Natural & Organic
InDepth
Customers are clamoring for labels of all varieties, and the demand isn’t going away anytime soon. Here you’ll find the latest products, research and regulations in the—sometimes controversial—realm of organic and natural foods. Also find news on locally focused and ethical foods.
Specialty Retail: Characteristics of Products Sold
% of Sales
% Carrying Products with Claim
Source: MINTEL/Specialty Food Association
* “Local” is defined as within 200 miles distance from operator
All natural and local are the prime characteristics of products sold, with nearly all retailers carrying these. Local products in particular have become the most viable ways for specialty retailers to market specialty foods that differentiate their stores, often without a hefty price tag. There has been increased attention in sustainable and eco-friendly products over the past few years.
Natural And Organic News
Kroger installed a clean energy production system that will convert food that can't be sold or donated into clean energy to power one of its distribution centers.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a number of changes and new initiatives to support the continued growth of organic agriculture.
Natural Selections
Bringing home groceries has become more complicated with the movement many cities are joining to become more environmentally conscious. Here’s how some retailers and neighborhoods are handling the changes—while still giving customers what they need.
Product seals, certifications and terms inform shoppers about ingredient content, animal welfare, geographic designation, allergen considerations and a gamut of other information. Use this primer to learn the details of the industry’s most prevalent food labels.
Natural And Organic Trends
Research from Mintel finds not only is beer consumption up among those of legal drinking age, but 7 percent more are drinking additional craft beer.
For years, most hotel restaurants could easily be dismissed as unremarkable and unsurprising, their menus seemingly unchanged from year to year.
Managing Natural And Organic
Retailers have come up with simple but effective ideas to encourage consumers to choose reusable cloth bags, including a small charge for paper or plastic or a community bag tree.
For more than a quarter-century, this San Francisco retailer has seen other specialty stores in its Nob Hill neighborhood come and go. By engaging the community with good food and big ideas, Le Beau has held its footing as a mainstay among locals.
Giving Back
The Specialty Food Association (formerly NASFT) and Specialty Food Magazine present the three winners, and three runners-up, of the first annual Leadership Awards, launched to honor businesses that lead with their hearts. Whether creating a new economy for one of the poorest Native American reservations ...
This company challenges the social, political and economic isolation Palestinians face by creating an organization that empowers citizens and helps them thrive and connect with the outside world and in all facets of their lives.
New Product News: Natural And Organic
Lark Fine Foods, LLC, Essex, Mass., makers of all-natural, handcrafted Cookies for Grown-ups, has introduced its addition of Lark Bark Crisp Oat Cookies and three new cookie mixes to its line.
Q.bel Foods, LLC, Nyack, N.Y., is expanding with nearly a dozen new distributors.
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Category Flavor Trends
Snacks have taken the lead as the top-selling organic category this year. Weigh in with your picks on Twitter using the button and hashtag below.
featured product
Ritrovo Selections™ Gluten Free
by RITROVO® Italian Regional Foods LLC
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