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.

By O.W.N. News Network

The recently released “2009 Organic Industry Survey” commissioned by The Organic Trade Association shows  that in 2008 organic sales in the United States reached $24.6 billion in sales. Organic food is the largest segment of organic products, totalling $22.9 billion in sales and accounting for 93% of all organic product sales. In spite of the economic recession, the growth rate for food and non-food organic products combined was 17.1% between 2007 and 2008, the report says.

The growth rate for organic food products in 2008 over 2007 was 15.8%. Organic food now accounts for 3.47% of all food products sold in the U.S. The non-food category includes personal care products, nutritional supplements, fibres, clothing, household cleaners, flowers, and pet food.

Data for the study was collected from 200 companies earlier this year, that provided their sales information for 2007 and estimated sales for 2008. Government data and financial reports from public companies were also used to develop the final estimates.

Some of the findings found in the report were:

•    Market penetration of organic products has nearly doubled in the past five years. In 2008 organic sales represented nearly 3.5% of the total food sales in the U.S. (A small share but growing at a much faster rate (15.8%) than conventional food sales (4.9%).
•    Fruits and vegetables account for 37% of total organic food sales last year, followed by beverages and dairy, each representing just over 14%.

•    Breads and grains showed the strongest growth in 2008 (35% over 2007) followed by beverages (32%).

•    National natural and mass-market food chains are the leading channels of distribution for organic foods, each accounting for about one third of sales. Regional natural food chains and independent health food stores have a smaller market share of about 10%.

•    U.S. sales of non-food organic reached $1.6 billion in 2008. The largest categories of organic non-food products are supplements, fibres (linen and clothing) and personal care products.

•    Sales of non-food organic products are growing faster than sales of organic food. At the same time, the scope of non-food products is changing as new product categories and products are introduced to the U.S. market.

•    With respect to organic labelling, half of the producers display the USDA logo in their      products, a proportion that rises to 83% for companies with organic sales of $5 million or more.

•    Among companies that currently do not display the seal, 20% reported they planned to do so in the next three years.

•    An important issue for the industry is the lack of a dependable supply of organic materials. Forty-one percent of producers, large and small, say that undependable supplies of organic raw materials limit their ability to generate sales. Undependable supplies of organic grains are mentioned most often. Lack of organic sugar is an issue for 11% of companies that manufacture organic food.

•    Sales under private label account for just over 30% of total sales of organic products.

•    Companies with over $5 million US dollars in annual revenue are twice as likely to be involved in exports as firms with less than $500,000 US dollars. However, many smaller firms want to enter the export arena.

•    Companies rely heavily on international trade shows for export business development. At the same time, they cite regulations imposed by other countries as the principal barrier to export activity and growth.

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

By Adriana Michael

Educational events to highlight industry trends and challenges

The All Things Organic™ Conference, presented by the Organic Trade Association, and the new Health & Wellness Education Program, in partnership with Progressive Grocer Magazine and Nielsen Business Media, will focus on industry and consumer trends and challenges, and on exclusive research in the organic and wellness sectors.

Navigating the current market conditions will be a highlight, with conference topics on “Capital Funding in Today’s Economic Crunch,” “To Survive and Thrive: Strategies for Growing Organic Sales in the Economic Downturn,” and “Organic Consumer Trends 2009: Economic Effects and Outlook.”

Buyers Trade Mission

Show organizers are also expecting a buyers’ trade mission of companies from Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia. “It is the first time we will attend All Things Organic and look forward to meet companies with new products and suppliers not seen already at other fairs this year”, said Cliv Sher co-founder of Australian based firm Hampden Trading. “In Australia we do not have enough ingredients in organic quality, which makes our R+D activities difficult”. Besides the trading business Cliv and his brother Steve also run a company that develops products for the natural health care sector.

New exhibitors and country pavilions

In spite of tight budget restrictions for exhibitions and promotion activities this year, experienced by many companies in spite of the organic sector continued double digit growth, a number of first time exhibitors and new country pavilions have already reserved their space to introduce their lines at All Things Organic™ “We are looking forward to All Things Organic ”, says first time exhibitor Guadalupe Latapi, founder and CEO of Aires de Campo, first organic certified distributor in Mexico. “We find the combination of the three shows a great opportunity to offer products suitable to all three hot markets”. Established seven years ago, Aires de Campo is the first brand for organic foods seen at all independent food retailers and major supermarket chains in Mexico, including giant foreign firms Walmart and Costco. The firm is also distributor of Nature’s Path breakfast cereals and is planning to introduce some imported lines not produced in Mexico yet, such as baked goods and pastas.

“Our goal is to concentrate in products made in Mexico”, says Guadalupe. “But there is also room now for some exports of Mexican ingredients and products with added value and imports of lines not seen in Mexico in organic quality yet”. “All Things Organic is a show with a great atmosphere and opportunity to exchange with old friends, and to make new contacts”, says Ming Liu, manager of the OrganicsBrasil export promotion program.OrganicsBrasil recently joined the Organic Trade Association, presenter of All Things Organic™ and feels it important to support the organization and fair being present. “We did not know until last year, that OTA also welcomes members from outside North America”.All Things Organic™ will host pavilions from Mexico, Brazil and other Latin American countries, such as Peru, Argentina, and El Salvador.

Source: The Organic Trade Association

Powerful new research suggests retailers have the potential to help solve the U.S. health care crisis.  A presentation including the release of this exclusive research will be presented at the new Health and Wellness Education Program, June 16-18 in Chicago, at Lakeside Center/McCormick Place.

The session, “Retailing’s critical role in revolutionizing health care and revitalizing the economy: A blueprint for improving consumer health and wellness, transforming the health care industry, and energizing the U.S. economy through retail” will be presented by Dave Nazaruk, Senior Vice President for Retail Business Development, StayWell/MediMedia USA in collaboration with Progressive Grocer Magazine and Nielsen Business Media. The session will take place on Wednesday, June 17th at 1:30pm.
This exclusive data presentation, open to all attendees and exhibitors, will demonstrate how food and drug retailers can drive health care activity through touch points of access, frequency of interaction, pre-existing trust and loyalty relationships and the ability to deliver powerful incentives and education to motivate desired behaviors.  The material will show how unhealthy consumer behaviors can be challenged, and incentives developed, for consumers to embrace greater personal responsibility for their health and wellness.

The Program is part of the All Things Organic™ Conference & Trade Show, OTA Annual Meeting and Member Days, Expo Comida Latina, and All Asia Food, which also feature pavilions on health & wellness and specialty products, More information on the Health and Wellness Education Program at www.organicexpo.com

Source: The Organic Trade Association

Show organizers released the following sample of exhibitors and new and innovative products to be found at the combined shows:

Functional Snack Products

•    Alvarado Street Bakery: Lifestyles Bread - a low-glycemic bread created specifically for diabetics. No-Salt Bread, the only salt-free bread available for those with high blood pressure. Essential Flax-Seed Bread - a natural source of Omega 3 and 6, and is the lowest calorie and lowest carb count of the company’s sprouted breads.

•    BIO-GRAPE (Life from the Grape): Eight Organic Fruit Pastes made with BIO-GRAPE grape skin extract containing a range of over 600 powerful antioxidants. Organic Fine Water Crackers are made with the seed extract of the grape and have powerful antioxidant activity.

•    Cloud Top: The first USDA Certified Organic frozen yogurt soft-serve product approved by the National Yogurt Association. Also, the first frozen yogurt products with Omega-3 DHA (for brain, eye, and heart health), and Inulin (a natural dietary fiber and prebiotic).

•    Dynamic Health Laboratories Organic certified Açaí Gold: 100% pure Açaí , rich in naturally occurring Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

•    GoodOnYa Bar: Unprocessed whole food, lightly sweetened with raw honey or pure maple syrup. No soy or whey powders, no puffed brown rice or brown rice syrup. The wrapper is made from a sustainable source of aspen trees and is non-GMO and certified compostable.

•    Lakewood Organic Juices Organic Pure Purple Carrot Juice includes a high level of anthocyanins to promote better health.

•    Nancy’s Organic Low-fat Blueberry Kefir provides the health benefits of antioxidant-rich blueberries matched with kefir.

•    Navitas Superfood Products: Organic Superfood Chocolate Kits available in three superfood varieties – Goji Berry, Cacao Nib and Goldenberry. Chia seed, offer by in bulk, is an ancient, nutrient-dense superfood. Organic Green Stevia is poised to be a major low-calorie sweetener breakthrough.

•    Organic B.R.A.T.™ Rice Milk for kids – This delicious new enhanced rice inspired by the B.R.A.T. Diet contains electrolytes and is vitamin and calcium fortified.

•    Weymouth Farms OMEGA MUNCHIES™: All-natural caramelized flaxseed walnuts in maple, cinnamon and banana varieties. This unique combination of heart healthy walnuts and flaxseed offers a new way to add Omega-3 fatty acids to the diet.

Gluten-Free Products

•    Conte’s Gluten Free Pizza, Pasta, Pierogi and Microwave Meals: An extensive line of fresh/frozen gluten-free products. Conte’s Gluten Free Gnocchi and Potato w/Onion Pierogi are casein free.

•    Kosher Natural’s Bakery Gluten Free Pound Cake Mini’s are made from premium Kosher ingredients and come in a variety of flavors.

•    N2 Ingredients Alterna provides a gluten-free alternative to wheat and other gluten-containing grains and flours, for a broad range of traditional bakery and other food products.

•    Raw Creations: health-conscious desserts for individuals with food allergies and dietary restrictions. These energy-rich, certified organic, raw/vegan desserts are primarily allergy-free (e.g., gluten, soy, dairy), and sweetened with only raw, natural sugars such as agavé and dates.

•    TOATS Friendly O’s: Fun, tasty and healthy gluten-free snacks, good for people as well as for their dogs and horses.

Organic Ingredients, Spices, Sweeteners & Condiments

•    American Natural & Organic Spice Organic Saffron is conveniently and beautifully packaged for home use.

•    Cal-Organic Farms Organic Shredded Carrots: Cal-O is changing chef’s habits by offering an attractive organic shredded orange and yellow carrot mix.

•    Nielsen-Massey’s Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla: Made from the highest quality certified organic vanilla beans and pure, certified organic alcohol. Produced using a unique cold extraction process.

•    Salad Girl®: Seven vibrant and delicious flavors of certified organic salad dressings: Savory Strawberry, Lemony Herb, Blueberry Basil, Pomegranate Pear, Curry Fig, Crisp Apple Maple, and Sunny Pear.

•    SK Food International Chia Seed, Non-GMO Expeller-Pressed Corn Oil and Crimson Red Corn Oil. Including Identity Preserved, certified organic, and non-GMO oils and grains, and new Identity Preserved Non-GMO Corn Oil.

•    Suzanne’s Specialties Organic Rice Maltodextrin, Organic Rice Flours, and Organic Rice Proteins. The use of these relatively simple compounds has expanded from traditional applications such as bulking agents and carriers, to include roles as fat replacers, nutrition supplements and high-tech film-formers in a multitude of applications.

•    Wholesome Sweeteners’ Organic Zero is the organic replacement for sugar substitutes. Organic Zero is calorie free with a glycemic index of zero, has a clean, sweet taste that digests easily with no unpleasant side effects, and reduces plaque buildup, helping to prevent tooth decay.

•    Fair Trade Organic Honey: collected by Mayan beekeepers from hives nestled deep in Mexico’s rain forests, in designated organic agricultural zones.

Organic Beverages, Wine, Beer and Spirits

•    Bonterra Dry Rosé is a blend led by Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Syrah, with touches of Rhone varietals such as Carignane, Grenache and Mouvedre adding to the crisp, bright taste. Made with organically grown and Biodynamic® grapes.

•    Frey Vineyards: America’s first organic winery, operated since 1980, introduces Organic Zinfandel 2007.

•    Herbal Water: Lemon Verbena Geranium. A luxurious, refreshing palate cleanser. The crisp depth of lemon verbena is softened by a delicate floral scent of rose geranium.

•    Ineeka Himalayan Green Tea Beer: The first certified organic green tea beer.

•    7 Jewels Collection organic teas including an Earl Grey unlike any other, a Gyokuro fit for royalty, and an exquisite Golden Yunnan akin to an earthy Pinot Noir.

•    Infinium Spirits: First established in 1776, Casa Noble Tequila (certified 100% Organic) is produced by slow cooking rich agavé pinas for 38 hours in stone ovens, followed by an all natural fermentation process, completed with a triple distillation.

•    Rain Organics Cucumber Lime, Honey Mango Melon Lavender Lemonade Vodkas: Award-winning super-premium, USDA certified organic vodkas.

•    Vinlozano Imports private label, Fair Trade certified organic wine program: VLI designs custom wine brands for large scale retailers featuring IMO certified organic Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cleaning Products

•    Greenology Products: USDA certified organic household & institutional spray cleaners, surface wipes and laundry detergent. Surface wipes and all-purpose bathroom & kitchen cleaners are made with antimicrobial cleansers that kill odor-causing bacteria.

•    MV Style-SOAP NUTS: Premium quality, all-natural, hypoallergenic, biodegradable detergent directly from its source, SOAP NUTS are a simple, extremely effective, chemical-free alternative method of cleaning and doing laundry.

Green Household Products

•    Bethel Products-Real Organic Real Easy Seed Starting Kit: Includes all that’s needed to get a garden started: seeds, soil tablets, fertilizer, wooden plant markers, garden almanac and 80% wood fiber-based DOT Pots. All of the products are either OMRI Listed or USDA organic certified.

•    Bolga Baskets International: This wide variety of baskets woven by the farming families in Ghana Africa made from a naturally sustainable grass offers a viable, useful and re-usable product that benefits the African weavers producing them.

•    TDK Games Greenpieces Jigsaw Puzzles: Printed on paper that is embedded with wildflower seeds. When done with the puzzle, plant the pieces in dirt, water daily and watch the flowers grow. The Green Game: An entertaining, enlightening and sometimes alarming way to examine the ecological facts and myths that face us today. Made of of 100% recycled materials, soy inks and wood composite game pieces. 99.8% biodegradable and carbon neutral.

Personal Care

•    Alteya Organics: USDA NOP certified organic skin care based on the world’s most exquisite essential oil, the Bulgarian Rose Otto.

•    Quality Assurance International (QAI): Now certifying to first U.S. national standard defining labeling and marketing requirements for organic personal care products. This new voluntary, consensus standard in organic personal care enables companies to make organic label and marketing claims for products such as cosmetics, rinse-off and leave-on personal care, hygiene, and oral care products.

Ethnic & Exotic

•    Atlantic Herbs & Spice’s Biquinho Pepper: Offered in vinegar preserve flasks, “Biquinho” has characteristic flavor and taste, just like the Aromatic pepper. Planted in small farms in Brazil for only five years, the seeds of this new pepper are free of capsaicin (the substance that makes it hot).

•    Chartreuse Organic Teas-Moroccan Spice is a Wild Harvested sweet blend featuring cinnamon; Brazilian Berry is Açaí in a cup with organic rooibos, açaí and a blend of berry flavors.

•    Franco Suissa Group:  The Atlantic Herbs & Spices line of natural, ethnic condiments and preserves products from Brazil is produced in a natural way in order to preserve flavors and aromas. Organic Jungle Teas are gathered directly from the rain forest in a sustainable and ecological manner.

•    Quality Assurance International (QAI) and STAR-K Certification: These agencies now offer a joint Kosher and organic auditing program, providing two certifications with one audit. For the growing numbers of companies worldwide that opt for both organic and Kosher certification, this new streamlined auditing process reduces overall certification costs, saves time and provides excellent service.

Companies and Products that Give Back

•    Bonneville Environmental Foundation: A non-profit provider of renewable energy certificates and carbon offsets. All net revenues are reinvested into new renewable energy projects, like Solar 4R Schools program, and a watershed restoration program.

•    Mullen’s Applesauce: Produced by Jim Mullen, a disabled Chicago police officer who was shot and left paralyzed in October of 1996 while answering a citizen’s call for help, Mullen Foods will donate a portion of the proceeds from Mullen’s Apple Sauce to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.

By O.W.N. network

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recent announcement of $50 million in new funding to foster greater production of organics in the country has thrilled the Organic Trade Association, who sees this as a significant boost.

“The Organic Trade Association is pleased to see this support and recognition from USDA that organic farming practices represent positive environmental practices,” said Christine Bushway, OTA’s Executive Director, in a statement. “OTA believes that this funding will further encourage farmers to use such practices and help increase the U.S. production of organic food to meet growing consumer demand.”

The funds are available only to producers who are certified through the National Organic Program (NOP)or who are in the process of transitioning to organic production, under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Under this program, new contracts for organic production are issued for six core practices, specifically: conservation crop rotation, cover crops, nutrient management, pest management, prescribed grazing, and forage harvest management. A portion of the money has been allocated for each state. The funding will be capped at $20,000 per year, and registration for the special organic contracts begins May 11 and ends on May 29.

Meanwhile, Kathleen Merrigan, USDA’s Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, also recently announced to the National Organic Standards Board that USDA plans to create a division within the agency dedicated exclusively to organic agriculture, a significant move as the National Organic Program is currently part of the Transportation and Marketing Program within USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

Barbara Robinson, Deputy Administrator of Transportation and Marketing, had told attendees at OTA’s Policy Conference in late March that the National Organic Program is ready to stand on its own, which the OTA sees as more encouraging news for the industry.

“OTA is also very pleased to hear this news, and will eagerly await further word on how this will take place,” Bushway said.

The Organic Trade Association is a membership-based business association for the organic sector in North America. Since 1985, OTA has worked to protect organic agriculture, standards and trade.  In Canada OTA has an office dedicated to developing the organic sector in this country.Membership to OTA is also open  to companies based outside of the United States and Canada. members to OTA enjoy a variety of benefits and networking opportunities.

More information www.ota.com

By Robert Bell

China is one of the most exciting emerging organic markets in the world. Its rapid population growth, rising affluence and unique market conditions present opportunities for foreign companies to develop their own “China strategy.” Here are the most compelling reasons for considering the Chinese market, according to industry insiders, field visits and market figures.

1) Double digit market growth

Although the organic market in China represents only 1.2 per cent of the total domestic food market, it is growing rapidly by 30 to 50 per cent each year, with an estimated $750 million US in sales 2006.

China has one of the largest areas under organic management, along with Argentina, Brazil, India and Uruguay. While overall consumption is still relatively low, China is poised to become the fourth largest consumer, after the United States, Germany and Japan. An estimated 1.6 million hectares of farmland are under organic cultivation, with production mainly for exports. In 2006, over $350 million U.S. worth of food products were produced according to the organic standards of the US, Japan and Europe. Over one-third of the organic soybeans used by European food processors come from China. Many producers are expanding into animal products for export, including meat, milk, fish and eggs.

2) Food safety scandals and increased consumer awareness

Increased demand for organic foods in China has been mainly driven by recent food scares and raising consumer awareness for health and food safety issues.

Rising urban incomes and the emergence of an affluent middle class and expats looking for quality goods are other key factors driving domestic demand for organic products. Consumers are also looking for imported brands that may provide safe and healthier alternatives.

Leading retail chains in affluent cities like Beijing and Shanghai have been introducing organics. Foreign retailers with a presence in China such as JUSCO, Carrefour, Metro and Wal-Mart are all offering organic products. They must import most of their organic lines from overseas to meet domestic demand. A growing number of specialized shops is selling not only fresh organic certified fruits and vegetables, tea, rice and honey, but also some imported processed foods.
According to the Organic Food Development Center (OFDC), total sales of organic products in China reached $500 million in 2007.

3) Changing lifestyles

Consumers want more options and products and more exposure to other cultures, with an increased number of international events taking part in China (the Olympics 2009, the World Expo 1010).Many are adopting western lifestyles, such as drinking coffee and wine.
China has also witnessed a rise of LOHAS consumers (acronym for Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability). The trend Nong Jia Le, or “Vacation in the Countryside” has urged City dwellers to visit the countryside on weekends and short holidays. Touring local farms, harvesting fruits and vegetables and enjoying an organic meal have become popular “Nong Jia Le” events.
Media campaigns to increase awareness on environmental and sustainability issues have contributed to changes in attitudes and behaviour. As of June 1st 2008, free plastic bags were banned in retail stores, shopping malls and wet markets. More consumers are now bringing their own bags when shopping and retailers are offering environmentally friendly bags instead.

4) Limited domestic processing

In spite of increased demand, Chinese consumers currently still have few choices for organic food. The local organic food market is currently underserved by domestic production. Very little organic meat is available, and there is not enough organic sugar, a key ingredient in processing and canning. Not enough organic palm oil and flour are available to develop the market for added-value foods. There are not enough organic certified Chinese processors. Those in business must import these and other key ingredients from international sources. It is estimated that 90% of the total sales of organic food products come from produce, while 5% comes from domestically processed foods and the other 5% come from imported products. Processed organic food or value-added organic foods are not often found in big-box retailers yet. Milk, grains, fruit spreads and juices, vegetables and poultry are the most popular products.

Foreign brands are seen as safer than domestic brands. One area of rapid expansion is baby food and milk. After the San Lu milk scandal, sales of imported brands of milk and powdered milk increased 60 per cent despite being on average 3 to 5 times more expensive. Australia is the region’s leading supplier of organic milk. With the one child per family rule, Chinese parents are willing to pay a premium for high-quality foods for their offspring .

And in China’s high-end and foreign dining service industry, raw ingredients are often imported because of domestic options do not meet their quality expectations. In 2008, Australian exporters of lamb and beef sought export opportunities in Shanghai.

5) Government support of organics

In 2005, the Chinese government established a national standard for organic foods consistent with international standards. This included special packaging and labeling on retail packaging, allowing consumers to clearly identify organic food. Many provinces and municipalities have also reduced costs for certification under the national standard to encourage producers and processors in the Chinese market.

The Chinese government has set internal goals for each province for increasing their production of organic food by 5 to 10 times by 2010-2015. These internal goals include tea, grains and vegetables, some of the most popular Chinese organic export products. A 2006 USDA report estimates that by 2010, as much as one-third of the total agricultural land in production will be producing organic food.

6) Trade shows as gateway to the market

Trade fairs offer a cost effective opportunity to introduce and promote new-to market organic products and imported organic products are no exception. In China, there are three events for promotion of organic products: Organic & Natural Products China, ONP-CHINA, the Organic China Expo, OCEX and Biofach China. This sister event of Biofach in Germany, the most international organics fair, is enjoying a steady increase in both local and foreign exhibitors and trade visitors, and has established itself as the main fair in the sector.

7) Opportunity to cooperation and joint ventures

Chinese producers are typically smaller companies or farmers that are looking for foreign expertise to develop and expand their operations. Expertise in organic processing and packaging to foreign standards is in particularly high demand. Producers, processors and retailers in the Chinese market are looking to develop better inspection capabilities for their supply chain to ensure consumer safety. Many producers and processors are also looking to partner with foreign companies to export overseas.

An increasing number of expats, plus a groundswell of international events such as last year’s Olympics and the upcoming World Expo, mean better global exposure and add to the appeal of China. The vast opportunities for growth in this vast country makes it one of the most important emerging organic markets in the world today.

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.”

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