Marjolaine
Posted - February 1, 2004
Marjolaine: 27 Years Committed to Its Authentic Values
500 Exhibitors and 72,000 Visitors
By Anneliese Graschy - as printed in O.W.N. Spring 2004
Marjolaine was one of the first modern fairs for organic goods, held in 1976 in a shabby storage building squeezed between the Seine and the Quai d’Austerlitz. Eight years earlier, the Mai 68 uprising had deeply changed France and other European countries. Before the 68 uprising, France was a rather old fashioned, agricultural country. But in its drive to modernize, the government promoted the great “projects”: nuclear energy, the Concorde and the Ariane space programs, the TGV. The two worlds, though, collided. Organic farming was one reaction.
While students and workers lined the streets in rebellion, the farmers were creating their own movements. They loved their “terroir”, their homeland soil, the taste of its fresh produce, the native tang of their vine, their poultry and their patates. Nuclear plants and other large factories in the countryside meant pollution. French farmers confronted the authorities.
Conscious of the ill effects of certain kinds of modernization, farmers founded the first natural foods cooperatives, groupings of producers, or initiatives. They chose to produce organic wines, corn, potatoes, apples and other greens, rejecting large-scale chemical and pesticide production methods. The farmers first sold these products through personal networks. Organic cheeses and meats followed.
Few mainstream consumers knew what organic foods were all about. Neither organic marketing organisations nor standardized labelling guaranteed the quality of these foods. Meanwhile, many dismissed organic farmers as eccentrics and late 68ers on renovated old farms. Many of these organic farmers soon gave up.
But others knew they had a cause: organic food was healthier. They created a forum for discussing environmental questions, health, food, organic products, and spirituality: Nature & Progress. Then they organised the first organic and wellness fair in Paris: Marjolaine.
Some early organic producers became disenchanted with the very commercial orientation Marjolaine acquired as the years passed. These opponents set up an anti-fair then called Vivre et Travailler Autrement (work and live a different way).
Now simply called Vivre Autrement (live differently), this year, the fair will take place at the same spot as Marjolaine has for almost 20 years, the Parc Floral de Paris, March 19-22. Interestingly, Vivre Autrement also started in the late eighties at the Espace d’Austerlitz, just like Marjolaine. And now it has also moved to more upscale places and bigger quarters. Organic foods have won over the French consumer!
Demeter Anniversary
Posted - February 1, 2004
Demeter Celebrates 80th Anniversary:
A Look Back to the First Impulse of the Organic Movement
By O.W.N. News Network - as printed in O.W.N. Spring 2004
The term “organic” has become trendy at different levels of our society. The food scandals, the BSE and GM debates, and evidence that abuse of pesticides in conventional farming, artificial growth hormones as well as antibiotics could affect human health, has attracted more mainstream consumers to the organic sector, becoming the fastest growing segment of the food industry.
But concern for the side effects of industrialized farming was already evident in the 1920s. Experienced farmers noticed then a steady decline in their crops and food quality and where introduced to the principles of biodynamic farming, while seeking advice from Rudolf Steiner (1861 - 1925). He had outlined a philosophy known as anthroposophy and was well known for the unusual working models based on these principles he developed for the medical and educational fields.
In 1924 Steiner offered a series of eight lectures entitled Spiritual Foundations for the Renewal of Agriculture, which provided the first impulse of the organic movement. Labelled in 1928 under the corporate umbrella Demeter, this paradigm materialised in a vibrant and sustainable international project that celebrates this year its 80th anniversary.
In 1931, there were 1,000 biodynamic farms in Germany and processing companies such as Weleda, Dr. Hauschka, Voelkel and Holle were established. And even though today many organic advocates are against the international venue to further expansion, it wasn’t long before Demeter began importing products such as coffee, grown under the biodynamic method at Finca Irlanda in Mexico and the tasty beans from the Sierra Madre that have been treasured by Demeter loyal customers up to this day.
Even though all biodynamic (Demeter) organisations were prohibited in 1941, work at re-establishing the movement began as soon as the Second World War ended. And the farms that had managed to continue operating during the Nazi era founded The Research Circle for Biodynamic Science.
Since its inception, Demeter produce has been available at biodynamic farms and health food stores like Reformhaus that cater to well-informed consumers, who value and respect the environment and are aware of the extensive research that shows the strong relationship between health and food quality.
Today in Germany, there are approximately 1,350 farms covering 50,000 hectares of land under Steiner’s biodynamic method. The conglomerate includes 300 representatives from the complete production and distribution chain. Farmers, transformers, manufacturers, and the health and food wholesale distributors and retail chains such as Reformhaus work in a synchronized system offering a growing variety of quality food and beverages.
The product choice available under the Demeter umbrella extends from daily staples to baby food, wine and crackers, cosmetics and textiles from biodynamic cotton fields, with a turnover estimated in over 220 million Euro (2001).
The brand Demeter is also recognized on all continents. From Argentina to Hungary it has representatives in 35 countries, with over 3,000 farms in nearly 100,000 ha (1/4 mill. acres) certified under Demeter strict standards. Demeter food is processed and packaged by over 400 certified firms that sell it mainly through nearly 200 quality outlets and whole food shops in Germany and other European countries that handle the Demeter trademark
What Distinguishes Demeter ?
Compared to conventional highly industrialized and standard organic farming and production systems, the biodynamic method is the most sustainable of all as numerous independent studies have confirmed over the past 20 years of research. Farms that operate under Demeter biodynamic practices ensure that the fertile humus layer of the soil is maintained and improved. It is distinguished from standard organic farming by the required use of specially designed herbal, mineral and manure preparations that produce homeopathic stimulation on soil fertility and increase plant vitality. Regulations are also generally stricter, with respect to nitrogen fertilization, composting methods, and mineral supplementation. The application of carefully fermented home made preparations to the soil enhances the natural characteristic aroma of the crops.
Farm self-sufficiency is regarded as ideal, particularly with respect to soil fertility, because livestock sustains the fertility cycle. Livestock practices include access to pasture, movement and natural light, reasonable stocking rates and comfortable stalls, but also conditions that promote the animal’s natural behavior. Therefore the animal’s natural body shape is respected (i.e. no de-horning or de-beaking). The guidelines from Demeter follow a basic principle of life, where if livestock and plants are offered quality food and soil conditions, the risk of disease and need of medications is strongly reduced. At Demeter farms growth hormones and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not used. Biodynamic agriculture implies working creatively to keep balance with the ecology. Improvements in soil fertility, management of seed production and crop cultivation, and viewing the farm like a living organism are intrinsic principles. The Demeter farming procedures have been developed to ensure a uniformly high standard of quality across the world. They begin with the acknowledgement of Rudolf Steiner’s ideas and have been continually performed and evaluated over the last 80 years.
Using a unique co-marketing strategy, consumers are guaranteed biodynamic quality through the Demeter certification process, while the independent manufacturing businesses stake their own name on the quality standards of their processing operations. Today biodynamic agriculture has become more widely recognised throughout the world as a sustainable approach that can be adapted to suit many different weather and geographical conditions. It has even brought new fertility to desert regions as shown at the Demeter certified farms Sekem in Egypt, awarded with the Alternative Nobel Peace Prize in December 2003.
Andalusia
Posted - February 1, 2004
Andalusia Continues Leading Organic Production:
Plan to Stimulate Domestic Consumption Underway
By Amparo Maties - as printed in O.W.N. Spring 2004
Rivaling flamenco, Andalusia’s organic foods are becoming famous. Since 1993, Spain’s organic farms have mushroomed. According to Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, from 396 producers farming 4235 ha. organically in 2001, by the end of 2002 a total of 17,725 farmers were farming 665.055 ha.
Andalusia is the region with the most accelerated growth. Its location and climate warm year-round, straddling the Mediterranean and the Atlantic and several ports, for farmers to grow northern and southern crops, then export them easily.
Jose Luis Garcia Melgarejo, director of the Andalusian Council of Organic Agriculture (CAAE), said that there are 23 natural conservation areas in Andalusia banning conventional agriculture. He noted that stimulating organic agriculture in protected areas represents an excellent opportunity to create sustainable activity, for example hand collection of pine nuts from native endangered species. Now Andalusia has 4,000 producers and 200 transformers of organic fresh produce, meat and olive oil. The EU is top buyer for the produce; the US and Japan, for the olive oil, the top export product.
The regional government started a four year development plan in 2002, investing 93.84 million euro to promote mostly domestic consumption of organic products, better infrastructure and operating systems. Spain exports over 80% of its organic production, but 50% of the domestic consumption comes from neighboring countries.
Spain’s organic sector is facing another problem: a plague of false labels, issue now being handled by the European Parliament because code EU 2091/92 for organic agriculture has not been respected. The world knows true flamenco. Now Spain must show Spanish producers and consumers the value of true organic food.
Organic Fairs
Posted - February 1, 2004
Organic Trade Fairs Crucial to Sector Growth
By Adriana Michael - as printed in O.W.N. Spring 2004
Trade fairs have been an important aspect in the development of every industry since the Middle Ages and the organic sector is no exception. Exhibitors meet clients and prospective buyers, visitors learn about new technologies, companies test their latest products and trademarks gain visibility. All of these are necessary elements in the process of selling that, in essence, is a communication process where success is achieved if one has the ability to reach the target market with the right message.
The food scandals, ecological disasters and the growing awareness of the inability of the established medical and social body to control “civilization diseases”, along with wider access to information thanks to the Internet, have contributed to the sudden interest and growth of the organic sector and alternative or complementary medicine. Trade shows offer the best forum for contact, communication and knowledge transfer provided that they come from reliable exhibitors offering carefully tested goods and services certified by approved entities. International fairs save time, money and additional resources. They create a unique opportunity for face- to- face encounters and to learn what others are doing in other parts of the world.
The organic sector needs to keep expanding to gain more mainstream consumers - an excellent strategy to increase communication is to attract conventional retailers to visit organic professional and specialized trade shows. Their impact on the direct consumer will have a multiplying effect, therefore benefiting society and those in the business. After all, for 2,500 years conventional trade has used fairs and trade centers to learn about the new offerings of companies and to place their large orders. Along with economic growth, specialized trade fairs have stimulated the development of science and industry.
The serious work and research done over the last decades by numerous non-profit and respected organizations like International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), the Soil Association, VidaSana, Organic Trade Association, Demeter, regional and international associations and individual small- and medium-sized enterprises, all sharing the common objective of finding alternative ways of sustainable production that is less stressful to the environment, represents today a solid base for the organic sector. Europe and North America have established a good number of professional trade fairs and international conferences to support the healthy growth of this dynamic movement. Lets have a look at some of the top events that both newcomers and connoisseurs should consider either as visitors or exhibitors, to keep-up an active communication process within the sector and to spread the word with the most updated information of what organic is truly all about.
BioFach : World Forum for the Organic Trade Expects over 30,000 Visitors
Nuernberg: The most international organic trade fair. A must see for any entrepreneur expecting to be at the edge of market trends. BioFach is the largest event with closed to 2,000 exhibitors and expects over 30,000 attendees in 2004. Sponsored by IFOAM, BioFach has very strict admission criteria, which ensures visitors access to the very best the organic sector has to offer in each sector: Fresh & processed food, natural cosmetics and remedies, household supplies, toys, gifts, accessories, arts & crafts, textiles and specialized books and industry periodicals. The fair presents special awards and a wide range of seminars, conferences and workshops offered by top industry professionals. The Netherlands will be Country of the Year. BioFach is organized by Messe Nuernberg, one of the oldest trade show organizers in the world. More information under www.biofach.de. Susbscribe to the electronic newsletter available every two weeks in English, German or Spanish.
Biocultura: Fair of the Alternative and Responsible Consumption
Barcelona: Spain’s leading organic trade fair for almost 20 years with two annual editions, one in Barcelona the other in Madrid and 500 exhibitors attracts 75,000 visitors. Most exhibitors at Biocultura belong to the food sector, followed by health and personal care, eco-tourism, crafts, music, periodicals and books. The show is opened for both trade and general public as a platform to provide further information about the organic sector and the ecology to the mainstream. Only organically certified food products are allowed at the show and strict rules also apply for other product lines. Organized by VidaSana, an independent association established in 1974 as pioneer of the organic movement in Spain. More under www.biocultura.org
BioFach America
Boston: If you miss BioFach in Nuernberg, you cannot miss BioFach America to meet buyers and suppliers from around the world. The show has made an agreement to run simultaneously as the international pavilion at Natural Products Expo East. For more information, contact Frank Venjacob 49(0)-911-86068697 e-mail: frank.venjakob@nuernbergglobalfairs.com
BioFach America Latina
Rio de Janeiro: After the overwhelming success last year, BioFach America Latina will become the meeting point for all key players of the organic sector from Latin America and their counterparts in North America and Europe. The event is scheduled in September. For more information contact Frank Venjacob 49(0)-911-86068697 e-mail: frank.venjakob@nuernbergglobalfairs.com
Natural Products Expo West
Annaheim California: Presented by New Hope Natural Media, a division of Penton Media, Natural Products Expo West is an interesting show that attracts over 30,000 visitors and 2,400 exhibitors from 75 countries in an area of 220,000 square feet. Visit www.expowest.com
Natural Products Expo East
Washington, D.C.: A professional event that displays the offerings of 1,700 exhibitors, Natural Products Expo East takes place in September in Washington D.C. Check www.expoeast.com
SANA, Fair of Quality with 1600 Exhibitors
Bologna: Fiere Comunicazioni will celebrate in 2004 the 16th edition of this important show that stimulates exhibitors, buyers and visitors with the slogan “all products should be environmentally-friendly”. Open the first day to the trade only, SANA also opens its doors to the general public, as an opportunity for exhibitors to get immediate and direct reaction from their target market. Although the majority of exhibitors present at SANA belong to the food and health sectors, the show has been a strong promoter of sustainable projects in other sectors, especially the housing design and construction alternatives, the smart use of renewable resources and clean fuels, and energy-management solutions. SANA presents to 85,000 visitors 16 halls with over 1600 exhibitors in an area of 85,000 sqm.
InNatex, the Only Organic Textile Fair
Frankfurt: If you are looking for organic textiles for both apparel and home furnishings, InNatex is the only trade fair that concentrates over 220 exhibitors from 20 countries twice a year. In an area of 4,200 m2, InNatex presents its Fall/Winter collection in January and the Spring/Summer in July. More information at info@WG-Hessen.de
All Things Organic: Four Shows and One New Location
Chicago: This is North America’s largest exhibition devoted entirely to the promotion of the organic sector. In 2004, the show will take place in Chicago along with the Food Marketing Institute’s FMI Show, the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade’s Fancy Food Show, and the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association’s United Produce Expo & Conference and U.S. Food Export Showcase. This strategy will allow for increased traffic and create greater opportunities to meet in one single place North America’s entire organic industry. There are special events scheduled such as an Organic Farm and Store Tour and a Fiber and Fashion Show. All Things Organic is presented by the US Organic Trade Association in partnership with Diversified Communications. Full Moon Communications, subsidiary of Diversified, is responsible for Organic & natural Products Europe, the leading fair in the UK. Visit www.organicexpo.com for more information and contact lmurray@divcom if you would like to exhibit.
Aloe Vera Comeback
Posted - February 1, 2004
Aloe Vera Makes Strong Comeback
By John Coghlan - as printed in O.W.N. Spring 2004
How wise the ancients were. For one, they used Aloe Vera. Now the herbal remedy returns once again. Modern research reveals that, indeed, the ancients had a good idea. Aloe Vera is a perennial plant with spiny leaves, looking like a cactus that prefers mild dried climate. The Egyptians mentioned aloe around 1500 B.C., though it probably originated in northern Africa or the Arabian Peninsula. Aloe Vera has grown all over Europe and Asia. Today most comes from Latin America, the Caribbean and the southern states of the US, where climate pampers the plant.
First the plant was used to extract its yellow sap, aloin, for laxatives. But then researchers learned to stabilize another extract: the clear, colorless and semi-solid aloe gel. This was important since the gel, like most fruit and vegetable juices, tends to spoil and discolor thanks to microorganisms. Intensive research overcame the problem and highly sophisticated stabilization methods were discovered.
Ramiro Estrada Avalos, general manager of Aloe Jaumave S.A. de C.V. in Mexico, states that stabilizing is the key. “The challenge for all producers is to always keep searching for better ways to extract the pulp, stabilize and store it without altering the active properties of the plant”. He also reports that his company developed an innovative stabilizing method, Total Process, that ensures maximum synergy of the aloe properties.
Aloe Jaumave was established in 1989 as a vertically integrated plant that follows strict organic farming methods in over 990 ha. and 100 employees. Located in Jaumave Tamaulipas, an ecological zone known as heaven recognized by UNESCO for the beauty of nature and the quality of its natural resources, Aloe Jaumave has been certified via IFOAM agencies and Biosuisse to enter the European market. EcoCert has certified them for processed goods. They also carry the seal of quality issued by the International Aloe
GMO Europe
Posted - February 1, 2004
GM Crops: European Debate Continues
By O.W.N. News Network - as printed in O.W.N. Spring 2004
Are Europeans being too fussy about their food? Researchers, politicians and companies supporting genetically modified (GM) foods have spoken. The United States, Canada, Argentina and some other nations, seem to have been more accepting of the claimed benefits that GM seeds offer. But the EU doesn’t. Since 1999, it has refused to import and cultivate GM crops. Why the fuss?
Indeed, some Europeans support GM foods. Take Bt-11, a sweet corn made by the Swiss firm Syngenta. The European Commission said let Bt-11 in. But the EU standing committee for the food chain failed to agree in December, 2003. The question went to EU Farm Ministers. A decision hibernates until Spring 2004. Meanwhile, Europeans are suffering a winter of discontent. Public polls show more are going against GM foods. The UK is a particularly pronounced opponent. Peter Melchett, Policy Director of the Soil Association, cites verdicts on GM in Britain that go from neutral to hostile. His sources are a government scientific review, an economic study by Tony Blair’s Strategy Unit and reports on GM crops cross-fertilizing organic crops. Melchett’s conclusion: GM foods make people nervous.
Polls show as much. One study says that at least 56% of British consumers neither want GM crops nor GM food. But the Economic Journal reports that in a consumer study, two-thirds admitted that they would eat GM foods. But here’s the catch: GM foods had to be cheaper; and that no more than 1 per cent of any food product was to have GM ingredients. The authors of the study concluded what we all know: consumers consider cost.
Are jittery consumers justified? Pro-GM scientists and politicians argue that people going against GM practices know little about them. An Irish Commissioner calls opposition to GM-foods an absurd “collective neurosis.” But GM-food advocates have supported conflicting claims. Consumers have become confused, then wary. Consumers remember.
On other questions, scientific bodies have deemed certain substances and practices “harmless”. Consumers have acquiesced. Years later, reports have shown these “harmless” substances and practices hurt humans, animals and the environment (like DDT, BSE and the recent findings on trans fats and farm-raised salmon). And why the big thrust on GM-foods? Science could develop ecologically-friendly agriculture. So says Gian Carlo Delgado Ramos, author of The Biological Threat and contributing editor to the British magazine, The Ecologist. Ramos warns that GM advocates may offer one-sided arguments and manipulate facts.
So is the debate dishonest? Melchett says yes. He cites a UK representative of the GM-food industry supporting, then going against, a pro-GM food report. Melchett also notes that the GM-food review committee was outrageously stacked with pro-GM scientists. Even so, it concluded that there were “key uncertainties and unknowns” about GM-foods. It seems that no one anywhere has researched the human health effects of GM- food.
Just so, the British Medical Association warned that there is not enough evidence to show that GM food is safe. Another opponent, the IFOAM, warns against farmers’ dependency on herbicide-resistant varieties. Farmers may lock themselves into a GM-crop dependency that could harm the environment. Melchett’s conclusion is that ordinary citizens have, so far, triumphed over multi-nationals and powerful governments.
Opportunity to create open and fair communication between all parties, to inform, discuss pros and cons in a quality debate is definitely important. This is indeed something to be also fussy about.
Aprainores Cashews
Posted - February 1, 2004
Cashew-Nut Producer Aprainores Quadrupled Export Capacity
By Staff - Organic & Wellness News - as printed in O.W.N. Spring 2004
Aprainores, an association of 69 producers of organic cashew-nut seeds from El Salvador, begins now to cash in the fruit of their joint effort. Their activities began in 1995 with funds from the EU, Oxfam and other organizations as a way to promote sustainable rural and social development in the area of Bajo Lempa, which was severely affected by civil war and natural disasters.
Certified by BCS of Germany, Aprainores has been successfully producing and exporting whole, halves and pieces of cashew-nuts since 1998. Exports are offered to the EU, mostly to Rapunzel in Germany and other accounts in the UK and Belgium.
“We offer the small enterprises training and assistance in systems and standards of quality control, because they need to understand the importance of reliability and meeting delivery times”, stated Carlos Vargas, Oxfam GB coordinator for market access in Central America and the Caribbean. “Aprainores is a great example of social sustainability and teamwork, while protecting the environment and offering all workers the opportunity of being part of the process, the goals and the results”, he added.
The producers receive 40% of the gains, people at the processing plant get 30% and those responsible for the trading activities receive the balance. The majority of workers at Aprainores are women, working conditions meet the requirements of fair trade and the processing plant meets the HACCP standards.
“At Aprainores, there is a feeling of belonging and coworkers feel rewarded for their laborious and responsible attitude that reflects in the company’s steady growth”, stated marketing manager Camila Flores. “Each year, our production and export volume gets better. From only five metric tons of product at the beginning, in 2003 we exported a volume of 20.3 tons”.
UK Tops Billion
Posted - February 1, 2004
UK Sales of Organic Food Top 1 Billion
By Isabel Hanley - as printed in O.W.N. Spring 2004
Food markets in Britain have gone green. For the first time, sales of organic food in the UK have topped 1 billion. This makes the UK the world’s third biggest outlet for organic food, revealed the Soil Association’s Organic Food and Farming Report. Retail sales have almost doubled. In 2001, they were at over 530 million.
Take baby foods. Three out of four babies eat organic food, mostly provided by Organix, the UK’s only organic baby food provider. The report says that 41% of all baby food sold between April 2002 and 2003 was organic. Meanwhile, sales of organic food and drink are growing twice that of non-organic food and drink-over 10% a year.
Even big distributors like Tesco, Sainsbury and Safeway have gone organic. Supermarkets take advantage of consumer’s preference of one-stop shopping. But sales through farmers’ markets, box schemes and home delivery services are growing at 30%, reaching over 90 million.
This means business for UK farmers. The Soil Association says that, over the past three years, the UK has relied less and less on organic imports. For arable crops, the farm-gate value of organics rose by 36% and by 15% for organic horticultural crops. And predictions from this recognized organization say that, over the next three years, demand for organic animal feed will almost triple.
Good news indeed! Patrick Holden, director of the Soil Association, said: “The future for organic food is very bright. The market is growing and imports are down because quality and availability of homegrown food is going up all the time. Shoppers are showing that they want local food, giving a strong message to supermarkets to support this country’s farmers”.
But the past was darker. Until recently, buyers and supermarkets found that low quality lead UK buyers to avoid local organic foods. This year, however, many buyers, wholesalers and food manufacturers are praising the quality of UK produce over less expensive imports, indicates the report.
Why the difference? Better technical innovation, stricter grading, greater experience and a willingness to share information. Now UK farmers improve planning, innovating, packaging and marketing. By 2010, the government wants 70% of organic food sold in England to come from English farms. Improving as they have, farmers may well reach this goal. But the Soil Association has a warning: there’s still a long way to go.
Building Exposition
Posted - February 1, 2004
AEDILSANA: The Exhibition of Sustainable Building
By Staff - Organic & Wellness News - as printed in O.W.N. Spring 2004
The premier edition of AEDILSANA, the exhibition for environmental design and architecture took place from January 30th to February 1st, 2004 in Rome. The event was aimed as a platform to stimulate interest from contractors, professionals and design school to discuss and learn the potential of environmental sustainability and the future of housing design. The three halls included classical sustainable building concepts and innovative approaches to renewable, integrating and alternative energies, eco-balances, with special attention to passive buildings and developing technologies. The opening ceremony begun with a presentation on Building and Energy Saving: A Sustainable Response.
AEDILSANA is a sister event of well known organic fair SANA, founded 16 years ago by Gastone Rossi a strong promoter of the organic movement in Italy and current president of Fiere e Comunicazioni Srl . The company also produces SANA USA, an exhibition for Italian organic producers interested in entering the US market, to take place on June 6-7, 2004 in New York at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square.
Infinity Foods
Posted - February 1, 2004
Infinity Foods Masters Diversified Distribution
By Johanna Olarte - as printed in O.W.N. Spring 2004
Getting food from farmer to market is an eternal problem. And so for organic foods. Infinity Foods is one of the biggest pioneers in the UK in wholesale and retail distribution of whole foods. The company owns a great warehouse and offers 4,000 whole food goods - from grains, gluten and specialty free flours, beans and pulses to greens, dried fruit and seeds - to independent grocery stores and catering companies.
“It started as a restaurant in 1971 offering macrobiotic and whole foods. The organic concept was not the same as today back in the 70s and 80s”, explained Graham Majo, company treasurer, who joined the company in 1984. “Debut owners Peter and Jenny Deadman and Robin Bines were visionaries and established a reputable name attracting a strong base of loyal consumers, by making them feel part of the business”.
Infinity has been alert to market trends and has gradually incorporated more organic items into its wholesale inventory. Around 1,500 products carry the organic label certified by the Soil Association. The first owners sold the business in 1979 to other members of the team. These new owners then created a workers’ cooperative.
Besides its wholesale distribution, Infinity owns a successful retail store, a take- out section and a bakery. It also opened a trendy caf
