Olive Green Organics awarded Gold & Silver, Sydney Organic Expo
Posted - August 18, 2010
Olive Green Organics awarded Gold & Silver, Sydney Organic Expo
Sydney-based organic and fair trade foods wholesaler Olive Green Organics, Australia’s best-known supplier of Andean organic, high-protein packaged foods was awarded two Gold Medals and five Silver Medals in the 2010 Organic Expo & Green Show Awards that were awarded about two weeks before the start of the Organic Expo held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre August 20-22. The Organic Expo has shaped up as a bigger event than last year with over 30 additional exhibitors and groups exhibiting from Argentina, New Zealand, India, the USA and the South Pacific Islands. The show boasted a comprehensive conference/workshop program and high quality international and local exhibitors displaying a wide range of organic and natural food, wine and cosmetics.
Olive Green Organics general manager Antonio Ramos said he entered 7 Olive Green Organics branded products in 3 categories to the Organic Expo Awards competition and all the products received either gold or silver medals. He thanked partners in Peru and Bolivia and said they are extremely happy with the results. Olive Green Organics Gold Medal winners were: Best Pantry Staple Food for Andean Grains Mix 454g; and Best Allergens Free Food for Andean Pops – Chocolate 250g. Olive Green Organics Silver Medal winners were: Best Pantry Staple Food for Quinoa & Rice pasta – penne 300g; Best Gourmet Food for Smoked Organic Trout Fillets in Olive Oil 160g; Best Gourmet Food for organic trout Fillets in Mountain Water 160g; Best Allergens Free Food for Andean Pops – Coconut & Honey 250g; Best Allergens Free Food for Baby Anelli with vegetables 250g.
“This has never happened before. We put seven products in and walked away with seven gold or silver medals,” he said. “In 2007 we won a silver medal for the best new organic product and the awards were previously too narrow and had gourmet food competing with household products. This year the awards better reflect the diversity of the organic market and helping was that the calibre of the judges on the judging panel was very high. Awards can have a positive effect on what really matters with a product.”
Antonio Ramos and his wife Camille started their own brand, manufacturing and wholesale distribution Olive Green Organics, building strong partnerships with farming groups and food processors in Bolivia and Peru to bring to Australia products with value added at the source, a form of trading fairly. Born in Chile and raised in Cuba, Antonio has lived in Australia for the past 15 years where he studied Environmental Science. Understanding both Australian consumers and the producers in developing countries has enabled him and Camille to create products that cater for everyone’s needs.
This year’s Organic Expo & Green Show has been boosted by increased overseas exhibitors to join local organic food and wine companies’ bringing a total of 156 exhibitors, 16 more than last year.
The exhibition’s appeal for retailers and wholesalers as a meeting place to renew existing contacts or to meet new suppliers was enhanced with leading overseas companies exhibiting of the calibre of: Dr Bronners, Burt’s Bees, Dr Cracker and ear candling company Harmony Cone (all USA); a recent signing, Sindihy Enterprises of India, a natural soap nut company; an Argentinian national stand; and a strong New Zealand contingent led by Fonterra and Ceres Organic. Also exhibiting are major local exhibitors such as Kadac, Spiral Foods, Eco Farms, Melrose Health, Kailis Organics, Planet Organic, cosmetic brands such as Inika, Lavera, miessence, Dr Hauschka, and other skincare exhibitors.
Key speakers at the show this year included Katherine DiMatteo, president of IFOAM as well as David and Michael Bronner, president and vice-president of Dr Bronner’s Magic Soap and renowned chefs, Kylie Kwong, Tobie Puttock, Simon Lawson and Samantha Gowing, and gardening gurus Costa Georgiadis and Jerry Coleby-Williams. More information at www.organicexpo.com.au
Spotlight on Peru’s biodiversity at ExpoAlimentaria
Posted - August 13, 2010
Spotlight on Peru’s biodiversity at ExpoAlimentaria
Expoalimentaria Peru is quickly positioning itself as one of the major forums in the global food industry with PeruNatura, a great showcase for ethnic, gourmet and specialty, organic and fair trade foods, delicacies and ingredients.
Following the tremendous success of the 2009 show, organizers expect more than 4,000 visitors and 400 exhibitors, an increase of over 80 percent at ExpoAlimentaria 2010, which will take place this September 22n-24 at the Convention Center of Army Headquarters, in San Borja, Lima - Peru.
ExpoAlimentaria is an important business meeting in Latin America, with a complete exhibition of food and beverage, agroindustrial and fishery exporters and producers, as well as supplies, equipment, machinery, packaging and other services for the food industry, restaurant and catering, and related services.
The PeruNatura pavilion will again be part of Expoalimentaria Peru 2010. PeruNatura was developed last year in a joint initiative by Promperu and Peru Biodiverso as a platform to showcase and find niche markets for Peru’s vast biodiversity, as well as natural wholefoods such as camu camu, sacha inchi, cat’s claw, maca, physallis, Amazon nuts and other exotic super foods in high demand for their health benefits.
There are three seminars and conferences being held including the 3rd International Convention of Organic Products. Expoalimentaria Peru 2010 is supported by the Exporters Association - ADEX, the Peru Export and Tourism Promotion Board - PROMPERU, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Further information at www.expoalimentariaperu.com/mapa/html
NY Fancy Food: showcase for latest food trends
Posted - July 18, 2010
NY Fancy Food: showcase for latest food trends
New York, NY - The 56th Summer Fancy Food Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City celebrated June 27-29 at the NY Javits Convention Center, was a success featuring new products, creative ideas, and the latest trends in specialty foods and beverages from across the U.S. and around the world. More than 2,400 exhibitors representing over 70 countries presented 180,000 of the world’s finest chocolates, cheeses, olive oils, sauces, teas, spices and many natural and organic certified products to over 24,000 buyers and visitors. Foods from different cultures were prevalent: harissa from North Africa, kimchi from Korea and carica fruit from South America, among the most exotic. The show hosted 70+ international pavilions, including France, Spain, Italy, Tunisia, India, first time exhibitors from Ecuador and large pavilions from Korea, Morocco, Peru and Brazil. Interesting to note that according to show organizers, half of all imported foods are organic certified or defined as natural.
“The Summer Fancy Food Show exceeded our expectations,” said Karina Amaluisa M., trade commissioner of Ecuador in New York. “Seven firms were showing their lines and fie more atended as visitors. They all made great contacts with sales potential, which may well pay off the investment”. Francisco Viloy, distributor of Ecuadorian organic chocolate and Pacari co-founder Santiago Peralta were delighted with the results shown at their booth, separate from the Ecuadorian pavilion. “The Fancy Foods is great for firms that already have a distribution set up in the USA. We met many contacts from previous fairs, but also several small gourmet shop owners looking for the very best lines and new introductions”.
Fancy Foods is for Peru an important event because buyers are serious. They come here to close sales with our exhibitors”, says Ruben Rondinelli, commercial attaché at the Consulate General of Peru in New York.
Attendance was up 4 percent above the year before and higher than at any Fancy Food Show in the past decade. The program presented 20 seminars including NASFT trends research and roundtables on Kosher and Halal trends.
The NASFT is a not-for-profit trade association established in 1952 to foster trade, commerce and interest in the specialty food industry. Today there are more than 2,900 members in the U.S. and abroad. For further information on the NASFT and its Fancy Food Shows in New York (Summer) and San Francisco (Winter) go to www.specialtyfood.com
Ecuador, first time exhibitor at NY Fancy Foods
Posted - June 28, 2010
Ecuador, first time exhibitor at NY Fancy Foods
By O.W.N. News Network
The trade office of Ecuador in NY will coordinate the first country pavilion the South American country will present at the upcoming Fancy Foods fair June 27-29, part of a joint initiative initiated last year by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Trade and Integration, the Ministry of Tourism and CORPEI, the Ecuadorian Exporters Association to promote Ecuador and its broad export portfolio at international fairs.
Last year, Ecuador took part at Anuga in Cologne with an impressive group of companies, also for the first time at CHFA in Toronto and the Salon du Chocolat in Paris. This year, besides BioFach, where the country usually has a prominent presence, there was also a well-attended Ecuadorian pavilion at NOPE in London and at Sial Canada in Montreal.
“We are delighted to take part in Fancy Foods this year,” said Karina Amaluisa, Trade Commissioner of Ecuador in NY. “This is one of the most important specialty food fairs and Ecuador has great lines to offer.”
For the first time, the national government has contributed with a co-financing of 65% of the exhibitors’ participation at the pavilion. Ecofrut S.A., Productora de Café Galápagos, The Tesalia Springs CO., Marbelize S.A., Omarsa, Salica and Especies Exóticas Cia. Ltda., are among the Ecuadorian companies to present their lines at the fair.
Five additional entrepreneurs will visit the show sponsored under the PRODEL program, which receives financing from USAID, to assess the possibility of a participation in next year’s event. Pacari Chocolate, leading producer and exporter of cocoa beans to bar gourmet specialty chocolates, will exhibit under its own stand with NY-based distributor Viloy Foods.
At the Ecuadorian pavilion, Chef Santiago Granda, president of the Ecuadorian Association of Chefs, will offer samples of gourmet delicacies from the land also known for its Galapagos Islands, Panama hats and as the world’s No. 1 banana producer .
Peru hosts first intl. cacao and chocolate fair in Latin America
Posted - June 28, 2010
Peru hosts first intl. cacao and chocolate fair in Latin America
By O.W.N. News Network
The chocolate industry will unite July 8-10 at The Sheraton Hotel in Lima, where some of the best known European fine chocolate companies will meet the top Peruvian cacao processors and other international cacao actors to celebrate the first Salon del Cacao y Chocolate Peru 2010.
The event is organized by the Association of Peruvian Cacao Producers (APPCACAO), the Peruvian Ministry of Agriculture, the National Commission for the Development of Life without Drugs (DEVIDA), the USAID Alternative Development Program (ADP), Veterinarians without Borders - International centre of cooperation for agricultural development with the patronage of the founders of the international Salon du Chocolat.
The initiative is a result of the high recognition of Peruvian cacao producers as suppliers of specialty cocoa beans and chocolate during Salon du Chocolat, Paris 2009. Perú obtained first place in four categories among 172 participants from 40 countries.
The cocoa offered by Cooperativa Tocache is considered to have the best aroma in the world”, says Jose Gamarra of the USAID Alternative Development Program. “It is important to support Peru’s positioning among top world suppliers of 100% fine and aromatic cacao for the specialty chocolate sector, and move away from just a commodity”.
According to APPCACAO, Peru produces only one percent of the cocoa in the world, but exports 20 percent of the best fine cocoa. In 2009, cacao production reached 32,000 tonnes, with 7,000 grade 1 fine cacao beans, and exports will increase around 10% this year. Farming of organic and fair trade cacao has reduced the number of farmers involved in the illicit production of coca plants.
This project is funded by USAID- ADP. Salon de Cacao y Chocolate will also host delegations of cacao producers from Ecuador, Central America and many European players in the chocolate industry.
Australia’s Organic Expo welcomes growing international presence
Posted - June 28, 2010
Australia’s Organic Expo welcomes growing international presence
By O.W.N. News Network
“Paddock to Plate” is the theme this year at the 7th Organic Expo & Green Show to be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, on August 20-22. We are delighted to welcome to the show world renowned chefs Kylie Kwong, Tobie Puttock and Simon Lawson, and gardening gurus Costa Georgiadis and Jerry Coleby-Williams,” says event organizer Mary Hackett of Smeaton Hackett Events. Australia’s largest event for the natural and organic markets, is also expecting Katherine DiMatteo, president of IFOAM, to be the key speaker at the Sustainable Profits Conference, launched in line with it this year. The Organic Federation of Australia will be sponsoring Ms. DiMatteo, visit. David and Michael Bronner, president and vice-president of Dr Bronner’s Magic Soap have also confirmed to come as guest speakers.
The program for the Organic Expo includes the trade only day on August 20 and two consumer and trade days on August 21-22. It is a lifestyle show embracing healthier, sustainable and practical living options, covering: Food, Wine & Beverages; House, Garden & Building; Fashion & Manchester; Personal Care; Health & Beauty; and Mother, Kids & Baby. The show is growing in terms of skincare exhibitors.”
Ms Hackett is confident that exhibitor numbers of just over 140 achieved at last year’s expo held in Melbourne will be surpassed. “We are 60% full already and will achieve more exhibitor numbers this year and it is looking very positive for Sydney 2010,” she said. Another major boost for the show Ms Hackett said, was that the expo has secured a media partnership with Sydney daily newspaper, the Sydney Morning Herald for the first time in 6 years and is confident this will boost visitor numbers.
International exhibitors include a major pavilion from New Zealand, an Argentina stand, and Doctor Kracker from the USA. Major local key industry players exhibiting include Kadac, Spiral Foods, Eco Farms, Melrose Health, Olive Green Organics and Kailis Organics will also be present.
Peru Natura returns to ExpoAlimentaria
Posted - June 28, 2010
Peru Natura returns to ExpoAlimentaria
Preparations are under way for the PeruNatura pavilion to be part of Expoalimentaria Peru 2010, one of Latin America’s main trade events for food and beverage, food service and catering, machinery, packaging and related services, September 22-24 in Lima
Peru Natura was developed last year in a joint initiative by Promperu and Peru Biodiverso as a platform to showcase and find niche markets for Peru’s vast biodiversity, as well as natural wholefoods such as camu camu, sacha inchi, cats claw, maca, physallis, Amazon nuts and other exotic foods in high demand for their health benefits.
Following the tremendous enthusiasm and success of the 2009 edition, organizers expect more than 4,000 visitors and around 400 exhibitors, an increase of over 40 per cent. The agenda will include an international buyer mission and a conference program.
With active participation at most international fairs and the two upcoming domestic events–new Salon del Cacao y Chocolate in July and ExpoAlimentaria in September–Peru is quickly positioning itself as one of the top players in the global food industry, delivering a consistently strong performance in ethnic, gourmet and specialty, organic and fair trade delicacies and ingredients.
Solid results for BioFach and Vivaness 2010
Posted - February 28, 2010
Solid results for BioFach and Vivaness 2010
By Warren Beaumont
About 43,500 trade visitors (2009: 46,771) defied the crisis and streamed into the exhibition centre in Nürnberg from 17–20 February for BioFach and Vivaness, the annual get-together for the global organic market, according to the organizers NurnbergMesse GmbH. The international share of visitors was 38% again with buyers from 121 countries, mainly from Germany, Austria, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland. The 2,557 exhibitors (2009: 2,733), two-thirds of them international, were very satisfied in view of the high quality visitors. 85% of the BioFach exhibitors and even 97% of the Vivaness exhibitors expect good follow-up business, according to the results of a survey by an independent institute. These figures are up 12 and 16 percentage points respectively on the year before – clear proof of an optimistic view of the future. Exhibitors spoken to by Organic & Wellness News noticed a fall in visitor numbers, while the majority were satisfied with contacts made or business achieved.
“The organic market over the past four days at the exhibition proved that this sector has retained its impetus,” says Claus Rättich, member of the management board of NürnbergMesse. “The trend to organic and ecologically sustainable consumption is uninterrupted. Periods of slower growth offer an opportunity for taking stock and preparing joint future concepts, which provide the best conditions for sustainable development of the market and its annual get-together. We were particularly pleased about the great political and media attention attracted by Organic + Fair, the Theme of the Year in 2010.”
With more and more customers focusing their consumption on quality and values, the basis for this is organic, and fair production and trading conditions are other vital aspects. The exhibition duo BioFach and Vivaness was geared to Organic + Fair in 2010, with 52 exhibitors and around 100 product presentations reflecting the variety of the Theme of the Year.
Almost 8,000 participants again used the 180 events at the BioFach Congress and the six special forums to exchange views on the market with special emphasis on the fairness and sustainability aspects. The Fair & Ethical Trade Forum alone attracted some 750 interested visitors.
Vivaness 2010: World market leaders and new discoveries
Fairness and sustainability were also key issues at Vivaness: “The visitors specifically asked about the added value of our products this year. Fair trade and sustainability for raw materials and for packaging are very decisive values today,” says Dr. Alexandra Vogel, director public relations, i+m Naturkosmetik Manufaktur, Berlin. “Buyers are more aware of labels and how natural ingredients are obtained”, says Geysa Rosa Belem, general manager of Brazilian personal care firm Arte dos Aromas. Exhibitors and visitors were eager to come to the booth of Brazilian firm Beraca, one of the leading suppliers of ingredients and natural formulations from the Amazon, exhibiting under the umbrella from Organics Brasil, a government sponsored promotion program.
At Vivaness, the international platform for natural personal care and wellness, 183 manufacturers from 21 countries presented their products. Germany with 88 manufacturers heads the statistics, followed by France (29), Italy (16), Great Britain (12) and Austria (8). Next year, the international organic sector meets in the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from Wednesday to Saturday, 16–19 February 2011.
At BioFach Congress: Sophisticated consumers demand more
Posted - February 27, 2010
At BioFach Congress: Sophisticated consumers demand more
By Warren Beaumont
A major market trend is that consumers are becoming more sophisticated. Originally, consumers were buying organic food for health reasons and ecological reasons. However, consumers today are becoming better informed. They still care about the environment and today, climate change has made the environment more important. They are also concerned about the chemicals in products and are buying more natural products that are ‘free from’ additives, synthetic colorings and preservatives.
“Consumers are also asking where the product is coming from, where it is grown, if it is ethically sourced. They also want to buy products that are in season, that are locally grown. They’re asking about the carbon footprint of products, and don’t want to buy a product that has been flown halfway across the world.
These themes and the trends of over production; discounters driving down prices and consumer price sensitivity; industry consolidation; more sophisticated consumers demanding more from organic products such as sustainability, fair trade and ecological packaging, were part of one of the key presentations made at the BioFach Congress this past February at ‘The World of Organic Agriculture – Statistics and Emerging Trends’ presented by Helga Willer of the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL and editor of this annual report and book since 2000; Amarjit Sahota, of business research & consulting firm Organic Monitor, UK and IFOAM’s executive director Markus Arbenz.
“So, what we are seeing is that organics is only part of the equation, when consumers are buying organic foods they want more, they are looking at sustainability and sustainable values”, says Mr. Sahota. “Some of the pioneers of this industry adapted to that and realized that organic is no longer good enough, especially if discounters like ALDI are setting a very low price for organics. Apart from price, you need to compete on other values and these companies are highlighting their products with attributes such as sustainable values - fair trade, ethical sourcing, carbon neutral, local sourcing, promoting biodiversity, ecological packaging, energy usage, reducing waste.”
Growth in organics over the past nine years is quite significant, despite the downturn in 2008, with market growth rates expected to recover in countries such as the UK and Germany.
“Growth has been much lower than in previous years, with only 10% in 2008, while growth has been 235% over a period of nine years (to nearly US$51bn in 2008), that is very significant,” Mr Sahota said. “Sales of organic foods are still concentrated in Europe and North America and represent 97% of global sales. The USA has the largest market for organic food and drink sales, followed by Germany, then the UK, France and Italy.
“In terms of categories, today we’ve seen increases in production of grains and different crops, while most sales of organic food and drink products in almost every country are still coming from fresh products - fruit and vegetables, which represent about 30% of sales; fresh dairy – milk, yohgurt, cheeses; meats, poultry beef, pork; then beverages – juices, soy, tea and coffee; followed by other products such as baby foods and processed foods”, says Mr. Sahota.
“What we tend to find is that fresh and healthy products are the most favoured by consumers and that consumers who eat fresh and healthy foods tend to buy organic foods more than those who buy processed foods.”
Looking at the sales data by regions, the European market was worth about $US26 billion, a slower growth than in previous years, with the largest markets being Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, and the UK.
“After many years of under supply, we’re now seeing overproduction of organic fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy”, says Mr. Sahota. “Here in Germany, the discounters came in and are selling organic products at very low prices. Consumers are becoming more price conscious in buying food and organic products, while the average price of organic foods over the last 18 months has gone down”.
In the United States private labels have become very important. The leading brand of organic food is O Organics, private label from Safeway, which made over $US400 million in sales in 2008. “What we are also seeing is consolidation, at the producer level, at the wholesaler level, as well as at retailers.
In Asia, Mr Sahota said the market was worth just under $US1 billion in 2008, with Japan the main market. “Major trends there are that consumers are becoming more interested in organic foods,” he said. “However, Asian consumers tend to be more price conscious; they are interested in organic foods but are not always ready to pay a premium. We have seen the market concentrated in the richer countries of Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.”
Mr. Sahota also warned of more consolidation, which has been seen in Europe and North America. “We’re going to see some mergers and acquisitions, some companies will leave the sector and close, as the industry is not as profitable as they expected it to be,” he said.
Organic companies are increasingly adopting fair trade practices and now launching the first certified organic and fair trade products marketed as ethical products, a growing trend also in cosmetics.“The certification agencies are recognizing this by adopting some of these sustainable values. Now consumers are demanding more from organics and manufacturers are adopting sustainable practices and certification agencies are really responding to that and this is the way this industry has evolved.”
Strong support for Natexpo 2009
Posted - September 21, 2009
French event celebrates 50th anniversary
By Warren Beaumont
Natexpo 2009, the only French professional exhibition for the natural food and well being sector, will return to Paris celebrating 50 years on October 17 to 19 in Hall 8 of the Parcs Des Exposition at the Paris Nord Villeponte. A biannual event expects about 500 exhibitors and 10,000 trade visitors from France and abroad. These include specialist chain store and shop managers, and major retailers who are devoting an increasing proportion of their shelf space to organic, health and green products.
In 2007 most visitors were specialized retailers (35%) for food, health products and distributors (15%), followed by importers, exporters, agents and wholesalers (12%).Other visitors included manufacturers (8%), medical professionals (7%), special chains and sport shops.
The show is an ideal forum for key players from the organic and well being market and features a rich selection of technical workshops and parallel events, including the third edition of the NATEXPO Awards. The NATEXPO Trophies 2009 will see a jury of industry professionals reward exhibitor’s new products with four trophies in four categories based on sectors represented at the exhibition:
* Healthy eating: organic food
* Health and fitness: health foods, nutrition and dietary supplements
* Natural beauty: organic and natural cosmetics, hygiene and care products
* Daily wellness: green products and equipment (textiles, sustainable habitation etc).
All main segments in the well being sector will be represented at the show: organic and health foods, dietary supplements, natural cosmetics, green household products and equipment.
New products, categories on display
Visitors to NATEXPO 2009 will discover a host of new products and services specially devoted in response to growth in the market for nutrient-specific products (like omega 3 fatty acids), a rapid increase in cosmetic products under the Cosmebio label, and the emergence of environmentally-friendly cleaning products.
Demand for organic, health and green products is booming among French consumers. Organic foods have grown turnover by 15% since 2007, dietary supplements grown by 10% since 2006, and natural and organic cosmetics grown by 30% since 2006, according to a report from Agence BIO (2008). French consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of responsible consumption, and 69% say they prefer to buy products that respect the environment and or sustainable development principles.
Reflecting the diversity of the market with its sights focused on sustainable development, NATEXPO 2009 will pursue the exhibition’s international dimension, as well as the return of the Village des Vins (Organic Wine Village) and the TPE area (Very Small Companies). France’s wine industry has enjoyed unprecedented growth with a 25% increase inland devoted to organic vines in 2007 and 2008 (28,000ha).
Foreign exhibitors are mainly European, such as the Region of Murcia, Spain known for its organic baby foods and purees that have found great acceptance in the French market. Other exhibitors in this show edition include Essential Care Organics from Great Britain, Natures Herb and Spice from Sri Lanka, Caprilac from Spain, and Equi-Nutri from Belgium. The organizers also invited Wallonia, southern Belgium to participate with a shared stand for the first time at this year’s expo.
Natexpo is owned by the French Health Foods Federation and organized by Comexposium, with the support of its member associations: Synadiet, Conseil Nature, Synabio, SynadisBIO. Free attendance passes may be reserved in advance through the website www.natexpo.com
