Herbal Medicine, from Field to Factory
Posted - June 8, 2009
Gaia Herbs Announces Annual Summer Solstice Open House
America’s Gaia Herbs, grower and manufacturer of organic botanical medicines, welcomes the public to its annual Summer Solstice Open House. The June 20th event will take place 10 am – 4 pm in Brevard, NC, United States of America. Visitors may tour the 250-acre certified organic farm and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
The company grows herbs such as Echinacea, California Poppy, and Valerian. All should be in full bloom June 20, one of the longest days of the year. Walk the fields, or ride on a tractor-led wagon to each spot.
Tours of Gaia’s certified organic manufacturing facility will give guests a behind-the-scenes understanding of how herbs are extracted, formulated, encapsulated and packaged for sale. All tours are offered on a first-come-first served basis.
Gaia is a USA-based certified organic grower and manufacturer of liquid herbal extracts. The company cultivates 250 acres of medicinal herbs which, along with operations at the 36,000 square-foot manufacturing facility, are organically certified annually by Oregon Tilth under the USDA’s National Organic Program.
Light refreshments and entertainment will be provided, including face painting, local music, and songs and stories by noted naturalist, herbalist and storyteller Dan Noland. An eco-highlight, staff will conduct workshops on how to make a rain barrel for drought management.
Visitors are encouraged to bring water bottles - refills are free! Wear shoes and clothing suited for a day on the farm.
For a complete schedule and directions, visit www.gaiaherbs.com.
Global trends at All Things Organic, Expo Comida Latina and All Asia Food 2009
Posted - May 19, 2009
Global trends at All Things Organic™, Expo Comida Latina and All Asia Food 2009
By O.W.N. News Network
Ethnic and specialty foods and wellness and health oriented products are among strong consumer demands. Recent studies show that in the current uncertain economic environment, consumers are evaluating what’s truly important to them. Core values such as home, health, family and sustainability are coming out on top. Organic products are now seen as a solution, not a luxury.
This coming June 16-17th, during The All Things Organic™, Expo Comida Latina and All Asia Food trade shows, entrepreneurs from the organic and natural sectors will have direct access to the hottest growth segments in today’s food market. A diverse showcase of foods and other products from all corners of the world, on display at Lakeside Center at McCormick Place in Chicago, will delight buyers from the mainstream, specialty and natural health food sectors.
According to the Organic Trade Association, U.S. sales of organic products, both food and non-food, reached $24.6 billion by the end of 2008, an impressive 17.1 percent over 2007 sales despite the economic downturn. Packaged Facts reports that consumer interest in experiencing new ethnic cuisines and flavors is expected to grow this year as well. According to Agricultural Marketing Resources the U.S. ethnic food market is strong, estimated at $75 billion in annual sales. This is the equivalent of $1 out of every $7 being spent in groceries. Packaged Facts also reports that Hispanic and Asian food retailers, both independents and chains, are expected to experience significant growth in 2009, serving both, ethnic and mainstream consumers.
In a release, show organizers indicate that top product trends this year include:
• Gourmet presentations of high nutrient foods such as caramelized flax seed, walnuts and out-of-the-box salad pairings of blueberry and basil.
• Whole and raw foods to meet consumer demand for unprocessed items .
• Biodynamic wine varietals, green tea beer and a full range of organic spirits.
• Authentic, ethnic prepared foods, exotic ingredients and flavors from markets around the world.
• Stevia, agavé and other natural low calorie sweeteners incorporated as ingredients in a variety of products, as well as stand-alone sweeteners.
Other trends still strong in the market :
• Foods including functional ingredients rich with antioxidants, Omega fatty acids and more.
• Kosher certified products that are also organic and gluten free.
• Gluten-free savory and sweet snack items, breads and prepared meals.
• Private label organic products, lead by companies such as O Organics.
• Organic and green cleaning products to satisfy consumers’ desires for healthy products beyond food.
• Green household and functional items from Fair Trade African baskets, fine linens and jigsaw puzzles that can be planted when completed to grow flowers.
More information www.organicexpo.com
GMO Update
Posted - May 1, 2009
Monsanto files lawsuit against German government for ban on GMO
By Malea Birke
In retaliation for the recent German decision to ban GMO corn, its producer, biotechnology company Monsanto, has filed a lawsuit against the government, alleging the ban is unjustified.
Last month, Agricultural Minister Ilse Aigner banned the cultivation and sale of MON 810– genetically modified corn seed, which produces a toxin to fight off a certain pest, the corn borer moth.
The crop was due to be planted this year on a total area of around 3,600 hectares in Germany, mainly in Brandenburg, where Germany’s capital, Berlin, is located.
The cultivation of MON 810 is already banned in five other EU member states, namely Austria, Hungary, Greece, France and Luxembourg.
Aigner has said the decision was made to prevent “danger to the environment,” supported by the Environmental Minister.
Monsanto defended its product, in a statement translated from German: “We are convinced that the reasons, which led to the decision of minister Aigner, are not adequate to pull the product in doubt. They do not justify a ban,” said Dr. Holger Ophoff, leader of the allowance department Monsanto agricultural Germany GMBH.
Aigner also said her decision only applies to GM corn—not future genetic engineering decisions—and is justified, based on a clause in an EU law that gives individual countries freedom to impose restrictions.
Meanwhile, many farmers in Germany who do not yet believe in GMO agriculture have gone a step further and initiated the process to declare GMO-free regions.
There are 188 GMO-free regions in Germany, including 30,000 farmers. These are groups of apiculturists, organic and conventional farmers who declare, in a personal and voluntary commitment, to abstain from GMO cultivation.
Most are organized in the south of Germany, where farmers are well organized though strong community relationships. The former eastern region has yet little farming cooperative initiatives, but contains the main growth of GMO.
About 98 per cent of the GMO-corn to be grown in Germany was scheduled to be planted there in 2009 and 45 per cent of that was to be grown in Brandenburg, where it has been easier for GMO companies like Monsanto to convince farmers to grow it.
There has been less pressure among neighbors because there is more land, so contamination has not posed an issue – yet.
But farmers in Brandenburg have little political tradition that unites organic farmers with farmers who moved from south to east. The GMO-free regions can change that, in uniting different groups. “There are three main groups,” says one of the involved farmers, “farmers, environmentalists and consumers. The formation is different, depending on the region.”
What unifies all is antipathy for the power of “multinational companies.” There are now six initiatives in Brandenburg. Whether the initiatives remain active depends on support from consumers as well as NGOs who help with infrastructure, maps and event management.
“I assume that the GMO-discussion will last years, if not decades,” says one of the participants. “Therefore it is important to remain alert if there is an announcement of GMO-growing.” Right now, a seventh region is organizing itself. The goal is, again, “to remain GMO-free.”
Biofach China preparing to celebrate third edition
Posted - May 1, 2009
Biofach China preparing to celebrate third edition
By Lucia Lorente
Biofach China, sister fair of Biofach and organized by NürnbergMesse China Co. Ltd. celebrates its third edition this coming May 27-29th. The show management aims to host 300 Chinese exhibitors and foreign producers and exporters of organic certified products, and 10,000 trade visitors at its new venue, the INTEX Shanghai exhibition centre.
The current global economic recession has many companies around the world hesitant to venture into new markets, especially those far away from home. In China, organic consumers are mainly those in the high income level, where the recession does not really affect their preference to purchase quality high-priced goods. “The time is favourable for entering the Chinese market”, says Axel Bartkus, managing director of .NürnbergMesse China in a recent interview. “The domestic market is becoming stronger because interest and awareness are growing and the number of modern shopping facilities for organic products is increasing”, he says. “This is mutually dependent. To be successful it is always an advantage to work a market at an early stage. You sound out the market, look for partners and then launch the product.” Biofach China is also organizing a market tour to Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, for companies not exhibiting at the fair this year, but are still interested in visiting and exploring opportunities for their lines in the world’s largest consumer market.
“In the economic centers of Shanghai and Beijing there are now some 400 outlets selling organic products”, says Jane Jiang, Exhibition Director of BioFach China. They cater to a large number of consumers who can afford to pay the high premium for organic foods. Shanghai alone hosts a million consumers in the middle income category, according to a study by the Institute of Sociology at the Chinese Academy of Social Science (CASS). Some 400,000 customers rank as wealthy reports the study. There is a new generation of Chinese entrepreneurs, eager to change their country and enjoy western imported consumer goods. On another note, Automotive News Europe reports that BMW, the world’s largest premium carmaker, said that it sold in mainland China 28 percent more cars in 2008 than in 2007.
“The Chinese organic market is still small, but growing steadily”, says Jiang. “Foreign firms offering processed foods, cosmetics, baby foods and quality organic certified ingredients not available in the domestic market yet, may find this a good moment to develop a distribution network”.
“Many companies are basically interested in China”, said Bartkus. “On the other hand, it must be admitted that there is still very little knowledge of the market in China and how to successfully place products there”. The Biofach China team receives constant requests from companies on practical tips to help develop the market “It is our job to offer the companies more help and to provide them with data, if available”. Bartkus and his team advise exhibitors not only to provide product information in English, but also a brief description in the local language and to present bilingual business cards. “The business card is one of the most important instruments for establishing business relationships in China”, said Bartkus.
International exhibitors during Biofach China 2009 include companies from France, Italy, Turkey, Australia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Korea. Germany is sponsoring a country pavilion this year, under its Federal Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV).
Expected trade visitors include importers and distributors for China, Hong Kong and neighbouring countries and other international firms exploring the potential China may offer to their line of products.
Parallel to the exhibition, the 3rd BioFach China Conference will be held on the second floor, at the International Exhibition Centre Shanghai. Topics include “How to further develop the organic market in China”, the recent discussion and modification of the “Food Safety Law”, which shows that the Chinese government will devote more attention to agriculture development and food supervision and safety issues. The trend and certification of organic cosmetics is another hot topic for discussion also in China, where international superstar Jackie Chan announced in 2006 his entry into the cosmetics industry launching an organic skin care line and in 2008 Australian firm Jasmin Skincare successfully introduced its USDA organic certified cosmetics with reported first sales order for 12 million dollars.
With over 1.3 billion citizens, China is the country with the largest population in the world and is expected to increase by about 10 million per year, hitting a peak of 1.46 billion in the 2030s”. In such a dynamic and vast market, there is certainly room for many organic enterprises to find business partners, distribution opportunities and joint ventures. Biofach China offers a great cost-effective platform to make new contacts and learn about organics in China.
More information under www.biofach-china.com
China’s market shows potential
Posted - April 1, 2009
China’s pretty face
By Adriana Michael - As printed in O.W.N. Winter 2009
When people think of China from a business perspective, probably the last thing to come to mind would be high-end, certified organic cosmetics, but Jasmin Skincare has broken the perception barrier. Run by Gordon Chalmers and Lihua Song, an Australian husband and wife team, the company has launched itself into the Chinese market with great success.
Jasmin Skincare opened its first retail counter in a high-end shopping centre in Guangzhou in October 2008, with plans for seven more points of sale next year.
“Significant sales have kicked off this year with our products now becoming available around China and at counters in the major department stores,” Chalmers said.
With the beauty and lifestyle industry booming in Asia, Jasmin Skincare is ready to tackle it head on, but theirs is not an overnight success. It took the company three years to go through China’s stringent product testing.
After setting up in an old bio-dynamic fruit orchard and jam factory at the top of Mount Tambourine, in the beautiful Gold Coast hinterland of Australia, Jasmin Skincare has focussed since 2005, on foreign rather than domestic markets.
“China does offer amazing market potential,” said Valerie Bell of Bell Alliances, a Canadian based consulting firm that assists Asian and North American companies in the natural and organic food and health care sectors, “but interested parties need to be aware that there is need of strong commitment, perseverance and a readiness to make serious investment”—something Chalmers and Song were definitely willing and able to do.
Bell also explained that the best type of person to navigate business challenges particular to China would be someone with a dual upbringing, perhaps Chinese-American or Chinese Canadian, who was also perfectly fluent in the language and customs of that country. Given that Australian citizen Lihua Song was born in China and is fully bicultural, tapping into the Chinese market seemed the logical choice for Jasmin Skincare.
Though there are no official systems in place to secure a national distributor and gaining national media coverage is notoriously difficult for foreign companies, Song’s bicultural advantage opened many doors. Amazingly, most local and national TV stations in China and Hong Kong have offered Jasmin Skincare major coverage. There was also a program about her life story on national TV during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
“This is obviously a huge thing for a small company,” said Lisa Tristam, spa and aromatherapy business development manager at Jasmin, “and we hope it’s the start of something big.”
Queensland Trade Minister John Mickel said Jasmin Skincare was making the most of the booming luxury markets in China, and have to be commended on being the first certified organic skincare range to pass the strict Chinese Government import certification.
“The Chinese are traditionally tough negotiators ,” said Bell. “They want imported goods, but as much as they are willing to pay for organics, they also want low prices.”
Responding to customers’ needs, Jasmin is committed to helping people by having nutritionists and skincare professionals available to educate people about the importance of organics. In fact, education is how the idea for Jasmin Skincare germinated. Several years ago, Song’s father was diagnosed with cancer, and she started looking into natural medicines. What she found inspired her to delve deeper into natural healing alternatives and natural skincare products. A mere seven years later, Jasmin Skincare is poised to go national across China, a country whose sense of organics is not highly spread yet.
“In Hong Kong the organic sector is much more developed than in mainland China,” said Valerie Bell. “Therefore it is a much easier gateway to enter the giant tiger. Hong Kong has a bilingual workforce, lots of people who have travelled the world, a better mix of west and east. There are also large distribution chains based there to serve not only China, but also other Asian markets.”
These challenges notwithstanding, Jasmin Skincare’s strategy for China is to open more upscaled skincare outlets, holistic lifestyle and well-being stores, and Jasmin spas.
Riding high on the crest of their success in China after only four months, Gordon Chalmers said, “If we got a 12 million dollar order on our first sale, don’t tell me there is no market in China for high-end organic products.”
Expo West a March Success
Posted - March 30, 2009
Expo West: Busier than Ever
By Adriana Michael, O.W.N.
A cheerful spring mood filled the air in Anaheim, California the first week of March. According to show organizers “more people sold, sampled and schmoozed at this year’s Natural Products Expo West / SupplyExpo than any time in the event’s 29-year history”. Over 1,900 exhibitors from 28 countries welcomed 53,000 industry members at the Anaheim Convention Center March 5 -8, up from approximately 52,000 attendees in 2008. There were 484 firms exhibiting for the first time this year, an indication that, in spite of economic uncertainty, the interest in organics and new natural products is still strong.
“Expo West has been awesome”, says Denise de Souza, founder of MateTherapy, Brazilian natural cosmetics company that has developed a complete line with organic certified yerba mate as its main ingredient. “I saw serious buyers, who knew what they were looking for”.
Ted Campdesuner of North American Herb & Spice agrees. “It has been a good event. Established client and newcomers have stopped by.” NAH&S is one of the leading names in North America for natural supplements .Based in a good location, the booth was packed with visitors interested not only in the company’s well known products such as those based on wild oregano oil, but also in new introductions, like the Raw Amazon line, which includes pure raw Peruvian Amazon yacon root concentrate and different extracts of raw purple corn, wild fruit and camu camu, sacha inchi oil and maca.
“After all the news about the US recession, we were surprised to see such traffic every day at the show and a festive atmosphere”, said Jonna Christensen of Danish import firm NaturImporten ApS at the stand of Canadian natural cosmetics firm Suncoat. “Our sector has not felt the recession yet, but we will be in a better position to judge the situation around the summer time”, added Suncoat founder and CEO Yingchun Liu.
Natural Products Expo West runs parallel with Nutracon and SupplyExpo, featuring the latest ingredients and manufacturing supplies. It is the largest show for natural products. Its sister event, Expo East, will take place in Boston Sep 23-26, with the parallel Biofach America, which
focuses on organic certified products.
More information at www.expowest.com.
Coming Up: Sial Montreal
Posted - March 30, 2009
Coming Up! International Food Trends at Sial Montreal, April 1-3
Organic Village New Feature This Year
By Dallas Terry, O.W.N.
Over 500 exhibitors from all corners of the world are ready to welcome 10,000 North American food industry professionals at Sial Montreal this coming April 1-3 at the Palais des Congrès. Along with Canadian and US firms, this year most exhibitors displaying their latest food innovations come from Italy, France, Taiwan, Brazil and Mexico.
Innovation will continue to be one of the main focus at the event, with over 65% of Sial Montreal visitors looking for new products, at the 2nd competition of “Trends & Innovations”. Last year’s winning selections included goji berry smoothies, frozen Chinese dumplings in a bamboo steamer basket, garlic flower flavored organic sea salt, individually quick frozen organic berries and fruit pieces, rabbit chorizo and sausage, cranberry and wild blueberry juice vinaigrette infused with green tea, and organic chocolate bars. African culinary sauces, value-added coffees supporting local farmers and environmental protection, and unique ready-to-eat entrees in microwaveable, steam cooked packaging, where other highlights.
Besides taste, creativity, product presentation and convenience, this years’ “Trends & Innovations” award will also take into consideration nutrition value. How a product reflects regional and local traits, while still playing with foreign or unusual flavors and “made-to-order” foods or customization are also among main international food trends considered.
Competing exhibitors offering unique and delicious products at Sial Montreal include: Le Petit Mas, producers and distributors of Canadian organic-certified garlic, creators of a new seasoning – garlic flowers fermented in oil. Theobroma Chocolat,100 percent natural, organic, and gluten-free bars and Maison Orphee, introducing the “Discovery Pack”, a fine selection of different oils tofamiliarize consumers with the different types available.
Reflecting the growing trend for healthy foods, the Agora Nutrition forum will once again explore and present evidence of the connection between nutrition and health. The forum program will focus on obesity and health trends and is designed to allow professionals to meet and share experiences within the framework of a series of conferences.
“We are excited to exhibit at Sial Montreal”, said first time exhibitor Ming Liu, project manager of OrganicsBrasil, a government and private marketing initiative to promote organic products from Brasil in the international market. Brasil is one of the top suppliers of organic ingredients and a growing number of food processors are introducing a variety of foods such as organic cookies, jams, juices and energy bars with unique tropical fruits and ingredients. For the past four years, OrganicsBrasil has presented a large and attractive pavilion at organic oriented international fairs such as Biofach in Nuremberg, All Things Organic in Chicago and Expo West in Annaheim, California. At Sial Montreal, the project will be exhibiting along with other conventional Brazilian firms, some wine suppliers among them.
“It is great to see Sial promoting organics too”, said Chakib Azzizi of the Montreal based organic trading firm Bianca Organic International. “It shows the sector is still growing in spite of the recession”. Sial Montreal is introducing the Organic Village this year in response to a survey, where over 50 percent of visitors clearly indicated last year, interest in more organic products.
Sial Montreal is one of the sister fairs of Sial, headquartered in Paris and second largest food fair in the world. Co-located with Sial Montreal and the Agora Nutrition Forum will be Set Canada, a showcase of trends in services, equipment and technologies for the food service industries.
More information www.sialmontreal.com.
Green Perseveres Through Tough Times
Posted - March 30, 2009
Recession or Not, Green Still the Way to Go
By Adriana Michael, O.W.N.
Unemployment rates have been on the rise around the world, and the financial crisis at its peak in strong countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. This uncertainty anticipated a gloomy economy and a tough business environment for 2009. The good news is that by the end of the first trimester, the organic and natural sectors continue showing strong performance, although not at the same growth rate as in previous years.
Organic consumers are well informed, committed and have a firm idea of their purchasing priorities. In the US and Europe the industry reports steady sales of organic fruits, vegetables, dairy products, grains, bread and meat. In Germany market research firm Nielsen Co. conducted a survey of 9,000 households this past February, 54 percent of the respondents said that they may have to adjust and give up a few things due to the economic crisis, but their lifestyle will not change much. 29 percent stated that the crisis will not affect their lifestyle and purchasing decisions. “Over 75 percent of the respondents said that in spite of the recession they would not give up buying organic, natural or health related products”, says Brigitte Arndt-Rausch of Nielsen Co. GmbH.
Conventional supermarkets, pharmacy chains and discounters lead the growth of organic sales in Germany, which enjoys a 40 percent market share. And consumers will look to the large retailers’ own brands and other more affordable alternatives, in order to stay committed to the values and beliefs that trigger their purchasing of organic certified goods, adds Arndt –Rausch.” Higher prices for organics will be accepted only if the products show a strong difference from lower priced goods in terms of taste, quality, nutrition content and positive health, environmental and social claims.
According to the Organic Trade Association, in the last decade organic food sales in the USA have grown 15 to 21 percent each year. And even though in 2008 organic sales were lower than the 23 percent projected sales of $23.6 billion, (the report has not been released at the time of writing) new research from The Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), reveals that consumers are increasingly incorporating organic products into their lifestyles. “Total household penetration across six product categories increased from 57 percent in 2006 to 59 percent in 2007”, according to NMI.
In Australia 61% of grocery buyers buy organic products, while there is some evidence of a slowing in sales of some of the more expensive packaged organic products, reports the Organic Federation of Australia (OFA). “(Sales of organics) continue to increase because consumers are buying more organic products for home consumption, rather than spending on more expensive items such as cars and TVs,” said in a release Andre Leu, OFA’s chairman.
In the UK, where consumption of organic food have indeed experienced one of the largest declines during the financial crisis, non-foods such as energy-saving light bulbs showed extremely strong sales. “In the last three months of 2008, 12.3 million of them were sold in the UK, up from 8.9 million in the same quarter of 2007, an increase of 38.2%”, the BBC recently reported, adding that “a lot of the increase may be attributed to the falling price of the bulbs”.
While we may not be seeing the accelerated growth rates of previous years, it has been encouraging to observe the positive attitude and high traffic at the fairs this trimester, much to the relief of the socially and environmentally responsible entrepreneurs and consumers. There is no doubt that, in spite of the economic recession, green is and will continue to be the way to go!
Predictions for 2009
Posted - March 30, 2009
Organic Monitor Shares 2009 Predictions
Presented by Amarjit Sahota, Organic Monitor
With the slowdown in the global economy, uncertainty for ethical & sustainable industries built up during 2008. Organic Monitor, a UK based business research & consulting firm specialized on the global organic sector & related product industries, has offered its predictions for 2009.
Organic Foods
Global sales of organic food & drink have been increasing by over US $5 billion a year, reaching US $46 billion in 2007. Positive growth is expected to continue in 2009, however slower growth rates are envisaged in countries affected by the financial crisis.
The UK market has been the most adversely affected because of the harsh economic climate reducing consumer expenditure. Other countries have been less affected with double-digit growth still continuing in northern European countries. Although consumer demand for organic foods remains high, increased price sensitivity is leading consumers to ‘trade downwards’. 
Thus, organic food sales from discounters and other low-cost retailers are increasing at the expense of other retailers. Retailer private labels are also becoming more popular than manufacturer brands.
Natural Cosmetics
Global sales of natural and organic cosmetics are increasing by over US $1 billion a year. As for organic foods, most demand is concentrated in Europe and North America. Preliminary research shows that European sales exceeded US $2 billion for the first time in 2008.
Healthy market growth rates are continuing in 2009, with most growth observed in mainstream retailers like supermarkets, drugstores and pharmacies. Retailer private labels are a major driver of market growth; a growing number of retailers are launching certified natural & organic cosmetics under their private labels, offering consumer low-price quality products. However, some rationalization is expected in 2009 due to a large number of brands competing with private labels for retail shelf-space.
Fair Trade Products
Consumer demand for fair trade products continues to strengthen in spite of the economic slowdown. Preliminary research indicates that global fair trade product sales exceeded US $3.5 billion in 2008.
Growing interest in social & trade issues involving developing countries is driving market growth. Retailer investment is stimulating production of fair trade products; a number of European supermarkets have converted their entire supply chains of certain products to fair trade. The fresh produce category is tipped to show the highest growth in 2009.
Natural & Organic Ingredients
Slowing demand from food processors, beverage companies and other end-users is bringing supply in balance with demand. After experiencing several years of undersupply, ingredient prices are expected to decline in 2009. Increased globalization of supply chains is predicted to continue as large ingredient companies spread their production bases.
Soya & Functional Foods
Dairy alternatives are continuing to gain popularity across the globe. The success of soya milk is leading to high investment in related products, marketed as dairy alternatives and / or functional products. Oat-based dairy alternatives are expected to continue to gain ground in 2009. A major advantage soya and oat-based products have is that they can be marketed on health claims.
Many new functional foods are expected to be launched in 2009, however few are likely to have a long-term presence because of the high rate of product failures in this market.
Ethical Textiles
Rising ethical consumerism is fuelling demand for organic and fair trade textiles. New product launches are expected to continue in 2009 as investment comes in from new producers and retailers.
Sustainability
Organic Monitor also expects sustainability to become increasingly prominent in 2009. Natural & organic product companies are at the forefront of adopting sustainable and ethical business practices. This development is leading to some convergence between product sectors. Indeed, many new organic product launches contain fairtrade ingredients. The number of carbon neutral companies is also expected to increase in 2009.
Biofach’s 20th!
Posted - March 30, 2009
Fairs: Biofach Cheerfully Celebrated 20th Anniversary
By Lucia Lorente, O.W.N.
Despite a gloomy economic environment and a snow storm that closed airports and delayed flights to Nuernberg, Biofach 2009 was once again the most successful international event for organic trade. Over 46,700 registered visitors, 38% from outside Germany, and 2,744 exhibitors from 91 countries gathered at the modern and welcoming fairgrounds to celebrate Biofach’s 20th birthday.
In addition to Germany, most exhibitors came from Italy, France, Spain and Austria, with a growing number from Holland, China and Switzerland. Denmark staged an impressive pavilion and played host as country of the year. There were several first time exhibitors, from Eastern European nations such as Bosnia, Georgia and Croatia, and others from as far away as Hong Kong, Mali and Guinea.
This year Biofach organizer NuernbergMesse GmbH launched the Sustainability Forum two days before the fair, an event that offered guests and speakers a platform to discuss sustainability issues within the organic sector, and the current global economic situation.
Vivaness, a parallel event to Biofach focusing on the natural health and beauty sectors, also reported excellent traffic and growth this year. Over 200 exhibitors located in Hall 7 of the fairgrounds introduced 70 new products to buyers and visitors. “Amazingly, we have not felt any impact of the world financial crises yet”, said Filipe Sabara, business director of Beraca, leading Brazilian supplier of ethical cosmetics ingredients.
The natural textiles area in Hall 7A was also officially launched in this fair edition, with stylish green apparel and home fashions brands.
Biofach continues its success in many areas. These include the largest display of organic certified wines in the industry, and 304 exhibitors from 23 nations enjoying the sunlit, tastefully decorated Hall 4A , where a growing display of organic olive oil producers gathered to take part in the second competition for the best olive oil at the Olive Oil Bar. The perfect ambiance was made complete by a restaurant where top chefs offered culinary delights to tantalize the senses of exhibitors, judges and buyers.
“Biofach is with no doubt one of the best fairs”, says Carla Barboto co- founder of Pacari, an Ecuadorian based producer of high quality organic certified chocolates, which buys cacao beans and other ingredients from small organic certified farmers. “Our booth was busy at all times with interested visitors from all over,” noted co-founder Santiago Peralta. Pacari introduced an exquisite line of truffles this year, made of pure raw cacao and 
presented in attractive and eco-friendly packaging.
“Biofach was excellent. We could not ask for more”, said Klaus Bentzen, export manager of Organic Danemark, umbrella organization for the promotion of the sector in this European country, which is regarded as model for successful sustainable development. “We achieved all goals beyond our expectations: Make Danemark known in the German market, and abroad with a well-attended round of seminars and presentations, attract the media to help us spread the news about what we are doing, and increase the number of contacts and network opportunities”. Denmark offered a pavillion with 40 firms showing gourmet foods, including baked goods and cereals, meats, fish, juices, smoothies and fruit concentrates, and dietary supplements and natural cosmetics.
More on Biofach Germany and its upcoming sister fairs in India, China, the United States, Japan and Brazil at www.biofach.com
