are many consumers that are confused about what organic really means and about GMO foods, but that UHTCO’S customers do really care about quality, and while it’s always hard to explain this to everyone such as the company’s process of making the cacao, some wholesalers and retailers understand this and can promote this difference.“New entrants to the organic

market try and come in and supply at lower prices, but

our Peruvian products are not sourced at low prices due to their quality. Some are just after the Vitamin C content but maca has 100 per cent higher Vitamin C content We are supplying the best quality in superfoods such as camu camu. We serve a niche market that looks for products with real high performance. Our customers love what we do. As a result we have developed loyal and strong relationships that allow us to

deliver consistency and they stick with us, Mr Pandur said.Sales growth year-on-year,

for the previous 12 months was 35 to 50 per cent, while for this year so far it is 100 per cent sales growth, not just in price but in volume, Mr Urena added.And with unique superfood

products and ingredients that are minimally processed without additives that cater for consumers ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare needs, the UHTCO range is assured of a good reception in Asian markets as it has been positioning itself among the most discerning customers. Natural Products Asia has

been a great fair and we are already planning to return in 2016 with our partners from i-Detox. They are well known in this market and we feel they share our commitment for excellence in everything we do,” said Jorge Urena. �

UHTCO(Continued from page 22)

Visitor activity at the i-Detox stand, Natural & Organic Products Asia show

at the award-winning Scandinavian tradeexpo for Healthy Living, Nutrition, Natural Beauty and Self Care

The Natural Choice…Firmly established in the industry calendar, Natural ProductsScandinavia continues to be the annual Nordic event for thenatural and organic products sectors. Dedicated to deliveringnew brands, product innovations, free education and a wholehost of great new features for its fourth year, over 350 exhibitingcompanies and thousands of industry buyers are expected toattend the two day event.

Register online for your FREE TRADE PASS at www.naturalproductsscandinavia.comand quote Priority Code: NPSUK220

TOP REASONS TO VISIT:FREE ENTRY | 350 EXHIBITORS | 1000’S OF NATURAL & ORGANIC PRODUCTS | NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE

FREE CONFERENCE & SEMINAR PROGRAMMES | INNOVATION AWARDS & DRINKS RECEPTIONDEDICATED FEATURE AREAS | 1000’S OF INDUSTRY COLLEAGUES | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS ONLY

Back

for a

fourth

great

year!

1-2 November 2015

The Nordic Organic Food Fair will once again run alongside

Natural Products Scandinavia and

your entry ticket will allow you to

attend both events.

For more information visitwww.nordicorganicfoodfair.com

Co-located


Calendar September 2015–2016

Dates may change without notice.For a complete list visit


AUGUST

26-28

NATURAL & ORGANIC PRODUCTS ASIAHong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre/Wanchai, www.naturalproducts.com.hk/en

26-28

EXPOALIMENTARIA PERUJockey Exhibition Center, Lima, Peruwww.expoalimentariaperu.com

SEPTEMBER

12-1526TH SANABologna, Italywww.sana.it

17-19

BIOFACH AMERICA – ALL THINGS ORGANIC Co-located with NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO EASTBaltimore, USAwww.biofach-america.com

17-1919TH CIHIE-CHINAShanghai – Chinawww.chinaexhibition.com

19-20CHFA EXPO EASTConference: 17-18The Metro Convention Centre, Toronto, Canadawww.chfa.ca/tradeshows/chfa-east

28-30SUSTAINABLE COSMETICS SUMMIT LATIN AMERICASao Paulo, Brazilwww.sustainablecosmetics summit.com

OCTOBER

6-7NATURAL COSMETICS CONFERENCEEllington Hotel, Berlin, Germanywww.naturkosmetik-branchenkongress.de

10-14ANUGACologne, Germanywww.anuga.com

18-20

NATEXPOVillepointe – Paris, Francewww.natexpo.com

19-21SUSTAINABLE COSMETICS SUMMITParis, Francewww.sustainablecosmetics summit.com

23-25PMA FRESH SUMMITAnaheim, CA, USA www.freshsummit.com

NOVEMBER

1-2

NATURAL PRODUCTS SCANDINAVIA co-located withNORDIC ORGANIC FOOD FAIRFair Trade City, Malmo, Swedenwww.naturalproducts scandinavia.com

5-7

BIOFACH INDIABangalore, Indiawww.biofach-india.com

25-26

CERTIFIEDFOODHamburg,Germanywww.certifiedfood.de/en

DECEMBER

1-3FOOD INGREDIENTS EUROPEParis, Francewww.figlobal.com

7-9 SIAL MIDDLE EASTAbu Dhabi, UAEwww.sialme.com

JANUARY 2016

17-19WINTER FANCY FOOD SHOWSan Francisco, USAwww.specialtyfood.com

28-31GUELPH ORGANIC CONFERENCEGuelph-Ontario, Canadawww.guelphorganicconf.ca

29-31THE MEXICAN HEALTHY FOOD SUMMITPuerto Vallarta, Mexicowww.healthyproductssummit.com

FEBRUARY

3-5FRUITLOGISTICABerlin, Germany www.fruitlogistica.de

6-7CHFA QUEBECMontreal, Canadawww.chfa.ca

10-12

BIOFACH JAPANco-located with Organic ExpoTokyo, Japanwww.organic-expo.jp/en

10-13

BIOFACHNuremberg, Germanywww.biofach.com

21-25GULFOODDubai, UAEwww.gulfood.com

MARCH

8-11FOODEX JAPANMakuhari Messe, Japanwww3.jma.or.jp/foodex/en/

10-12 NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO WESTAnaheim, USAwww.expowest.com

18-21COSMOPROF WORLDWIDE BOLOGNABologna, Italywww.cosmoprof.com

APRIL

7- 9INGREDIENT MARKETPLACE Orlando – FL, USAwww.marketplace.supplyside show.com

13-15SIAL CANADA Montreal, Canadawww.sialcanada.com

14-1620TH CIHIE-INTL ORGANIC FOOD INDUSTRY EXPO Bejing, Chinawww.chinaexhibition.com

17-18NATURAL & ORGANIC PRODUCTS EUROPELondon, UKwww.naturalproducts.co.uk

MAY

5-7VITAFOODS INTERNATIONALGeneva, Switzerlandwww.vitafoods.eu.com

5-7SIAL CHINAShanghai, Chinawww.sialchina.com

7-8CHFA EXPO WESTVancouver, Canada www.chfa.ca

12-14CPMA CANADIAN PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW Montreal, Canadawww.cpma.ca/en

26-28BIOFACH CHINAShangai, Chinawww.biofach-china.com

JUNE

8-11

BIOFACH AMERICA LATINA – BIOBRAZIL FAIRSao Paulo, Brazilwww.biofach-americalatina.com.br

26-28SUMMER FANCY FOOD SHOWNew York, USAwww.specialtyfood.com

BFW15_241-3x349-2_INT_OrganicWellnessNews.indd 1 08.07.15 10:33

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