By Sofia Garcia

With the rise of obesity and other chronic disease, where processed foods, pesticides and artificial fertilizers play a role, consumers are favouring simple ingredients, natural products and nutritious and tasty whole foods. In this scenario, the gluten free trend shows no signs of slowing down. On the contrary, the trend is expanding as gluten free products are increasing popularity when there is sensitivity to other common food allergens such as soy, dairy and corn. Quinoa is a gluten free grain that does not belong to the leafy grain grass family like wheat, corn, barley, oats and other cereals. Quinoa is a complete and versatile food that perfectly suits the desire for a gluten-free cereal, a great meat alternative for those following a vegetarian diet, and an ingredient that adapts to different cuisines.

The Non-GMO movement is also prevalent. Quinoa has not been subject to GMO production like corn and soy. As demand grows expect to see an increasing number of products labelled GMO free, an opportunity for quinoa based lines. The NON GMO Project has been instrumental in spreading awareness about the dangers of genetically modified ingredients and has provided the natural products industry with a valuable resource in its certification program.

Third Party Certification is also on the rise and vital for the continued growth and success of gluten free, allergen free and GMO free products, particularly because of the problems cross contamination may cause for consumers and manufacturers.

Consumers demand transparency in the food they eat. Brands and products that offer substantiated information pertaining to their quality and sourcing of ingredients are resonating with today

By Warren Beaumont

Hungary has a brace of “green” companies that produce organic foods such as fruit, pastries, jams and edible oils, with the environment and quality as top priorities, according to Beata Balazs, a Budapest consultant in a report from the Hong Kong TDC. Firms such as BioHungaricum, Biokal International, Biokontroll Hung

By Adriana Michael

Food Ingredients Europe and Natural Ingredients 2011 comes to the Paris Nord Villepente, France November 29-December 1. In its 25th anniversary, the primary event of the industry is expected to be larger than ever. With over 1500 exhibitors and more than 23,000 food & beverage professionals from over 100 countries expected, Fi Europe & Ni is the world

Japan

Organic and natural food is a tiny sector in China that is benefiting from the middle- to upper-income, health-conscious consumer and overseas returnees, but misinformation, lax regulations and questionable business practices are proving to be major stumbling blocks, according to a report published by the Hong Kong TDC in May.

Sales have been growing at an average rate of 35 percent year-on-year at Beijing

A recent investigation by Oakland, CA-based Centre for Environmental Health (CEH) found many mislabeled

By Adriana Michael

The spa and hospitality sectors will be a major highlight at New Hope Media

French, Swiss and German organic markets have shown healthy growth in 2010, and the upcoming NATEXPO, the bi-annual event held in Paris, will host a good number of organic certified exhibitors from French speaking countries and beyond, this coming October 15-17, eager to expand their markets. While a dioxin scare in Germany may have helped the market win new customers, the French Agency for organic agriculture, Agence Bio, announced in May sales in France rose to 3.4 billion Euros in 2010, a 10.8% up on the previous year, while organic food

Once again Peru Natura will be one of the main highlights at the 3rd Expoalimentaria in Lima,
September 28-30. The pavilion will showcase the best natural and organic certified ingredients, fruits and vegetables, exotic products, herbs and cereals from Peru