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Paris Nord Villepinte Hall 7 • France France P.24 The State of Organics in Canada P.8 Accelerating French Specialist Bio stores Organic fraud and fake food, major issue P.11 Organic Trends outpace larger chains 22-23-24 OCT. 2017 P.25 www.natexpo.com ConnectConnect and and share: share: @organicwnews@organicwnews Organic Organic & Wellness & Wellness News News

ENTREPRENEUR EVENTS Tootsi builds on vision and versatility Bite Copenhagen a hit By Claudia Vasquez

The 1st edition of Bite Copenhagen hosted over 3,000 top business visitors where 120 national and international exhibitors with unique products gathered at Forum Copenhagen on August 24-25th. The new B2B exhibition combined food, technology, and innovation, and attracted select suppliers of delicious and nutritious foods offering innovative and sustainable ideas, world-famous chefs, Danish Minister of Environment and CEOs from global food Food Esben Lunde Larsen at World companies, and government Food Summit 2017- Better Food for Better People officials from around the world. well as IKEA and Alibaba Bite Copenhagen took place and the hosts, Minister of during the 2nd World Food Environment and Food, Esben (From L to R) Brothers Kayvan, Ali and Farhad Shayesteh run Tootsi Impex, a Montreal based importer and trader of dried fruits, nuts and ingredients serving all retail formats for over 30 years Summit – Better Food for Lunde Larsen and CEO of BC More People, and at the end Hospitality Group A/S, Allan. of the 14th edition of the By Adriana Michael family-run business with a “When my parents emigrated L. Agerholm. single cash-and-carry store to Canada” he says, “they were Copenhagen Cooking & Food The synergies created by these Healthy natural foods are in 1986, Tootsi has achieved well educated, had a good Festival, a 10-day celebration events turned Copenhagen one of the fastest growing steady growth for its high- background academically featuring 100 unique food this Summer into an exciting grocery retail sectors driven by quality nuts, seeds, grains and and a nice previous work related activities, and over gastronomic showcase and increased consumer demand specialty ingredients based on experience, but they needed 80,000 participants. stimulated discussion on how for snacking options with a its ability to run a successful to quickly adapt to the new Among the VIP attendees: to provide better food for high nutritional value. For over multi-channel distribution environment and they had Her Royal Highness Princess more people to enjoy. Topics the past 30 years, Montreal- operation from Montreal. little knowledge of French. Marie of Denmark; world- toward this end included based Tootsi Impex Inc. has A business that was developed They decided to open a leading chef René Redzepi, smart education and effective been one of the most dynamic through hard, dedicated work, cash-and-carry operation to founder of the New Nordic programs to reduce waste, healthy snack companies, Tootsi very much grew at its serve restaurants and retailers Cuisine-movement and the more efficient packaging thanks to a focus on delivering own pace, with no external looking for dried ingredients Danish restaurant Noma; solutions, and social and innovative products that have partners or loan debt, says at the Central Market in decision-makers from global environmental responsibility. taken it across North America. Farhad Shayesteh, VP sales Montreal”. food companies such as “Bite Copenhagen has received Beginning life as a small, and marketing. See TOOTSI on page 8 Nestlé and McDonald’s, as See BITE on page 22 See XXXXX on page X

EDITORIAL Table of contents Meanwhile, most Danish Entrepreneur eat organic food every day, Tootsi builds on vision and versatility 1 and the public and private RDV: From film production to social enterprise 4 sectors are committed to Fruandes: Poster child of a sustainable social enterprise 17 bring more organic food Restoring the soil, one mountain at a time 16 and a healthier lifestyle Ingredients to its citizens and to find Artificial sweeteners cause weight gain 18 Prebiotic inulin fiber cuts body fat 18 solutions to food waste Chia World and excessive packaging. CHIA drink brand launches into Australia and Asia 24 OWN will keep returning Market Adriana Michael, OWN founder and editor in chief in the picturesque town of to Denmark (Cover story), Welcome to the land of opportunity 15 Raquira, Colombia and Colombia (check Trends Let’s go back to Colombia, unfamiliar concepts. p.15-17), but also to US organic food sales break $US40 billion barrier 14 US consumers choosing healthier snacks 20 let’s go back to Denmark! There are only a handful France and Germany Health & Personal Care This is the feeling of organic food exporters. (see P. 24-30) and to the Asian beauty goes organic 12 members of your OWN And compared to Peru, US, the world’s largest Health & Beauty sales lift A.S. Watson 12 team had after spending Mexico, Brazil or Ecuador organic market. And as the Retail this summer time in these their product range is market grows, improved Suppliers to face challenges with Amazon’s Whole Foods buy 6 two unique countries. Two still limited. And even regulation of organic food Sobeys looks to turnaround grocery brands 9 Online sales slow for JD.com, but boost for Canada food 11 different destinations. The though over the past 50 and better control of fraud Holland and Barrett sold to a Russian company 11 South American country has years the country has will constantly be on the Dairy Farm’s Yonghui posts strong growth in flat result 13 ideal weather conditions cut down a tremendous agenda. Have a look at Big box grocers in Asia and Australia’s supermarkets forecast to grow 13 for most of its mountain number of all kinds of trees the fantastic report COTA Sun Art refreshes O2O e-commerce 13 territory, shares part of and vegetation making prepared as it reviewed the Copenhagen and Malmo supermarkets are naturally organic 23 the Amazon rainforest and way to “progress,” the state of organics in each Organic Retail boom in France 24 French Specialist Bio stores outpace larger chains 25 offers tropical beaches reforestation, and recycling province in the country Spotlight on German organic retail - Meet the top 5 German chains 29 facing the Caribbean Sea programs they have in (P.9) For each issue your Certification & Legislation and the Pacific Ocean. place in urban and rural OWN team is bringing you The State of Organics in Canada 8 Denmark, a tiny Nordic centers are remarkable. selected news and topics GI protection for EU-China special products 10 country by the Baltic Sea, But even though well- to offer a glimpse of what EU and US exporters urge China to suspend food import controls 10 provides a peaceful and appointed natural health is happening around the New rules for EU organic regulation must work 10 Organic fraud and fake food, major issue 11 clean landscape, stunning food shops start to pop up globe. Rainforest Alliance, UTZ merger creates global sustainability standard 21 old and new architecture in Bogota, Medellin and And if you also want to go Research and design; things are other cities, Colombia is to Colombia or Denmark? Researchers say pure oats safe for celiac sufferers 21 made there to last. among the countries with Just give us a call or drop Events In Colombia, organic the highest consumption us an email! Bite Copenhagen a hit 1 farming and third–party of synthetic pesticides and Thanks for reading. See Asian beauty goes organic 12 World Food Summit returns to Copenhagen 22 certification are still fertilizers per hectare. you at the fairs! Natexpo 2017 reflects healthy French market 26 Sustainable Food Summits raising awareness & standards 28 Connect and share: @organicwnews Organic & Wellness News Next Organic Startup Awards 2017 30 Calendar 27

Organic & Wellness NewsTM Produced by Premergo International IncTM. Mailing Address 1500 Bank Street, Suite 404, Ottawa ON K1H 1B8 Canada. P:+1 613 707 2067 www.organicwellnessnews.com ISSN 1718-9128 Publisher and Chief Editor Adriana Michael [email protected] Contributing Editor Warren Beaumont wbeaumont@ organicwellnessnews.com Project Consultants Lucia Lorente [email protected] Alex Wolski [email protected] Correspondents Marianne Iannaci, Annemarie Kruse, Steven Maxwell, Gloria Neumann, Andrew Ofstehage, Clara Cecilia Paz, Alexis Perikleous, Kelly Roesler, Claudia Vasquez A., Lesly Vera Layout More In Typo Ltd. & Design. Legal Milton & Associates. For reprints & permissions contact the publisher. Premergo International Inc. does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material contained herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident or any other cause or whatsoever. Premergo International Inc. is not responsible for the content of the advertisements included in this publication. Organic & Wellness NewsTM and Organic RouteTM are registered trademarks owned by Premergo International Inc.

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By Adriana Michael and Claudia Vasquez 2008, the first fair trade of a coffee bean – with about will retain its nutritional value strict quality control along the certification was granted. Te double the amount of caffeine with a maximum caffeine level. supply chain, from cultivation When filmmaker Rémi export structure was set up, – guarana is commonly used “Our exceptional guarana and harvesting to drying, Denecheau, founder of RDV and the company could focus as a stimulant in soft drinks, is recognized by its light packing, and distribution of Products, started work on a on direct exports from the typically found in Brazil and colour, since it is not roasted,” the product. documentary about guarana and indigenous communities in the Amazon, he couldn’t have imagined that he would become one of the main actors in his production. Denecheau’s film, “Heirs of Guarana,” aimed at creating awareness about social and environmental challenges in the Brazilian Amazon, received recognitions at film festivals upon its 2004 release. One of the unintended consequences of the documentary was that Denecheau would become closely linked with indigenous peoples and their guarana products. After the film received positive feedback, he was approached by Rémi Denecheau, founder of French enterprise RDV Products with members of the Agrofrut Cooperative in Brazil key industry players asking for more information and product Amazonian city of Manaus. neighboring Paraguay. But said Denecheau. “Te seeds Te entire production is traceability. Te result? Over the past 10 this only skims the surface of are a slightly bitter (due to planned and marketed under And the small producers years, RDV Products has made guarana’s potential applications. oxidation without drying) but annual contract, which he had met during the film a name in the industry working Originally brewed as a drink with a pleasant taste.” allows everyone to predict production asked him for closely with small producers. by the Guarani tribe in the Te firm also offers a high- performance, the size of the assistance finding international Its primary partner, Agrofrut, is Amazon – from whom the quality guarana cultivated certified plantations and the buyers for guarana. the largest cooperative, trading name is derived – guarana has in small farms following scope of work. Production Denecheau gradually moved high-quality guarana and other extensive medicinal uses for biodynamic methods and of organic guarana this year RDV toward an active social Brazilian natural and organic- weight loss control, as well as with Demeter certification, was 47 tonnes and next year, enterprise. Te initial step to certified products for the food, treating headaches, backache contributing to increased is expected to be between 60 reach the international market supplement, and cosmetics and joint pain, and mental and biodiversity and water and 70 tons. Around 80-per- was supporting the small industries. physical fatigue. Guarana also conservation. A third grade cent will be exported, 52% to Brazilian producers to obtain has a role in fitness cereal bars, includes a mid-quality guarana France. guarana organic and fair-trade Guarana demand syrups and even cosmetics. roasted at a temperature certification. Guarana is a climbing plant What makes RDV Products’ between 80° C and 100° C for Financial backing “As a startup, the great from the maple family, guarana from Agrofruit stand 30 minutes, a faster processing Te project has benefited from difficulty for the Agrofrut common in the Amazon out? “Our product is dried in that keeps the caffeine content financial assistance from other cooperative was the lack of region, mainly in Brazil. the traditional way, providing but not all nutritional value. organizations. In 2016, RDV a certified structure and the Although it produces fruit, the the highest level of caffeine and And there is also a lower grade Products, in partnership with absence of reliable export true value lies in its seeds, rich the best nutritional values on that is processed faster but Germany’s Federal Ministry opportunities from the in vitamins B1, B6, salicylic the international market,” said is only destined for animal for Economic Cooperation Amazon,” he said. acid, oligo elements, proteins, Denecheau. consumption. and Development, BMZ’s In 2007, the first organic theobromine, theophylline and Te guarana seeds are ground RDV Products has established develop.PPP program and guarana from the Amazon guaranine. and slowly dried. Te long a system with the farmers that Sequa gGmbH also in region was certified and in Approximately twice the size process guarantees the guarana includes clear steps allowing See RDV on page 6

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Germany, embarked on a two- year project with the Agrofrut cooperative to improve the guarana production further and diversify its portfolio of organic products. Resources have been placed towards innovative technical solutions such as the incor- poration of solar irrigation. “In the Amazon, people do The guarana is a fruit native to the Amazon Guarana seeds roasted slowly in a traditional clay oven not have electricity and if they do it is not reliable,” explains a homeopathic treatment development of the initiative, lowing the diversification of commitment, Carrié says for Denecheau. “Weather condi- against pest threats. according to Eric Carrié, crops incorporating açai and him and the rest of the team tions change often. Sometimes Training courses have been project assistant at RDV acerola, both following organ- knowledge of the Portuguese there is too much rain, some- established under themes such Products. ic certification as well. language and the Brazilian times not much at all. With as proper plant care, organic “Te high certification costs Tanks to the BMZ- culture has been crucial to solar controlled irrigation, certification, hygiene and can be covered better by a group Sequa financing, RDV has ensuring a lasting relationship Agrofrut can obtain a better safety, and proper processing, and all may benefit from the additionally helped fund the and the prosperity of the product at the end.” storing and packaging technical assistance, training planting of 6,000 tonka trees business. “It is important to Other actions include (HACCP). and funding when available.” in over 60 plots, benefiting 60 keep an open mind, changing investing in new infrastructure, Getting growers to work Te RDV-Agrofrut partner- families from Urucara. the business mentality at both and conducting agricultural together in associations ship in developing a reliable Although RDV is aware that ends of the supply chain when research such as applying has also been crucial to the supply chain for guarana al- all efforts are a long-term needed,” he said.

RETAIL Suppliers to face challenges with Amazon’s Whole Foods buy

By Warren Beaumont Under the deal, Whole And while some analysts costs for organic and natural James Tomson of brand Foods said it will continue expect Amazon to bring products and food suppliers, consultancy Buy Box Experts, Following the news that to operate stores under the vast buying power to Whole and whether suppliers and who previously worked for Amazon and Whole Foods WFM brand and source from Foods, WFM only has around producers could maintain Amazon, said that the deal Market had entered into a trusted vendors and partners 1.2 per cent of the US grocery their margins and profits, and may give the combined grocery definitive merger agreement around the world. John market and Amazon less than what this means for third party entity the negotiating power in June under which Amazon Mackey will remain as CEO to keep squeezing national will acquire WFM for around of Whole Foods Market and brands on pricing, while US$13.7 billion, negatives its headquarters will stay in Amazon grows its private-label and positives surrounding the Austin, Texas. offerings and brings Whole deal were raised, including a “Millions of people love Foods’ natural brands into the potential anti-trust hearing, Whole Foods Market because online channel. how the move will impact on they offer the best natural and Another view is that organic and natural product organic foods, and they make Amazon’s online reach may suppliers’ higher standards it fun to eat healthy,” said Jeff benefit smaller, emerging and production costs, prices Bezos, Amazon founder and organic suppliers, while and profits, and that Amazon’s CEO. “Whole Foods Market suppliers may be helped by online reach may benefit has been satisfying, delighting high demand for organic smaller and emerging organic and nourishing customers for products that also gives suppliers. nearly four decades – they’re farmers unusual bargaining Anti-trust fears were raised doing an amazing job and we power. in Washington in mid-July, want that to continue.” In fiscal year 2016, WFM after US Representative and “Tis partnership presents Whole Foods Bryant Park, one of WFM’s newest New York City stores had sales of approximately Democrat David Cicilline an opportunity to maximize US$16 billion and operated called on the chairman of the value for Whole Foods one percent, compared with distributors such as UNFI. more than 460 stores in House Judiciary Committee Market’s shareholders, while Walmart at 14 per cent and Michael Movitz of Illinois the United States, Canada, requesting hearings over at the same time extending Kroger at 7 percent. consulting firm Te Movitz and the United Kingdom. Amazon’s acquisition of our mission and bringing the In July concerns were Group believes that Amazon However, WFM has reported Whole Foods Market, and said highest quality, experience, raised by consulting firms will gain insights into the price seven straight quarterly sales it raised important questions convenience and innovation and industry insiders that differential between natural declines at established stores. concerning competition policy to our customers,” said John the price-driven Amazon and organic products and Amazon and Whole Foods and the future of retail grocery Mackey, Whole Foods Market acquisition could affect the mainstream products and cost expect to close the deal during stores. co-founder and CEO. high standards and production structures. the second half of 2017. The international publication for organic and sustainable trade

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Advantage Health Matters Organic Traditions EU Ltd. Health Matters America LEGISLATION The State of Organics in Canada

By Kelly Roesler Te government of Canada receives kudos for its Te Canada Organic Trade commitment to strengthening Association’s (COTA) recent the domestic organic market publication, Te State of through a national consumer Organics: Federal-Provincial- campaign and support for The Canadian organic logo Territorial Performance organic export development. was introduced in June 2009. Report 2017, provides a Te report singles out It applies to products that are comprehensive and interesting Quebec for praise, noting that traded outside of Canada, read about the current level of it leads the way in government across provincial boundaries, development of the organic commitment to the sector, and where producers choose to sector in each province. Its with sound support systems certify. The organic certification was developed by the Canadian goal is clear and succinct – to in place and demonstrated Food Inspection Agency, a stimulate greater government Tom Manley, President and Chair, Tia Loftsgard, Executive Director, Canada assistance through organic federal agency. support for certified organic Organic Council of Ontario - OCO Organic Trade Association - COTA production, market support, products. and data collection. Provincial The CFIA’s jurisdiction for Te report catalogs and are significant gaps in government in 2009. regulations are rigorously organic certification is therefore analyzes organic policy organic regulations in some Te rest of the provinces and enforced with public only for those products that are jurisdictions. territories, including Ontario, databases. Quebec is the first traded internationally, or across frameworks across various provincial borders. Producers levels of government regarding Quebec has its regulations. which is the largest organic in Canada in government selling within a province can regulation and enforcement, Manitoba, British Columbia, market in Canada, do not programming and financing still certify, but unless there are production and market Nova Scotia, and New have any regulation at all. for the organic sector. Farmers provincial standards, it is not supports, and data collection. Brunswick have adopted Tis patchwork of regulations are encouraged to transition mandatory. Perhaps its most important national organic regulations makes it difficult to regulate to organic production, and revelation is that there set forth by the federal intra-provincial organic claims. the province offers additional See CANADA on page 9

TOOTSI customers and there are often us do the job, while other for ingredients in bulk at at over 8 percent, while (Continued from page 1) requests for specialty roasting, clients may want to test the natural health food stores and the conventional is only new blends and other items market with our brand first,” supermarkets. growing by 2 percent,” he After six years of running with added value. “Expanding says Farhad. “We are also Tootsi can serve a variety says. “Demand for healthy, a small, healthy operation, will provide more space for constantly bringing in new of customers with different natural food products, simple Tootsi’s founders decided to product development,” said ingredients.” Tootsi imports formats, while end consumers ingredients with minimum focus on a different venture, Farhad. products from all corners can also buy Yupik online. processing and high nutritional but allowed Ali, the oldest of of the globe. They have Manufacturers, restaurants value continues to be an active their three sons, to continue New brands suppliers in over 50 countries and retailers buy direct or via driver.” the business while he was Increased demand for organic and frequently travel visiting local and national distributors. Tootsi relies on personal attending university. and gluten-free certified foods growers and processors, and “We are used to dealing with contact to build relationships The family had good with its customers. “We suppliers and good customers believe in word-of-mouth that kept coming back for their promotion,” explains Farhad. great products. Throughout And even though its primary the years, the people at the business is still mostly based company have made all the in Canada and the US, difference. In 2003 Farhad, Tootsi has gained an excellent the second brother, joined reputation worldwide. “We the business. The company have a dynamic network and opened a larger distribution keep up with what the market facility a year later and moved expects,” he adds. to expand again in 2013. Tootsi launched its first organic certified retail brand Elan in 2010. Products that are having “Now, our space of 70,000 great response lately include sq feet is too small for our motivated the Shayesteh looking for new products. different countries, currencies tigernuts, baobab, ginger and operation”, explains Farhad. brothers to launch their first In 2012, Tootsi introduced and channels of distribution,” carob powder. Tootsi will Their youngest brother, organic certified retail brand another retail brand, Yupik, says Farhad. exhibit at Natural Products Kayvan, has recently joined Elan in 2010. Additional for consumers looking for Looking at its complete Expo East in Baltimore from the team and the company certifications for the line conventional and natural portfolio, Farhad sees the September 14-16 and at which now has 100 employees included Kosher and non- bulk and packaged nuts, dried company’s biggest growth the Canadian Health Food is adding a new building to its GMO. “Some customers fruits, snacks, chocolates coming in the years ahead Association (CHFA) annual operation, doubling in size. would not do the packaging and candies. The team also from the organic sector. trade show in Toronto on Tootsi works closely with their themselves and prefer to have offers displays with bins “The market is still growing September 16-17.

“Your one contact for Superfoods, directly from the source” Quinoa, Chia and Maca from Bolivia and Peru Based in Toronto, Canada, Inca Gold Organics offers: • Top quality product available in Retail, Foodservice and Bulk bags • Private label programs with Pack-to-Order Capability • Competitive pricing by bag, pallet or container load For information: +1-647-799-0660 • [email protected] • www.incagoldorganics.com 8 Organic & Wellness News Fall 2017 CANADA organic producers is available, billion, but less than two per whopping 45 per cent of all of 2014 and has developed (Continued from page 8) though they are not visible or cent of agriculture is under Canada’s organic processors to a comprehensive strategic well-subscribed. organic production. set up shop there. plan, as well as government supports related to extension, Te Organic Council of In 2015, there were 770 “Te lack of intra-provincial programming for the organic crop insurance, and research. Ontario is planning to certified organic producers regulation can increase sector. Manitoba did well in several announce a private member’s and 375 processors. the instance of fraud, Nova Scotia passed provincial categories and was second in bill on September 13, that And while 19 per cent of undermining the value of organic regulations in 2015 overall scoring. Te province would enact legislation for Canada’s organic producers the Canadian organic brand. but has faced jurisdictional adopted the Organic Agri- organic regulation in the operate in Ontario, 25 per Certification is costly, so in delays in implementing an cultural Products Act and as- province. cent of all farming in the Ontario, where certification enforcement system. sociated regulations in 2013 “Te State of Organics report country is done here. is voluntary, producers Prince Edward Island has and uses federally accredited demonstrates how disjointed Ontario’s total number of who choose to certify are government programming certification bodies to ensure and inconsistent our agri- producers will increase by at a disadvantage to those for organic production in compliance. Te Manitoba food policies and programs just over three per cent in the marketing their goods as place and offers financial Agricultural Services Corpo- support for organic activities ration’s Organic Insurance through its Organic Industry Program offers insurance for Development Program. all the main field crops. COTA’s Te State of Organics Meanwhile, British Columbia Federal-Provincial-Territorial THE ORGANIC MARKET IS Report 2017 provides a set has strong market and produc- WORTH $ BILLION of recommendations for areas tion supports in place. Te 4.7 PER YEAR THE VALUE of focus to support organic province has a long history of OF THE CANADIAN ORGANIC FOOD organic farming and consump- THE YUKON AND NORTHWEST TERRITORIES MARKET development: THERE ARE HAVE AN HAS GROWN 4X tion, and its voluntary stan- MORE THAN MORE ESTIMATED 1000 ACRES SINCE 2006 1) ensure that each province THAN 20 OF CERTIFIED ORGANIC dards, introduced in 1993, will 5,000 MILLION LAND and territory adopts its CERTIFIED CANADIANS BUY ORGANIC FARMS, ORGANIC PRODUCTS IN 2015 % become mandatory in 2018. PROCESSORS WEEKLY organic regulations; CANADA WAS THE OF & HANDLERS THE ORGANIC MARKET TH 1.8 NATIONWIDE IS STABLE AND TOTAL FARMS IN 2) expand organic data Alberta has a significant ORGANIC FARMERS GROWING 5 LARGEST CANADA ARE % FORR ORGANIC CREATE JOBS AT ALMOST OF CANADIAN MARKET 86 ORGANICS collection systems; agricultural marketing program THE RATE OF MAINTAINED OR TWICE CONVENTIONAL INCREASED THEIR which organic producers access, BC & ALBERTA FARMS ORGANIC SPENDING 3) increase organic-specific HAVE THE STRONGEST LAST YEAR but little transition support or ORGANIC FRESH VEGETABLES policies and programs WHILE TOTAL AND ROOT CROPS MARKETSIN CANADA: ARE THEE % OF BRITISH FARMS IN CANADA FASTEST GROWING across jurisdictions; extension. Tere are ongoing COLUMBIANS & DECLINED BY 17% THERE ARE CCATEOGRY OF ORGANIC 67 ALBERTANS SINCE 2001 MILLION FARMLAND discussions concerning crop BUY ORGANIC ORGANIC THE NUMBER OF 2.4 ACRES COTA’s report notes that GROCERIES FARMS ORGANIC OF ORGANIC insurance programs and WEEKLY GREW BY PRODUCERS FARMLAND NEARLY the Canada organic brand is .5% HAS RISEN NEARLY ACROSS 66 % CANADACA 30% OF CANADA’S an asset to the Government regulations which would 12 IN THE THERE ARE PAST10 YEARS OVER 40 BREWERIES, ORGANIC OPERATIONS strengthen organic assistance. WINERIES & DISTILLERIES ARE IN QUEBEC of Canada, and will be THAT PRODUCE CERTIFIED ORGANIC CANADIAN Saskatchewan scores well for ALCOHOL IN CANADA ORGANIC EXPORTS an increasingly important ARE VALUED AT initiatives such as Te Prairie AN ESTIMATED$738 component of the Canadian MILLION Organic Development Fund, The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) represents Canadian farmers, handlers, processors, economy and agriculture. distributors and retailers across the organic supply chain. COTA works to promote and protect organic in the Organic Connections Canada. For more information, visit ota-canada.ca “We hope that government Conference and Trade Show, takes note of the public and its organic crop insurance attention the report has program. Te province are in Canada,” said Tom next few years, according to organic without certifying,” received as an indication of does not have any organic Manley, President, and Chair the council. By comparison, said Lauren Martin, Manager how important organics are regulations. of the OCO, in a statement Quebec and B.C. will of Government Relations to consumers and responds by Remarkably Ontario, the provided to OWN. increase their primary organic and Regulatory Affairs for addressing some of the gaps largest organic market in “Tere is an unequal playing producers by about 10 per the Canada Organic Trade highlighted,” Martin said. the country does not have a field for organic agriculture cent, and Atlantic Canada’s Association in a statement to Canada has the fifth-largest provincial standard, which and food businesses even number will grow by about OWN. organic market in the world impacts its ability to ensure the within our own country. We 18 per cent. Meanwhile, small markets but faces international integrity of organic products. hope the national food policy Finally, Ontario is home to characterize the Atlantic competition. Government Tere is no dedicated funding will help us balance out these almost one-quarter of all the provinces, but the area does support will help make Canada for organic growers; producers inconsistencies to plan for the organic processors, handlers, have an active network of a leader in this important and have the same access to the future of our food system as a and retailers in Canada, organic operations and sustainable agricultural sector. general funding programs nation.” second only to Quebec, organizations. Future annual reports will available to all farmers in the Te council notes that retail whose promotion of organic New Brunswick adopted monitor progress and highlight province. Crop insurance for sales in Ontario are $1.4 business has encouraged a organic regulations in successes, year-to-year.

RETAIL Sobeys looks to turnaround grocery brands

By O.W.N. News Network $5.8 billion and $23.806 deflation, consumer price Canada's second-largest billion. Te firm is looking to sensitivity, and the negative grocer, Sobeys is weighing a three-year transformation impact of new merchandising up the entry of Amazon into initiative called Project and promotional strategies Canadian grocery through its Sunrise to simplify its introduced in Western acquisition of Whole Foods medium term, but long term products they leave the store business, unlock national Canada. Market and its 13 retail stores for our customers, and it’s all with, without ever having to scale, significantly reduce Sobeys Inc. operates in Canada. about customers and what see a cashier or self-checkout costs and deliver $500 million around 1,500 stores in all 10 “Tere’s no way we’re going they want,” the Globe and system. in annualized savings by 2020, provinces under retail banners to miss out on e-commerce,” Mail said. Canada's Sobeys’ reported aimed at turning around its that include Sobeys, Safeway, said Sobeys Michael Medline, Amazon opened Amazon that fourth quarter and full- Safeway supermarket chain. IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, CEO of parent company Go last year, a checkout-free year same store sales for the Impacting on 4Q sales Price Chopper, Trifty Foods Empire Co. “It’s going to grocery store in Seattle, where 13 weeks ended May 6, 2017 (ex-fuel) were an additional and Lawtons Drugs, as well be so essential, not in the customers are charged on dropped by 1.1 percent and week of fiscal operations as more than 380 retail fuel short term, maybe not in the their Amazon accounts for the 2.1 per cent respectively to in 2016, retail food price locations. www.organicwellnessnews.com 9 LEGISLATION GI protection for EU-China special products

By O.W.N. News Network the rise across the EU and producers of foods certified by policymakers should not EU quality schemes: between Te EU and China have disregard the protection of them, Italy, France, Spain, published a list of 200 intellectual rights. Portugal and Greece account European and Chinese Both parties submitted 100 for 70 percent of the total. geographical indications (GIs) denominations each but many Giuffrida insisted that the in June that are protected European items, particularly road ahead is clear and that the on their respective markets, those from Italy, have been range of products agreed with as part of a bilateral deal left off the list. Tis is because China should be widened. that should be concluded by the European Commission’s She added that the “appeal” of December, according to Italia selection criteria for its 100 GI’s is clear and that products Oggi in late July. denominations considered bearing the stamp of approval Te move came after a GI market volume in China often see an upsurge in foreign broad group of exporters and the potential risk of sales and demand. led by the United States counterfeiting. Only one Chinese products aspiring to and the European Union product from the South of obtain EU GI status include sent a joint letter to Chinese Italy made it onto the list: Yantai Ping Guo (the Yantai regulators on June 12 asking buffalo mozzarella. apple), Hengxian Mo Li Hua them to suspend a proposed Te Commission immediately Cha (jasmine tea), Panjin Da requirement, due to take began negotiations with the Mi (rice), and Baise Mang effect October 1, for each EU member states to include Guo (the Baise mango). food shipment to have an other products on the list. Te bilateral deal between inspection certificate from a A first draft added a further Italy has regional foods with protected descriptors and Sicily is looking for more Europe and China was foreign government. 162 European products Protected Geographical Indications. welcomed immediately by Te promotion of and Protected Geographical had hindered imports of asked the Commission to in- Italy’s national confederation geographical indications Indications (PGIs), including Sicilian citrus fruit. clude more Sicilian products of cultivators, Coldiretti, (GI) has helped EU products five Sicilian items, all selected Italian MEP Michela Giuffri- on the new list, to guarantee which said that “the defence attract new emerging markets based on predicted demand da (S&D group), a substitute “territorial representation of of Italian products from unfair which seek quality food. in China. In January, on the European Parliament’s the island’s products”. competition posed by fakes However, Europol warns China in fact eliminated its Committee on Agriculture Te EU’s Southern member and imitations will encourage that fake GI products are on phytosanitary barriers that and Rural Development, states are the leading Italian foodstuff exports”. EU and US exporters urge China to New rules for EU organic suspend food import controls regulation must work organic foodstuffs and unleash By O.W.N. News Network It is addressed to the director first four months of this year By O.W.N. News Network of the General Administration rose 17 percent over a year the sector’s potential for Food exporters including the of Quality Supervision, earlier to US$39.4 billion. New rules governing organic growth. United States and European Inspection and Quarantine, Foreign governments have production and labelling in "After 20 months of Union are stepping up pressure known as AQSIQ, and the been lobbying Beijing since last the European Union that are negotiations we have managed on China to scale back plans Chinese commerce minister. year to scale back the proposed acceptable to and address to reach an agreement, which for intensive inspections of Te letter says the rules regulations. European officials the concerns of the organic will help organic sector grow food imports into China that would affect billions of dollars’ complained they appeared to movement were taken off the and will increase consumers' they say would hamper access worth of meat, fruit, dairy and be intended to shield Chinese to this fast-growing market. other products and thousands suppliers from competition Te group sent a joint letter of suppliers who look to China and allow Beijing to block to Chinese regulators asking as a growing export market. imports from individual them to suspend the proposed Foreign suppliers complain countries if it chooses. October 1 requirement for Beijing already uses safety China submitted its proposed each food shipment to have an rules in ways that hamper regulations to the World Trade inspection certificate from a access for beef and other goods Organization the last week of foreign government that would in violation of its market- June as an official notice to disrupt trade and ask Beijing opening commitments. other governments, which have to follow global practice by AQSIQ did not reply to 60 days to comment on them. applying the requirement only a request for comment or In a possible concession to to higher-risk foods, according questions sent by fax about foreign appeals, the regulations to a report in Te Associated how regulations might be on the WTO website say Press. changed in response to foreign inspection certificates would Te dispute adds to appeals, AP said, reporting be required to say food items complaints Beijing is reducing from Beijing. were made by a supplier market access for a range Te EU role highlights the supervised by government of goods from fresh food broad scope of foreign anxiety. regulators and were fit for including meat, to dried fruit, Action by the EU requires human consumption. Tis cocoa and spices, in violation unanimous agreement by appears to be a significant of its free-trade commitments. its members, which means change from an earlier Germany, Euope’s #1 organic market was Country of the Year at BIOFACH 2017 Foreign officials expressed nations including Greece and proposal to require inspectors offering a rich display of the country’s diverse range of organic food products. concern they might extend to Hungary that want to attract to confirm that food complies Chinese investment consider with China’s quality standards. such products as coffee, wine, agenda until October 2017, trust in organic foodstuffs. pasta and chocolate. the threat serious enough Te latest version still says after the European Parliament It was a laborious task but I Te letter, dated June 12 and to risk a possible backlash. each “batch of food” would seen by Te Associated Press, Eastern European countries require a certificate, which and the EU reached a believe new rules will bring was sent by an unusually broad with little manufacturing pay foreign officials previously provisional agreement for benefits to both EU consumers group including the 28-nation for Chinese goods by selling complained would waste European organic regulation and organic farmers," said European Union, the US, them ham, apples and other resources that should be on June 28. rapporteur Martin Häusling Japan, Australia, Argentina, food. focused on high-risk products Te new rules were designed (Greens/EFA, DE). Israel and four other countries. Chinese food imports in the such as dairy. to increase consumer trust in See RULES on page 14 www.organicwellnessnews.com 10 RETAIL Online sales slow for JD.com, but boost for Canada food

By O.W.N. News Network Canada’s clean fresh food and company’s immense Beijing to sell 120,000 Canadian 22 Chinese cities, including prove a potent selling point headquarters, a campus with lobsters, as well as smoked Walmart supermarkets, JD.com Inc, China’s for Canada’s fruit and seafood. more than 10,000 employees. salmon, oysters, sea cucumber Groupe Auchan, and Yonghui second biggest e-commerce Sales of Canadian food on – and blueberries. Superstores. Co. company, reported revenue JD.com were up 400 per cent Net losses were 132.1million JD.com has launched 92 JD for the second quarter of in 2016 and another 742 per JD.com’s revenue yuan (US$19.92 million), physical stores since February, 2016 in August that was cent in the first half of this compared to a loss of 510.4 that will grow to 300 stores by within company forecasts, year. On June 18, when JD from Amazon-like million yuan in the previous the end of this year. with sales rising 42 percent marked its anniversary with a year. Meanwhile, main rival to 65.2billion yuan heavily promoted day of sales, online direct sales And JD’s Daojia online- Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (US$9.83 billion), within Canadian shrimp were the to-offline O2O grocery became the second largest JD.com’s forecast range top-selling foreign imported rose 40 percent platform is expanding its shareholder of major Chinese of 64.2-66.2billion yuan, food on the company’s online links with Walmart by adding supermarket chain Lianhua Reuters reported in August. platform. JD sold 4.5 millions in 2Q another 50 stores in its China Supermarket in June, to And JD.com believes that of Canadian shrimp. delivery service to bring the combine online and offline this huge market, that has “Te possibilities are Te visit coincided with a two -hour delivery service retail as part of Alibaba’s new been successfully tapped by immense,” JD chief executive one-day national promotion to over 130 Walmart stores. retail strategy. Lianhua operates producers from Australia, officer Richard Liu said for Canadian products by JD, Walmart has 462 stores in around 3,600 hypermarkets, New Zealand, Germany in June, during a visit by the first time the company China. JD Daojia claims supermarkets and convenience and the US, will appeal to Canada’s Governor-General has placed a single country in to connect with more than shops in about 19 provincial the Chinese conception of David Johnston to the its retail spotlight. It expected 70,000 offline retail outlets in regions. Holland & Barrett sold Organic fraud and fake food, major issue to a Russian company By O.W.N. News Network managed by Beyaz Agro, a geographical indication (GI) certified organic grain and products and organic labels By O.W.N. News Network is well positioned to benefit Te US Organic Trade oilseed handling operation, continue to be a major issue from structural growth in the Association said in July that it and two related entities: Hakan for EU food producers. Holland & Barrett, the UK’s growing GBP10bn health is setting up a Global Organic Organics based in Dubai, Pierre Moscovici, commis- biggest health food retailer, and wellness market and has Supply Chain Integrity United Arab Emirates and sioner for Economic and Fi- is being sold to L1 Retail, an multiple levers for long-term Task Force with a mandate Agropex, based in Broadway, nancial Affairs, Taxation and investment fund controlled growth and value creation.” to develop a “best practices Virginia. Customs, said: “A high level by Russian billionaire Mikhail Te purchase is the first by guide” to use in managing “Tis investigation related to of protection of intellectual Fridman for GBP1.8 billion, L1 Retail, set up in late 2016, and verifying global organic a shipment of 16,250 metric property is crucial to support with a settlement expected in which aims to invest US$3 supply chain integrity to help tons of soybeans, which arrived growth and create jobs. Fake September 2017, brands and traders manage in the US aboard the M/V goods pose a real threat to according to BBC and mitigate the risk and ‘Four Diamond’ on November health and safety of EU con- news and UK occurrence of organic fraud. 12, 2016. Te soybeans had sumers and undermine legal newspaper reports And organic industry been previously exported from businesses and state revenues. in late June. watchdog Te Cornucopia Ukraine to Turkey and were Studies show that the EU is L1 Retail is buying Institute reported that there was then re-exported from Turkey particularly exposed to im- the health foods a massive fraud in shipments of ports of counterfeit products.” chain from US “organic grain” from China and Cigarettes were the top private equity firm Eastern Europe in May 2017 “EU customs category (24%) for articles Carlyle. Carlyle and has accused the USDA of detained and toys the second acquired Nuneaton- not doing all it can to protect seized over 41 largest group (17%), followed based H&B as part organic domestic farmers from by foodstuffs (13%) and of its US$3.8bn impostor organic imports. million fake goods packaging material (12%). purchase in 2010 of Holland & Barrett store in central London Te OTA said that the best Te Cornucopia Institute US “global wellness” practices guide will include at EU external said that the enormous firm Te Nature’s Bounty, now billion in a small number a vulnerability assessment, borders in 2016” shipments into the US of NBTY. of retail businesses that it mitigation measures and an so-called “organic grain” Te chain has around 1200 believes can be market leaders alert and reporting system. are priced far below what stores worldwide, with over by “moving with and leading OTA member companies to the United States. However, domestic organic farmers must 100 franchised stores and over long-term trends”. serving on the task force must before leaving Ukraine, the charge to survive, while the 620 in the UK and Ireland. Te fund’s advisory board be actively participating in soybeans had been fumigated USDA’s Office of Inspector UK stores are around 1100 includes John Walden, the organic trade as a supplier with aluminum phosphide, General will release an audit square feet in size, while H&B former chief executive of or buyer and/or have strong a prohibited substance under of the NOP’s “International UK has five, larger 5,500sqft Home Retail Group, Karl- knowledge and experience of the USDA organic regulations. Trade Arrangements and More stores, launched in Heinz Holland, who was chief supply chain management Upon arrival in the US, the Agreements” later this summer. 2015, that range more natural executive of Lidl Group, the and/or strong knowledge and fumigated soybeans were sold “Non-organic corn and soy, beauty lines and have a deli/ German supermarket chain, experience with record keeping as USDA organic. Tis action labeled as organic, are flooding food to go section. and Clive Humby, one of and verification systems for violated the Organic Foods US ports, undercutting H&B reported over GBP610 the founders of dunnhumby, organic certification. Production Act and the USDA legitimate U.S. organic million in sales in 2016 and which came up with the idea “A vulnerability was revealed organic regulations.” farmers, due to the USDA’s has expanded internationally for Tesco’s Clubcard. in the organic supply chain A report on EU Customs negligence. Cornucopia to around 15 countries, helped Peter Aldis, Holland & via a complaint that the Enforcement of intellectual Institute reinforced their call by international partners and Barrett chief executive, USDA’s National Organic property rights in July found for USDA Secretary Sonny retail groups. It employs more who will stay on, said: “We Program (NOP) received that EU customs seized over Perdue to correct the chronic than 4,000 people. are delighted to now be in regarding non-organic grains 41 million fake goods at EU pattern of gross corruption at “Holland & Barrett is a partnership with the L1 Retail and oilseeds being imported external borders in 2016 the National Organic Program clear market leader in the team and its advisory board from Turkey and fraudulently valued at EUR670 million, by replacing the incompetent UK health and wellness retail of internationally-renowned sold as organic in the United with foodstuffs the third management,” Cornucopia market, with attractive growth retailers.” States,” the OTA said. largest category for products Institute said. positions in other European Te health food chain also “In the course of investigating detained. Te NOP oversees approxi- and international markets,” has two shopfronts on Tmall. these complaints, NOP Te report came as Europol, mately 150 independent agen- said L1 Retail managing com, the online shopping identified violations of the the EU’s law enforcement cies worldwide that do inspec- partner Stephan DuCharme. channel owned by Chinese USDA organic regulations agency, warned that the tions of organic farms and “We believe that the company internet giant Alibaba. involving soybean shipments misuse and counterfeiting of facilities. 11 Organic & Wellness News Fall 2017 HEALTH & PERSONAL CARE they are certified by Soil face creams and a lip balm Association. stick. On the body care side Asian beauty goes organic Niche brand Beaudiani was the line-up offers bar soaps also came out in 2016. Like and salt scrubs/bath additives By Annemarie Kruse Organics, Chant a Charm, first-time exhibitors were from Urang, Beaudiani specialises in with ingredients such as Aqua Cosmetics or Amritara. the organic sector - and these aromatherapy cosmetics. The chrysanthemum, mugwort, The organic and natural beauty However, few of these brands companies were introduced brand’s initial products were pine needles and turmeric. sector in Asia has been growing and product ranges carry within the last 24 months. aroma sheet masks for adults Even though Stay Young was strongly over the last years as an international organic Niche brand Urang, for and children. The line offers launched less than a year ago more consumers discover the certification; most likely example, was launched in sheet masks with lavender, the brand already has managed possibilities of chemical-free because most brands are not December 2016. The brand’s mandarin & sweet orange, rose to build up a retail presence in beauty products. South East Asia and Northern Some of the bigger beauty China, where the lip balm is brands in the region - especially popular. especially those that are Newcomer from Hong Kong selling their products in Even in Hong Kong, known as lucrative international markets a luxury retail destination and like Europe or the US - are for its international banking, even investing into organic finance and economic sectors, certification standards. there are the beginnings of an Korean beauty brand organic beauty movement. Innisfree, for example, has Kimature is a niche beauty offered an Ecocert-certified company founded by product range for several years Kim Chen in 2015. The while fellow brand Whamisa’s brand’s 20-odd products are product portfolio is certified manufactured in Hong Kong by German association BDIH. with ingredients harvested Other organic, albeit non- At China Beauty Expo: Kimature’s line uses TCM (Traditional Seen at Cosmobeauty: The Korean line Urang is formulated from a local organic farm certified, beauty brands from Chinese Medicine) ingredients. Credit: A. Kruse with therapeutic essential oil blends. Credit: A. Kruse that is run by Chen and her Korea are Aromatica, Yuri husband. Pibu or SanDaWha. And even available outside of Japan. founder Jina Lee began and neroli as well as whitening Kimature’s product range is Taiwan - admittedly one of And of course, there is also a developing her own cosmetics and anti-wrinkle masks. There based on TCM (Traditional the smallest East Asian retail whole clutch of young artisan after she couldn’t find any are also two moisturising Chinese Medicine) ingredients. markets - has a bona fide and niche brands that are natural beauty products to facial toner sprays. Like The line-up offers skin and organic brand: Naveen was the trying to make it in the organic suit her sensitive skin. Urang’s many organic niche brands, body care products for various first domestic beauty company beauty industry. These start- portfolio includes eight Beaudiani primarily sells its skin concerns. There are ranges to invest into a European up firms tend to have a small products: three hydrosols, two products through the brand’s with honeysuckle, Chinese certification (Soil Association). and local retail presence (and face oils, a cream with rose online shop. motherwort, roselle, mugwort Japan has a well-established often no English/international extract, a multi-purpose balm Stay Young is another new and mulberry extracts. organic beauty market, driven website) so the best way to find and a cleansing oil as well as six Korean beauty company This line is primarily retailed largely by the structured them is by visiting domestic aroma sprays. Lee is a trained introduced in 2016. It focuses online but the company also expansion of organic perfumery beauty trade shows. aromatherapist so Urang’s on skin and body care with has a small store in Hong retailer CosmeKitchen. The products are formulated with traditional Asian herbs and Kong. Kimature was at China country also has a wide range Young beauty from Korea therapeutic essential oil blends. plants. The range includes a Beauty Expo trade show in of domestic organic beauty At this year’s Cosmobeauty Some of the ingredients are herbal moisturizing toner and Shanghai in May 2017 to brands, like F Organics, Do trade show in Seoul, several imported from the UK and light skin care lotion, two promote her brand.

numbers. Operating profit fell comparable stores sales fell by Health & Beauty sales lift A.S. Watson 2 per cent lower to HKD5.2bn 6.2 per cent at mature stores, (US$664mn) compared to an improvement on 2016.

By O.W.N. News Network 2016. Health and Beauty Health and Beauty reported contributed 94 percent of the A.S. Watson Retail, part of the sales growth of 7 percent divisions profit (EBITDA) CK Hutchinson Holdings Ltd at constant currency, with and includes stores such group, has announced its results Europe comparable stores as Watsons, Rossmann, for the six months to 30 June sales growth of 2.7 per cent, Superdrug, Fortress, and ICI this year, with total revenue with particularly strong Paris XL across Asia, Western down one percent at constant performances from Health and and Eastern Europe. currency to HK73.557 billion Beauty UK and Rossmann. A.S. Watson also operates (US$9.4 billion). Health & Operations in Asia posted over 3.000 stores in China. Beauty retail had improved comparable store sales growth In Hong Kong, it operates trading conditions on of 3.2 percent, while Health supermarket and hypermarket mainland China, while Hong and Beauty China, the stores such as ParknShop, Kong profit was under pressure largest profit contributor to Great Food Hall and Su-pa- due to costs and falling tourist Watsons Pharmacy, Hong Kong this division, reported that de-pa.

12 Organic & Wellness News Fall 2017 Dairy Farm’s Yonghui posts Big box grocers in Asia and strong growth in flat result Australia’s supermarkets forecast to grow By O.W.N. News Network in Hong Kong, Macau and for the supermarket and Indonesia. hypermarket activities in By O.W.N. News Network Shinsegae, SM Retail, Tesco, Dairy Farm International has Yonghui Superstores posted Southeast Asia, the Group’s Walmart and Yonghui. reported higher underlying a strong 15 per cent sales other businesses continue to Asia’s big-box, large-format And in July, Euromonitor and profit growth of 6 per cent growth for the first half, total make steady progress.” grocers such as hypermarkets Retail Asia launched their 14th to $US211 million and revenue of CNY28.3 billion In June, Dairy Farm and supermarkets are forecast Top 500 Retailers Ranking. consolidated sales up 3 (US$4.2bn) and consolidated announced that Ian McLeod, to grow on average by 3.5 Based on Euromonitor’s percent at constant currency net profit of CNY1.1bn a former Asda (UK and percent a year between 2016- retailing data, the top (CC) to $US10.4 billion its (US$160m), an increase of 57 Germany) supermarket 2021, according to IGD supermarkets were Woolworths half-yearly results to 30 June per cent on the previous half executive, Coles Supermarkets research in July. (3rd) and Wesfarmers’ Coles 2017, while sales in the Food year. (Australia) CEO and more Aeon, Walmart and Groupe (4th) both from Australia, Auchan are the region’s leading while the top hypermarkets big-box stores, driven by their were China Resources Holdings strong stores networks in China (6th) and Sun Art Retail Group and Japan, while local brands (7th), both from China. such as Yonghui (China) and Te top retailers from 14 SM Retail (Philippines) are economies across Asia Pacific developing a strong presence. were ranked in terms of total Te top 10 retailers tracked sales, number of outlets, sales by IGD are Aeon, Auchan, area and sales per square Carrefour, CRV, Dairy Farm, meters. Sun Art refreshes O2O e-commerce

By O.W.N. News Network to offline (020) e-commerce and believes that the future China hypermarket retailer, lies in O2O stores. By putting Sun Art, is bringing up its more focus on business to ecommerce game with a business deals on Feiniu. new delivery strategy with a com, the general merchandise value has doubled to CNY1.8 Dairy Farm’s Wellcome supermarket, Hong Kong wide range of products on its ecommerce platform, Feiniu. billion (US$270m) during the first half of this year. Te Division’s hypermarkets and Yonghui’s result was helped recently CEO of Southeastern company is optimistic that its supermarkets fell by 3 percent by higher store numbers and Grocers in the US, would The company is ecommerce business will be (CC) and profits fell due to margin improvement from succeed Graham Allan as profitable as soon as 2019. continued softness in certain more effective merchandising. group chief executive. Mr optimistic that Its newly appointed CEO, key markets. Yonghui opened 35 new stores McLeod will take the top spot Ludovic Holinier, said the Strong performances came (excluding membership stores, at the retailer based in Hong its ecommerce company is developing O2O from Yonghui Superstores Super Species, and Yonghui Kong on 18 September 2017. business will be capabilities to better leverage Co’s hypermarkets and Select), and has signed on to Dairy Farm International its physical store network. supermarkets in mainland 54 new sites. operates outlets such as profitable as soon “Traditional physical retailers China, and Maxim’s “Solid profit growth was supermarkets Wellcome, have found it hard to sustain restaurants and cake shops, achieved in the first half Yonghui, Cold Storage, Jason’s as 2019. investments for online stores. good performances from despite lower sales seen in Marketplace, Oliver’s, Tree We believe that the challenge Health and Beauty and Home the Group’s supermarkets and Sixty, Giant and Rustan’s; com to be delivered in an hour, lies in creating a feasible O2O Furnishings divisions, and hypermarkets operations,” hypermarkets with Giant and if the shopper resides within business model as online continued progress on key chairman Ben Kewswick Yonghui; convenience stores 3km of 370 stores, according retailers are also investing in strategic initiatives. Good sales said. “While the outlook for with 7-Eleven; and health and to IGD. physical stores, increasing and profit growth was achieved the remainder of the year is beauty with Mannings and Sun Art will have a renewed competition on the ground,” in Health and Beauty, such as expected to remain challenging Guardian. focus on ecommerce and online Mr. Holinier said.

ORGANIC WITH love

www.organicwellnessnews.com 13 RULES organic negotiations are development of organic, a (Continued from page 10) one of the longest due to sector that performs very well US organic food sales the complexity of the file economically, environmentally Te new EU organic rules covering from production to and socially and for which break $US40 billion barrier included stricter checks in control and import systems. consumer demand continues the supply chain, new EU Te organic sector needs a to increase," he said. By O.W.N. News Network gateway category for shoppers anti-contamination rules, and stable legislative framework; And Eduardo Cuoco, IFOAM new to organic, due to their ability to touch and smell the imported food compliance to therefore, we appreciate that EU Director, added: “Over Certified organic food sales have jumped by 8.4 percent product and compare it with its EU standards. the institutions realised that the summer, the institutions in 2016 to US$43 billion, conventional counterpart, the On July 18, IFOAM EU there are still several issues that will have the chance to breaking the $US 40 billion OTA said. Group stated that the organic need to be sorted out before address the compromise text’s mark for the first time with Meanwhile, sales of organic regulation compromise taken this new regulation can be shortcomings and make it organic food accounting for meat and poultry surged by off the agenda of the EU implemented successfully.” practicable. IFOAM EU will 5.3 percent of total food sales in more than 17 percent in 2016, Agriculture Ministers’ meeting continue to provide sector's the United States, another first to $991 million, the category’s offers a chance to make the expertise to the institutions in for the sector, against a sales largest-ever annual gain. text workable. The new rules the months to come.” increase of 0.6 percent for the Continued strong growth in IFOAM EU said the expected Te representatives of total US food market. the category should lift sales provisional endorsement three EU Institutions – the Te US organic sector, past the $1 billion mark for were designed to the first time this year, OTA on the outcomes of the last Commission, the Maltese already strong, remained on an upswing in 2016, gaining predicted. Additionally, rising trilogue was taken off the Presidency of the Council and increase consumer new market share and breaking awareness of such options as agenda of the Agriculture and the Parliament's negotiating sales records, according to the natural, grass-fed or hormone- Fisheries Council. trust and unleash team – reached a provisional Organic Trade Association’s free meats and poultry is driving "Even though the last agreement on the text for a compromise text took several the sector’s new organic regulation during of the organic movement’s the trilogue of 28 June. concerns into account, it growth Tis agreement still needs the continues to present a number approval of the 28 National of potential implementation Agriculture Ministers (now problems. Tese issues will IFOAM EU Vice President expected in October) and need to be solved by the for Policy Jan Plagge said of both the Parliament's involved parties before the the main goal of this Agriculture Committee final official approval in the process should be to have a (expected in October) and Council and the Parliament in workable regulation that is of the whole Parliament autumn," IFOAM EU said. implementable on the ground. (expected at the end of the Organic produce now makes up almost 15 percent of the produce consumed by Christopher Stopes, IFOAM "It’s important that the final year/beginning of 2018), Americans; produce department, Whole Foods Market US store. EU President said: “Te text does not jeopardise the IFOAM EU said. (OTA) 2017 Organic Industry consumer interest in organic Survey, the results of which were meat and poultry items. revealed at the organisation’s Even organic condiments saw Annual Policy Conference this spectacular sales: Dips reported year. an impressive 41 percent sales Organic sales in the United growth in 2016, to $57 million, States were around $47 billion while spice sales soared 35 in 2016, reflecting new sales percent to $193 million. of nearly $3.7 billion from the On the nonfood side, sales prior year. rose by almost 9 percent to Organic food sales grew by $3.9 billion, with products 8.4 percent, or $3.3 billion, such as textiles, supplements from the prior year, while sales and personal care products of organic nonfood products accounting for the majority rose 8.8 percent in 2016, versus of those sales. Tese purchases overall nonfood growth of 0.8 were spurred by consumers’ percent. growing desire for transparency, “Te organic industry clean ingredients and plant- continues to be a real bright based products, as well as their spot in the food and ag belief that what they put on economy, both at the farm gate their bodies is as important as and checkout counter,” noted what they put in them. OTA CEO and executive “But the organic sector is director Laura Batcha. facing challenges to continue its “Organic products of all sorts growth. We need more organic are now found in the majority farmers in this country to meet of kitchens and households our growing organic demand, across our country.” and the organic sector needs to Te $15.6 billion organic fruit have the necessary tools to grow and vegetable business retained and compete on a level playing its position as the largest of field. Tat means federal, state the organic food categories, and local programs that help accounting for almost 40 support organic research and percent of all organic food sales. provide the organic farmer with With sales up 8.4 percent, a fully equipped tool kit to be compared with the 3.3 percent successful,” Ms Batcha said. uptick logged for total fruit Conducted in February and and vegetable sales, organic March and produced on behalf fruits and veggies now make of OTA by Nutrition Business up almost 15 percent of the Journal, the survey received produce that Americans responses from more than 200 consume, perhaps because companies. Te full report can it’s traditionally been the be purchased online. 14 Organic & Wellness News Fall 2017 Welcome to the land of opportunity

By Adriana Michael and Steven Maxwell named Colombian cocoa might change. Coca – and beans as ‘fine and flavor therefore cocaine – production After a hard-won peace deal, cocoa’ – among only 5% is increasing at a startling rate, Colombia appears to finally of commercial cocoa beans having risen by 37% since be putting its troubled past to have been awarded this 2015, taking it to an all- behind it and exploiting its recognition. time high (according to the enviable location, climate and Colombian avocados, US Office of National Drug natural and human resources meanwhile, have recorded Control Policy). Terefore, available for producing high- spectacular export growth there is undoubtedly need quality fruits, vegetables, and over recent years. to provide farmers with other products. From a worth of USD 10m attractive incentives to switch Tere are also encouraging in 2015, the sector reached from coca to food production. signs that, after being ignored USD 35m a year later, Organic farming, a holistic for many years Colombia highlighting the strength approach to agriculture might finally take organic ag- of the 15 Hass avocado with diversified crops, riculture and a more sustain- producing companies in the environmental protection and able development seriously. country, whose production more potential to improve the quality of life than traditional intensive monoculture farming depending on toxic and expensive imported agrochemicals, could provide an answer. Although the amount of organic certified land has been shrinking since 2015 and the high cost of achieving organic certification has discouraged Colombian farmers, the option of sharing the cost Panoramic view of Guadalupe from the Monserrate mountain, Bogota through cooperatives should lead growers to reconsider the Colombia’s agribusiness area is forecast to grow from sector. sector accounts for 6% of 14,000 hectares to 500,000 Alex von Loebell, the the country’s Gross Domestic hectares by 2021. German-Colombian organic Product (GDP), with exports pioneer behind BioPlaza, the having increased by an Where does organic first retail firm to introduce average of 3.7% over the past fit into this picture local and imported organic five years. Over the past two decades, certified brands to Colombia, Te Colombian government the Colombian government says the development of recently announced its has been primarily focused the organic sector in the intention to turn the country on the mining and oil sector, country has stifled by a into an agro-industrial power. as well as dealing with an focus on a quick return on According to the export pro- over 50-year old internal investment and a dangerous motion agency ProColombia, social conflict related to dependence on synthetic, the South American country land tenancy in rural areas toxic agrochemicals. Tere is has the largest supply of soil and the bloody war against also, he says, a regrettable lack and variety of climates for drugs. In that scenario, of understanding from the growing fruits and vegetables organic farming has been Colombian government and worldwide. the banks, like FINAGRO, By the end of 2018, 1 million which oversees financing for hectares are anticipated to agriculture in the country. be under production as part However, von Loebell sees of the ‘Colombia Siembra some signs for optimism. Plan,’ adding to the 26m Demand (and consciousness) hectares already dedicated to for healthier foods and green agriculture. products in cities like Bogotá Perhaps unsurprisingly, and Medellin is growing. Over coffee beans dominate exports, 40 new and well-appointed accounting for some USD natural health food stores 2,417m in 2016, of which in Bogota recently opened. 40% was shipped to the US. Imports are growing as well. Bananas, primarily exported Supermarket chains now offer to Europe and the US, are also some locally grown foods an active player, with exports Watermelon on the side of the road in free from synthetic pesticides in the same year reaching Tolima, Colombia along with internationally USD 915m. However, this recognized organic brands. is not to underestimate the having little relevance. In fact, “Colombia is still a white strength of other Colombian after Costa Rica, Colombia spot on the world map, but fruit exports, which in 2016 ranks second in synthetic one with a huge potential,” totaled USD 115m. fertilizer consumption among says von Loebell. “With the Two growth areas for exports countries in Latin America right international and local identified by ProColombia and one of the highest in the partners to invest here and to are cocoa beans and avocados. world according to the FAO. work with us, we can achieve Te International Cocoa But with the ratification of positive results.” Organization (ICCO) has the peace accord, this attitude See COLOMBIA on page 16 www.organicwellnessnews.com 15 COLOMBIA that will be generated by the Daabon and Fruandes among (Continued from page 15) peace agreement in different them, the general feeling regions of the country.” among farmers and ecopre- Richard Probst Bruce, a part- According to Fedeorganicos neurs is that the development ner in GreenBizz Consulting president Luis Betancur of the sector remains held and one of the founders of Zuluaga, there are currently back by a lack of government the Colombian Organic Ag- some 700 registered members, support with clear and dy- riculture Federation - Fedeor- accounting for part of the namic plans and incentives to ganicos, says that organic pro- estimated 50,000 hectares support organic production. duction can offer an effective of production without toxic Given the vast potential solution for growers. chemicals currently being for organic products in the “Organic agriculture is an farmed in the country (Te country, a well-educated important alternative to FiBL survey (2017) indicated workforce and increased Colombia’s challenges in terms Raquira is one of the picturesque towns of Boyaca, Colombia 31,621 hectares with organic consumer demand for of export diversification, rural certification and 4775 better wholesome foods, it development in marginalized drug trafficking and criminal fectively in the organic arena producers in 2015 registered should be obvious to any regions and the productive mining.” at a global level. “Colombia in 2015) outside observer that clearer reintegration of demobilized, After all, with the country is considered one of the eight Tere are already several policies combined with displaced and illegal miners,” boasting an extraordinary bio- countries that can feed the rest certified growers working better communication and he explains. “Certified diversity of regions, products, of the world when we consid- in the main global markets, coordination, and more organic products are the flavors and aromas, Probst er the possibility of expanding such as Europe, Japan, South public-private enterprises only ones that can compete Bruce says the resources are its agricultural frontier,” he Korea and the US. would significantly boost in any way against illegal already in place for Colom- says. “Tere are also the prob- Although there are notable organic production. Te activities in Colombia such as bia to be able to compete ef- able investment opportunities organic export success stories, conditions are there.

Tey have divided the Restoring the soil, one mountain at a time land into 13 lots and invite nature lovers to join them in By Adriana Michael with spectacular views of the building a community with Andean mountain range in the homes made of local materials, “Come to Colombia and Boyacá region. respecting the environment see with your own eyes what “Most small farmers do not and the panoramic views. our country has to offer,” have organic certification, but Half of the lots have been sold is the advice biologist and many still follow ancestral already. ecopreneur Adriana Gomez methods.” Overseas buyers plan to offers to those considering the Tere is the controversial ICA make this paradise their South American country for a regulatory Resolution 970, retirement project. Te site unique tourist experience or to which establishes requirements hosts now over 7,000 trees and invest in organic farming and for production, collection, a beautiful water reservoir next social enterprises. storage, imports, exports, trade to an amazing dome made of “Discover new places and and use of seeds in Colombia. clay during a workshop by meet and buy from small food And Gomez says producers renowned German architect are becoming conscious of Panoramic view of water reservoir at San Pedro Reserve, Raquira Gernot Minke. the importance of recovering “Everybody should be part ancient seeds, and consumers and exotic fruits; the lush Andres Calderon purchased 60 of a project to restore nature,” are cautious about GM foods Amazon rainforest, and the flat, hectares of a spectacular place says Gomez. Her children, (mainly corn and soy beans) vast prairies east of the country. called San Pedro Reserve now in their early twenties, that are imported and widely Gomez has a deep respect Te site offers stunning views are Colombians who believe in distributed. for the work of farmers. She of Sutamarchan, Tinjaca, Villa their country. Her son Gabriel Gomez has travelled all over once grew aromatic herbs and de Leyva and Raquira. Tis is plans to start “Su Merce,” a the world, but is amazed produced vinegar and spice the highest mountain in the sustainable tourism business. when she visits little villages in mixes for her store in Bogota, area, at one point covered with San Pedro Reserve is one of remote mountains or valleys in and to supply other vendors. trees and other vegetation. the many attractive projects her native Colombia. “Farmers face many When Gomez and now devoted to agro-tourism It is a beautiful country challenges related to weather, Calderon purchased the land, and opportunity to reconnect Adriana Gomez and her daughter Luisa indeed, with diverse landscapes pests, lack of water or too deforestation and erosion with nature and the cheerful Campuzano. Their project in Raquira much rain, all factors affecting prevailed. people of Colombia. Te now has 7,000 trees and climates: the arid Guajira region touching the logistics, yield, pricing, and Now Gomez and Calderon country is ready for positive Caribbean Sea; the Candelaria profits.” have an ambitious plan: to and sustainable change. As the producers,” she told OWN Desert in Boyacá; the deep Near the land her family has regenerate the site, developing slogan of a successful campaign during a recent visit to her valleys between the Andean enjoyed for four generations a colourful and diverse food launched by the government farm near Raquira and Villa de mountains, providing the in Raquira, three years ago forest with native fruit trees, says, “the only risk is wanting Leyva, two picturesque towns perfect environment for coffee Adriana and her partner bushes, plants, herbs. to stay.”

16 Organic & Wellness News Fall 2017 Fruandes: Poster child of a sustainable social enterprise

By Adriana Michael have 1000 hectares certified organic by 2020. In 2016, Want to know how to run a Fruandes decided to move its successful organic and fair trade processing plant and offices food project in Colombia with from Bogota to Ibague, closer a real win-win outcome for to producers and the ports. the founders, small farmers, Ibague is a smaller city with importers, consumers and the lower costs to run the business environment? Meet Fruandes, and offers the team a nice one of Colombia’s three main quality of life. There are 72 producers and direct traders of full-time employees. At the tropical dried fruits. plant, 70 percent are female The project was started in workers and primary bread 2002 by Hugo Ciro, CEO of winners. Canadian firm Level Ground To better understand and Trading, and Colombian access export markets, Fruandes agronomist Giovanni Porras enjoyed assistance from the Pinilla, who met while Swiss Import Promotion Giovanni was working for an Programme (SIPPO), NGO called MENCOLDES exhibiting at Germany’s (the Mennonite Colombian BioFach trade fair under their Foundation for Social umbrella for three years. Now Development). Hugo wanted present on the ProColombia to diversify his Canadian pavilion, Fruandes continues to coffee import business, and display at BioFach every year. exotic dried fruit sounded like Fruandes achieved B a good idea. Corporation status for its “Hugo traveled to Colombia Fruandes celebrates a farmer’s gathering in Ipiales, Nariño, 2017 social and environmental to find a partner and Giovanni performance in 2013; a raised his hand,” says Javier “Business associativity the fruit and other products Model that provides support recognition that took under a Vasquez, who joined the team is a difficult concept for from small producers in in areas such as technical year to obtain, thanks to clear in 2005 and is currently their Colombians to assimilate, various locations in a country assistance, certification communication, transparency, partner and the firm’s busi- and this is a country where in the Andean highlands can training, organizational and and high-quality products that ness manager. “They shared an “organic culture” is still be a nightmare that Giovanni financial skills, and support in already met the certification a vision to export products to foreign,” says Javier. “We and Javier manage with skill. applying for funding when an requirements. complement the coffee, while embarked on a long journey, Over 50 percent of exports opportunity arises. It has been an exciting ride providing new job opportuni- traveling Colombia looking go to Canada and 25 percent Keeping an eye on funding for Fruandes, but Javier admits ties, especially for Colombian for producers with passion, to Italy. The balance is divided opportunities has been key challenges still lie ahead. “We women in rural areas, who drive, and enthusiasm.” between other countries like to the company obtaining need to grow the supplier base were affected by the civil con- Fruandes has structured an Switzerland, United States, capital. Fruandes received a to produce more organic fruit flict and came to Bogota look- associative model based on Japan, United Arab Emirates USD 75,000 Colombian and accelerate the certification ing for new opportunities.” trust that enables growers and Sweden and six percent Government Grant in 2008 process,” he says. “We also Building a business enterprise to sell crops to a company serves the local market and and had since been awarded need to increase awareness of with a strong commitment committed to buying at a fair Chile under their Fruandes further payments to help our Fruandes brand and add to helping solve social and price. “Fruandes does not own line, previously named growers. It additionally runs a new clients to the white label environmental problems in land, and we are not going JustFruit. For white label volunteer program, which has program.” Colombia is an ambitious to buy any since part of our clients, eager to be part of attracted students worldwide As to what advice he would undertaking, fraught with business model is to work with the process, Fruandes offers keen to learn how a social give to others interested in challenges, but the most and for small growers. We rely access to suppliers, fields and enterprise operates. starting a similar enterprise, significant? “Finding clients,” 100% on small producers to processing facilities, and has Currently, Fruandes works Javier advises first securing a replies Javier. “Fruandes has supply the fruit,” says Javier. an in-house team ready to with seven associations that customer and then working been able to overcome many Fruit suppliers to Fruandes help with label design and benefit 333 families. Its patiently and professionally obstacles because the project provide certified organic packaging. network of producers has to deliver what they expect. started with a customer.” banana, mango, pineapple, To help growers cope with obtained organic certification “Open your eyes to other And not just any buyer, but dragonfruit, goldenberries, the high cost of organic for over 137 Ha and recorded opportunities but never lose a business partner willing to cacao nibs and cane sugar from certification, Fruandes revenue of almost USD 2 focus of what the business is invest and take risks side by different regions of Colombia. encourages them to create or million. The company invests about – offering great products side with the management and For many entrepreneurs join associations. The company 6 % of its revenue developing to your client, with a sense of producers. coordinating logistics to gather has a Grower’s Service new suppliers and expects to fair trade.”

www.organicwellnessnews.com 17 Enjoy Peru’s Gourmet Artificial sweeteners cause weight gain

By O.W.N. News Network In the study of non-nutritive hypertension, metabolic Culinary Wonders sweeteners and cardio syndrome, type 2 diabetes A new study published in metabolic health, researchers and cardiovascular events. the Canadian Medical from the University of “Evidence from RCTs Across the Globe Association Journal (CMAJ) Manitoba, Canada reviewed does not explicitly support in July found that artificial data from 37 studies which the intended benefits of sweeteners may be doing analyzed more than 400,000 non-nutritive sweeteners for more harm than good and people for an average period weight management, and instead of helping to control of 10 years. Included were observational data suggest weight, artificial sweeteners seven random controlled that routine intake of non- may increase body mass index trials (RCTs) trials (1003 nutritive sweeteners may be (BGMI) and cardio metabolic participants; median follow- associated with increased BMI risk. up 6 months) and 30 cohort and cardio metabolic risk,” Meanwhile, stevia’s appeal studies (405,907 participants; the researchers concluded. as substitute for high-calorie “Further research is needed sugars has taken a hit after the to fully characterize the long- City of Philadelphia imposed Stevia gets hit term risks and benefits of a ‘soda tax’ on stevia. This non-nutritive sweeteners.” raised objection from the US with ‘soda tax’ In June, Food & Drug Law Natural Products Association Access said that Philadelphia over classifying stevia as an became the first major US city artificial sweetener and from median follow-up 10 years). to approve a tax on sodas and Select Ingredients the American Beverages The researchers looked at other sweetened beverages. Association. studies of non-nutritive Philadelphia’s Council added For Your Everyday Cooking Philadelphia joined sweeteners or sugar a new Chapter 19-4100 to Chicago’s Cook County by substitutes, such as aspartame, the city code, which imposes Experience also taxing beverages with sucralose and stevioside a $0.015 per fluid ounce tax non-calorific sweeteners, not that are widely consumed. on beverages and beverage just sugar-sweetened drinks. “We synthesized evidence concentrates sweetened with Eight US cities now have from prospective studies to sugar-based sweeteners or ‘soda taxes’ for sweetened determine whether routine artificial sugar substitutes beverages. consumption of non-nutritive such as stevia, saccharin, or In the CMAJ study, lead sweeteners was associated aspartame. The tax is expected author Dr Meghan Azad with long-term adverse cardio to add 18 cents to the cost of a C from the University of metabolic effects,” they said. can of soda. M Manitoba, Canada, said: “The In 30 prospective (cohort) The provision does not

Y results showed a statistically or observational studies, apply to infant formula, significant association between consumption of non-nutritive medical foods, products that CM consumption of artificial sweeteners was associated are more than 50 percent MY sweeteners and higher risks with increases in weight and milk, products that are over 50

CY of diabetes, heart disease and waist circumference, and percent fresh fruit, vegetables increased weight gain.” higher incidence of obesity, or a combination of the two. CMY

K Prebiotic inulin fibre cuts body fat

By O.W.N. News Network (>85th percentile of body mass Geoffrey A. Preidis. He is a index) but otherwise healthy. member of the AGA Center for A new study by researchers Participants were randomly Gut Microbiome Research and Maca - Yacon - Camu Camu from the University of Calgary, assigned to groups given Education scientific advisory Andean Cereals Canada, published in the either the prebiotic fiber — board. Gastroenterology journal, has “Powdered fiber, mixed in a Tubers, Legums & Veggies found that it may be possible water bottle, taken once a day Exotic Dried Fruits - Criollo Cacao to manipulate and stimulate “A prebiotic could is all we asked the children to the intestinal microbiota with change, and we got, what we Maras Pink Salt - Sauces - oils prebiotics or other agents such help combat consider, some pretty exciting andean Seasonings & Condiments as fiber to prevent or treat results — it has been fantastic,” one of the most said Raylene A. Reimer, PhD, ... obesity in overweight children. This study used prebiotic prevalent and RD, professor and researcher and much more! fiber — oligofructose-enriched at the University of Calgary’s inulin. costly conditions Faculty of Kinesiology. However, to accurately “In conclusion, supplemen- modify gut microbiota in afflicting children” tation with OI improved children with obesity little is obesity outcomes in children known about the ability of with overweight/obesity. prebiotics. “We performed a oligofructose-enriched inulin Importantly, we have shown randomized controlled trial to — or a placebo, once daily for that OI induced specific gut Manufacturing the most unique products with study the effects of prebiotics 16 weeks. The prebiotic was bacterial shifts compared with on body composition, markers provided as a white powder, placebo. The metabolic and the highest quality Since 2004 of inflammation, bile acids in mixed in water. microbial findings from this fecal samples, and composition “This is a well-designed study provide a foundation for of the intestinal microbiota in trial that demonstrates how a larger clinical trial in the Tel: +1 (905) 616-4265 / Fax: +1 (905) 248-3845 children with overweight or a prebiotic could potentially pediatric population. Prebiotics [email protected] obesity,” the researchers said. help combat one of the are inexpensive and non-inva- The study was a double- most prevalent and costly sive and, therefore, a plausible Tel: +43 2572 261526 / Fax: +43 2572 5272 blind, placebo-controlled trial conditions afflicting children dietary intervention in the [email protected] with 42 participants, children, in the developed world — overweight and obese pediat- 7 to 12 years old, who were overnutrition — by targeting ric population,” the researchers WWW.UHTCO.COM classified as overweight or obese the gut microbiome,” said Dr. said. Finished Products - Raw Materials - Product Development 18 Organic & Wellness News Fall 2017

US consumers choosing healthier snacks

By O.W.N. News Network

According to Mintel research, despite the propensity for American consumers to indulge, health plays a key role in the types of snacks consumers eat, with one-third (32 percent) saying most snacks they eat are healthy. And over one quarter (28 percent) say they are snacking on healthier foods this year than in 2016. Mintel reports that the top reason Americans say they snack is to treat themselves Nima Fotovat & Andy Van Ham showed MadeGood, Canada’s organic rice and (50 percent). More than one cocoa-based, Crispy Squares snack packs at Biofach 2017 quarter (28 percent) agree that taste is more important than innovation in the meat snacks Health Survey found that health when choosing a snack. and popcorn categories. half of American households Nearly two in five (37 Meat snacks reached an prioritise finding products percent) of consumers say estimated $3.3 billion in that are “free from artificial they snack to give themselves 2016, up 51 percent from ingredients” when grocery a break during the day and 2011, while sales of popcorn shopping. Shoppers spent 24 percent snack to relieve increased by 39 percent to US$18 billion on products that stress. What’s more, one in six reach $2.4 billion, helped advertised on their packaging a (17 percent) Americans snack by a health halo for ready- lack of artificial colours Frutelia Letellier’s Wow!Bab cereal bar, a popular baobab-based product launched today to control their weight, by the Munich-based firm at Biofach 2017 to-eat (RTE) popcorn, also “The findings converge to up from just 10 percent who due to increased flavour and unmask a potential misuse of said they snack to help them just 10 percent of Generation meaning even health-focused format innovation with sweet resources for manufacturers lose weight in 2015. X consumers (aged 41-52) snacks should appeal with popcorn flavours gaining that are looking to target However, snacks with health- and nine percent of those in messages about enjoyment popularity, Mintel says. health-conscious shoppers as related claims are among the the Baby Boomer generation and indulgence.” well as an upcoming obstacle fastest growing snack launches, (aged 53-71). Mintel says it seems opinions Free-from snacks a that will shake up a significant with low/no/reduced allergen “The importance of snacking of what constitutes a snack are grocery major trend portion of the industry,” claims accounting for 46 in America is undeniable and expanding as nearly two in According to Nielsen Insights Nielsen says. percent of total new snack it is creating more and more five (38 percent) consumers reports in May/June, growth “What we’ve seen is that product launches in the US opportunity for companies and agree that anything can be in US grocery was slow across the absence of undesirable in 2017, an increase of 30 brands as snacking frequency considered a snack and one many categories as deflation ingredients is more important percent over 2013, according increases, particularly among in seven (14 percent) say masked growth trends such than the inclusion of beneficial to the Mintel Global New younger consumers,” says Beth they are snacking on ‘less as the maturing long-term ones,” says Andrew Mandzy, Products Database (GNPD). Bloom, associate director of traditional’ snack foods, such shift toward fresh food and director of strategic insights of Younger consumers US Food and Drink Reports as sandwiches and cereal. consumers relentless focus on health and wellness at Nielsen. are leading the snacking at Mintel. Sales of salty snacks have transparency, deep discounters’ Nielsen’s research shows revolution as Millennials (aged “While health is a factor for grown 30 percent since store brands and healthy snacks that 8 percent of American 23-40) are the most likely to consideration in food and 2011, reaching an estimated promoting free-from artificial households follow low calorie snack four or more times per drink decisions, the majority US$11.2 billion in 2016, with ingredients and colours. diets, but Mandzy points day (25 percent), compared to of snackers do so for a treat, growth primarily driven by Nielsen’s Homescan Shopper out that the balance of WE TAKE ORGANIC GLOBAL

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By O.W.N. News Network Rainforest Alliance standard, Once the two organizations will utilize the respective have merged, Han de Groot, Te Rainforest Alliance and strengths of the current current executive director of UTZ, two of the world’s leading Sustainable Agriculture UTZ, will be the CEO of sustainability certification Network (SAN) and UTZ the Rainforest Alliance. Nigel organizations, announced in standards while incorporating Sizer, current president of the June 2017 their intention to a single auditing process for Rainforest Alliance, will take merge later this year with the certificate holders. on the role of Chief Program new organization to be named “As a result, it will be an Officer, Advocacy, Landscapes Spotted at Expo West 2017: Pamela’s gluten-free non-GMO Cranberry the Rainforest Alliance. easier path for companies to and Livelihoods. Orange Oat Up Bar A statement from Rainforest achieve proven sustainability Fairtrade International con- ingredients often outweighs corn syrup could be listed on Alliance said: “It will create certification, allowing gratulated Rainforest Alliance the significance of caloric data. an ingredient panel. a single global certification them to drive innovation and UTZ on their merger, in He suggests there’s an Next summer, labels will have standard that will simplify throughout their supply chains. particular, for further lessen- opportunity with items that to clearly print “includes Xg certification for farmers and Streamlining the certification ing of compliance and auditing process will also help the demands for farmers and work- can advertise the ingredients Added Sugars” directly beneath empower companies to build more responsible supply chains, 182,000 cocoa, coffee, and tea ers currently certified under the which it does not have the listing for “Total Sugars,” more efficiently. It will also farmers currently certified under two schemes. (free-from) that should be according to FDA.gov. The work to expand advocacy efforts both standards and new farmers “On behalf of the entire taken advantage of at every plain, numerical description and through new partnerships alike to invest more efficiently Fairtrade system, I want to opportunity. will add transparency to ensure conservation of entire in sustainability, avoiding a congratulate everyone in both The FDA will be rolling out products that may alter the landscapes in priority regions double administrative load of Rainforest Alliance and UTZ, new nutrition label changes opinion of even established from India to Indonesia, and working with two standards wishing them great success over in July 2018 that hamper consumers who once regularly Guatemala to Ghana. and certification systems,” the coming months as they manufacturers’ ability to hide purchased them. “Te future Rainforest Rainforest Alliance said. integrate their operations. I ingredients behind a cloak of “Consumers care about sugar Alliance will help ensure that “Adopting the name ‘Rain- would like to reiterate our synonyms. content,” Mr Mandzy says more products are responsibly forest Alliance; helps retain interest and willingness to Nielsen found that 22 percent while discussing snacks like sourced, helping farmers and well-established engagement work closely with the new of Americans are trying to granola bars, which can contain companies meet the growing with consumers. By organization to improve the decrease their sugar intake a deceptive amount of added demand for products with combining forces, the two livelihoods of workers and and utilizing the product sugar. “Either consumers will sustainable credentials.” NGOs will provide a leading farmers across different supply data refinery platform Label buy less of the category, they’ll Te future sustainability platform to help increase chains,” said Dario Soto-Abril, Insight, it determined that shift their brand, or just leave standard, a single certification demand for responsibly Global CEO of Fairtrade 206 variations of high fructose the category all together.” program known as the sourced products. International. Researchers say pure oats safe for celiac sufferers

By O.W.N. News Network consumed for 12 months. also help them follow a better amounts of the gluten protein patients with celiac disease was More studies are needed to gluten-free diet and have a in wheat, barley and rye can published more than 50 years In a systematic review and see whether so-called pure higher quality of life. trigger an immune response ago. Since then, the addition meta-analysis of 28 previous oats available in the real Celiac disease is an that damages the intestines of oats to a gluten-free diet studies, researchers have found world don’t provoke celiac autoimmune disorder that and over time can lead to has remained clouded in that people with celiac disease symptoms. If proven safe, oats malnutrition, osteoporosis, controversy,” she said in an must avoid most grains, but could provide celiac sufferers chronic inflammation and a email. oats may be an exception that some of the benefits of eating “Oats, compared variety of other problems. “In our study, we found no is safe, so long as the oats are grains that they miss out on People with celiac disease evidence that addition of oats uncontaminated by traces of following a gluten-free diet, to other cereals, are also at heightened risk of to a gluten-free diet affects other grains. researchers said. are a source of heart disease, and some recent symptoms or activates celiac In the study, published in “Oats, compared to other research suggests that might disease. However, there were the journal Gastroenterology, cereals, are a source of high- high-quality be in part because avoiding few studies in some of the online, April 18, 2017, quality proteins, vitamins, and gluten causes them to miss analyses, the quality of the researchers concluded that minerals and they improve proteins, vitamins, out on the heart-protective studies was low and most there was no evidence that palatability and the texture benefits of eating whole grains. were conducted outside of addition of oats to a gluten-free of gluten-free food,” said and minerals and Oats don’t contain the same North America,” Dr. Verdu diet (GFD) affects symptoms, study co-author Dr. Elena celiac-provoking protein said. histology, immunity, or F. Verdu. a gastroenterology they improve found in other grains, the Contamination with other serologic features of patients researcher at the Farncombe study team said. However, Dr. cereal sources that may with celiac disease. Family Digestive Health palatability and Verdu told Reuters that issues contain gluten needs to be The researchers looked at Research Institute, McMaster had been raised regarding avoided, and the purity of oats eight of the studies that were University in Hamilton, the texture of potential adverse reactions to will depend on the country of controlled clinical trials; the rest Canada. oats by celiac patients, and this origin and local regulations. were observational. Six of the Dr. Verdu told Reuters that gluten-free food,” has reduced the enthusiasm of “We were surprised to see controlled studies comprising for a person diagnosed with adding oats to the gluten-free that most recommendations 661 patients were randomized celiac disease, adding oats to affects roughly one of every diet in many cases. in North America are still controlled trials that used a gluten-free diet could not 100 people in the US. For “The first study suggesting based on studies performed in pure/uncontaminated oats, only increase food options but sufferers, consuming even trace that oats may be harmful to Europe,” she added. www.organicwellnessnews.com 21 BITE Another startup was the best fine chocolate brand who achieved the organic Zone at Bite Copenhagen. (Continued from page 1) Plantemageren which in the world and is highly cuisine Bronze label - meaning The objective of this project to presented an exquisite line of appreciated in Scandinavia. In 30-60 % of ingredients are bring to kitchens in the food exceptional support from both 11 organic dressing sauces, September, it will increase its organic- and in a record service sector increased use of food industry professionals and developed with 130 certified presence in Denmark with a period of three months. They organic ingredients, and more gastronomic enthusiasts. We organic herbs, many of which new distribution structure and have also become ambassadors innovation and sustainable are experiencing a very strong are cultivated by the company. management. of the organic movement, solutions to local and global interest in the new B2B food Among the more established All stands at Bite Copenhagen sharing their experience with food challenges. exhibition,” advised Director of enterprises was Meijnerts were entirely sold out. A other hotels, restaurants and Bite Copenhagen also hosted Exhibitions at BC Hospitality Mølle, a seventh-generation waiting list of interested cafes. Street Food Denmark, which Group, Malina Lebrecht Hye, family-owned milling business exhibitors was already open The Økopris was created by delighted visitors with food before the opening. that for the past 40 years for next year’s event even Organic Denmark to recognize trucks, street food stands Danish exhibitors included the innovative firm “Sparkling tea,” which aims to become a premium low alcohol drink (4,4%). Ingredients include high-quality organic teas, with crisp notes of jasmine and chamomile, citrus and green tea, or hibiscus and red berries from all over the world. “We put the Asian tea tradition into an innovative Nordic way,” said co-founder Bo Pacari Chocolate founder Santiago Peralta with team at Pacari Denmark Christian Vejlund Exhibition Manager Bite Copenhagen Sten Hansen, a professional in the financial sector, supplies only organic flour, before the launch. “This first the work of those committed and a series of talks by food who partnered with Jacob bread mixes, and soon will edition has been successful to increasing organic food visionaries. Kochemba, an award-winning add baked goods and fresh so far in reaching our and meals in the food service Bite Copenhagen is an Sommelier with over 20 years produce to its assortment for target goals,” said Christian sector. Organic Denmark is initiative of BC Hospitality of experience in the restaurant retailers and the food service. Vejlund, Bite Copenhagen an association of over 200 Group, one of Denmark’s business. Sparkling tea is being An international Exhibition Manager. “We are organic companies, farmers largest companies in the delivered to six Michelin star exhibitor present at the looking forward to a more and other players involved hospitality and events sectors, Danish restaurants, and there fair was Ecuador’s Pacari international impact for next in the growth of the organic who worked in conjunction are already some business Chocolate, winner of several year’s edition.” market in the Scandinavian with the Danish Ministry opportunities identified in international awards for its During Bite Copenhagen, the country. Organic Denmark of Environment and Food. Norway, Sweden, a German high quality, innovation, and Økopris 2017 was granted to and the Copenhagen The 2nd edition of Bite hotel chain, and a hotel in accomplishments as a social Comwell Hotels, Café Vesterå Hospitality College were also Copenhagen will take place Dubai, UAE. enterprise. Pacari is considered and The Balcony restaurant, involved in the Innovation on August 30-31, 2018. World Food Summit returns to Copenhagen

By Claudia Vasquez and local partnerships between A Potluck Dinner for citizens, all levels of government and a Case Competition for The 2nd edition of the World the private sector. students, EMBLA - a prize Food Summit – Better Food The Danish Ministry of for innovators, and an Official for Better People took place in Environment and Food, led by Dinner for the delegates were the Danish capital on August Minister Esben Lunde Larsen, part of an ambitious and exciting agenda. The Summit and Bite Copenhagen took place during the Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival, an established 10-day event that attracts over 80,000 attendees to enjoy food related activities. Denmark has become one of the world’s top destinations for premier foods prepared by talented chefs who work with artisans and large-scale producers to obtain high- quality end products. The Danish Minister of Environment and Food Esben Lunde Larsen greeting delegates results consistently push the at the 2nd World Food Summit. Credit sning Minister Esben Lunde Larsen presenting Organic Denmark’s Økopris 2017 boundaries of innovation, talks and debates between will guide the better food for 24-25, 2017. Copenhagen hosted the two-day Summit. taste, and sustainability. international business persons, more people movement to welcomed over 200 top national Activities included several The Summit and Bite politicians, and gastronomic achieve as much influence as and international leaders in discussions, presentations, Copenhagen aim to become frontrunners.” possible. business, gastronomy, science, field trips and the launch of a driving force within the The Danish government is By connecting, reflecting policy, and opinion. Bite Copenhagen, the new gastronomic movement, extending the World Food and strengthening the food The VIP participants were B2B international food fair and want to offer the world Summit with “a Global industry across regional and eager to discuss practical where innovation, nutrition, increased knowledge regarding Strategic Partnership to national borders, the World solutions to the global and sustainability go hand in better food and meals . The ensure engagement of all Food Summit and Bite challenges related to food hand. The four main themes of Summit will play an active players: countries, megacities, Copenhagen will provide a information and access, food this year’s summit were Better role in providing “a bridge companies, committed to platform for new (sustainable) safety, and waste. The work was Information, Safer Food, Food between politics, inspiration addressing the food challenges business opportunities.” Next aimed toward setting targets for Diversity and Prevention of and the development of of global relevance. The year the events are scheduled action through international Food Waste. future solutions through Global Strategic Partnership for August 30-31, 2018. 22 Organic & Wellness News Fall 2017 Copenhagen and Malmo supermarkets are naturally organic

By Warren Beaumont SuperBrugsen is owned by including overhead boards Coop Danmark, the largest with conventional and organic Copenhagen challenges bigger retailer of consumer goods in groceries and fresh foods on cities such as London for the the country and a cooperative display. breadth of its organic and owned by over 1.4 million Bergendahls Green whole food offer. Shoppers members, and a turnover of Matmarknad or green can find organics in produce, around DKK50 billion. Coop supermarket at Vastra packaged groceries, food also operates the retail chains Hamnen is a medium-sized to go or eat in across many Kvickly, Dagli’Brugsen, Coop. organic food store with great different retail outlets such as dk Shopping and subsidiaries, atmosphere, featuring little whole food bakeries, raw and discounter Fakta A/S (which overhead category sign boards vegan bars, natural cosmetic sells organic produce) and Irma and blackboards, an internal shops, convenient stores and A/S. In 2016, Coop launched sit-down café/restaurant area health food stores. And at its new online store, Coop.dk in the center of the shop its impressive supermarkets, MAD, offering 8,000 different and extensive deli sections. organic foods are central to the products. Fruit and vegetables are offer, not peripheral as in many Health food and vegan Brugsen supermarket, Copenhagen. 70-80 percent organic due to countries. stores in Copenhagen include seasonal availability. The Danish capital is Helsemin, Naturbutik, and ICA Gruppen, the biggest with M.A.T./CityGross Coop Nara at Central home to the world’s second Den Veganske Butik. Helsemin food chain in Sweden with supermarkets (organic up 38 Station, more like a oldest and Denmark’s oldest has 14 health food stores and around 1,300 stores and a percent). convenience store, stocks some supermarket, Irma, owned by the one I visited stocked small market share of around 40 per Västra Hamnen, the Western organics in grocery categories Coop and recently announced SKUs in most categories but cent (2016), also franchises Harbour, is one of Malmö’s and fruit and vegetables that 31 percent of all food was packed with a broad range and sells to independent ICA largest residential construction attractively merchandised. sold is organic, with the retailer of professionally merchandised retailers. ICA Gruppen’s sales projects and a national A larger Coop Extra visited targeting a 50 per cent share health foods, supplements, were SEK7.4 billion in 2016, showcase for sustainable urban in the city was a traditional, over the next ten years. vitamins and herbal remedies, up 15 percent (organic sales up development. supermarket with reasonable Irma City at 24 Borgergade is along with organic cosmetics 25 percent). Located here is the ICA ranges in organic grocery a modern, upmarket store with and snacks and chocolate Other main supermarket Maxi Stormarknad, featuring including private organic label, excellent merchandising and brands. retailers include Coop a warehouse style interior with KRAV-labelled foods such as layout. It carries many certified (organic sales up 13.5 percent a supermarket on one side in fruit and vegetables, with an organic lines across food Malmo is Sweden’s in 2016), Axfood with and household goods on the EKO section showing organic categories, a high concentration first Fairtrade city Hemkop stores (organic up other. The supermarket offers groceries, tea, chocolates, and of organic fruit and 33 percent); and Bergendahls excellent category signage superfoods. vegetables and features a strong selection of foods under its own Irma brand. Fotex is expanding its Føtex Food stores and the Kristen Bernikows Gade small supermarket stocked well to reasonable ranges of certified organic food with the Danish Okologisk label prominently displayed in organic fruit and vegetables. It also stocks a wide variety of 15-16 November 2017 household goods such as clothing, cosmetics, and electronic equipment. Fotex is operated by Dansk Supermarked Bergendahls’ Green Matmarknad ‘green Group, which has more supermarket’, Vastra Hamnen, Malmo. Dedicated to all things than 1,400 stores in four countries, several successful Danish e-commerce A short train trip from businesses and employs Copenhagen over the Öresund natural... more than 50,000 people bridge is Malmo, the venue Natural Products Scandinavia is the only Nordic The natural choice for: internationally. Dansk also for the Natural Products trade event for natural living. This is an essential operates Bilka hypermarkets Scandinavia show co-located industry event for trade buyers in the healthy living, ORGANIC and Netto discount stores in with Nordic Organic Food nutrition, natural beauty and self-care sectors. NATURAL Germany, Poland and Sweden. Fair, a city with an emerging Co-located with the Nordic Organic Food Fair, FREE-FROM SuperBrugsen is Denmark’s food scene and award-winning the combined shows will host over 400 exhibiting ETHICAL largest supermarket chain restaurants. companies and showcase thousands of natural and VEGAN with medium to large- certified organic products. If you are a trade buyer Swedish supermarkets have SUSTAINABLE sized stores, setting high increased ranges of certified looking for new natural brands and product ECO FRIENDLY standards of merchandising organic food and healthier innovations, find your next best-seller with VEGETARIAN with comprehensive ranges private labels. A recent study thousands of products all under one roof. of certified organic brands, found that 32 per cent of food including Coop private labels, purchased in Sweden’s public Join the conversation | #NPS17 www.naturalproductsscandinavia.com in a shopper-friendly layout. sector is organic. www.organicwellnessnews.com 23 Organic retail boom in France

By Warren Beaumont market in Europe in value for consumption of certified Organic consumption in organic food products, with France has shown robust one billion euro of sales growth over the last decade growth since 2015 and had a with sales by specialist bio higher, 21.8 per cent growth stores, hypermarkets and in organics from 2014 to supermarkets, and the food 2016, compared to Germany’s service showing exceptional 14.2 percent growth, Natexbio double-digit growth since says. 2014. The French market Additionally, imports of is outperforming Europe’s organic products sold in number one organic market, France accounted for 24 Germany. percent. Investments registered In 2016, the value of purchases by organic food companies of foodstuffs from organic had grown by 50 per cent agriculture was estimated since 2015, 90 percent of at EUR7.147 billion, with organic cosmetic companies EUR 6.736 billion spent for introduced new products in home consumption (+ 21.7 2015; while there was an 11 Carrefour now has 15 Bio stores. Organic produce at the Bio-Boulogne outlet per cent compared to 2015). percent increase in organic AgenceBio figures reveal that industry recruitment since Union. And 43 percent of stronger domestic demand. BIO/CSA agency, nearly 9 the food service reported 2013, according to Natexbio. the remaining imports consist Wine represented two-thirds out of 10 French (89 percent) EUR411 million of purchases Analyzing data for imports of exotic products (bananas, of French organic product people consumed organic of organic products excluding and exports of organic cocoa, coffee) or purely exports in value; other sectors products in 2016, almost 7 VAT, and including EUR229 products for 2016, 71 percent Mediterranean foods (olives, such as groceries posted export in 10 (69 per cent) say they million in HT catering (+ 5% of the products consumed citrus), as France produces growth. regularly consume organics at vs 2015), and 182 million in the country were locally very few such products. least once a month; and 15 per excluding VAT in commercial sourced. Exports of organic products Organics/Bio are popular cent every day. In 2003, 46 catering (+ 10% vs 2015). Among the imports of from France in 2016 recorded with French consumers per cent of French consumers In 2016 France was the organics, half come from other a 14 percent growth to According to the latest 2016 never ate organic products. second largest organic countries of the European US$629 million, despite figures from the Barometer “This development takes

CHIA WORLD CHIA drink brand launches into Australia and Asia New Zealand company “We realized that there batteries in the office giving the products. They are also CHIA + Awaka launched an was nothing that could be you energy and sustenance shipping to Singapore, innovative range of nutrient- considered a real food, or a through the day, and is also Malaysia, and China. rich CHIA beverages into the natural drink on the market for students and children who The CHIA beverages are Australian market in early for a sports person,” Ms. Van will benefit from Omega 3 and 100% Natural, Vegan, Free 2017 and is moving towards Dyke said. sustained energy without the from Gluten, GE, preservatives, 100 per cent sourcing of “There is a growing trend sugar hits.” and from added sugar. organic chia. towards eating real whole The CHIA range of beverages “CHIA provides a vegetarian The beverage brand, known foods. Many drinks advertised contain real fruit and come form of omega 3, magnesium, as CHIA, got off the ground for sports recovery are in 275ml glass bottles with calcium, iron, potassium and in New Zealand in 2012 after simply sugar with salt and five flavours or varieties: naturally occurring electro- its founder, Chloe Van Dyke, potassium added for the CHIA Orange passion fruit; lytes. CHIA is rich in both a neuroscience graduate and electrolytes. Besides this, they CHIA Blackcurrant; CHIA soluble and insoluble fiber, health and wellness expert, usually have artificial colours, Blueberry; CHIA Coconut important for blood sugar reg- saw a need for an endurance/ and flavours added (not what water and mango (new); and ulation and digestion.” recovery drink for athletes. your body needs after a hard CHIA founder Chole Van Dyke. CHIA Feijoa and pink guava The company currently Chloe›s father and sister are training session or sporting (new). sources its chia seed from a mix competitive athletes – her event).” superfood with an amazing Sales have been growing of Australian GM-free seeds sister is a triathlete competing Through years of researching profile. It soon became evident strongly in Australia. Now and certified organic seeds at the world championships, nutritionally rich foods that CHIA was not just for Asia is the target. Park from Paraguay. “Our goal is to and her dad is a Masters Ms. Van Dyke found that athletes. n Shop supermarkets in become certified organic,” Ms. Swimmer world champion. chia seeds were a complete “CHIA will recharge your Hong Kong have stocked Van Dyke says. CHIA ORURO®* CONTRACT YOUR

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Authorized for placing in the +33 (0)5 34 27 26 63 • Reduces the field-to-shelf carbon European market, 22 February 2016 footprint 24 Organic & Wellness News Fall 2017 place in a context where the French are emphasizing French Specialist Bio stores outpace larger chains the preservation of the environment in their acts of By Warren Beaumont purchase (92 per cent vs. 89 per cent in 2015 vs. 67% in French specialist Bio stores 2007),” the Barometer says. had a higher (20 percent-plus) “Bio answers their sales growth and market share expectations with an in organic grocery and fruits agricultural future, based on and vegetables compared to the respect of environmental, the hypermarket/supermarket animal welfare, promoting channel in 2016, a trend that employment and regional has continued since 2011. development.” Outside the large retail groups Looking at organic Carrefour and Casino, which consumption by product for also have bio store banners, 2016, more than half of the France had 2,606 organic sales value of organic products specialist shops in 2016 and was fresh produce, with an increased the organic sales area increase of 33 per cent vs. 2015. by 49,214 square meters to Grocery stores continued to 561,732, compared to 2015, record the highest growth of while the average floor space/ the organic sector with 24 points of sale for organics was per cent growth, as in 2015; 215.8 square meters, Natexbio organic meat had strong 10 said. And last year, net profit percent growth, while seafood for organic specialists was +4.1 Monoprix’s new Naturalia vegan store in Paris showed 7 per cent growth and percent in 2015, better than dairy 17 percent. conventional retailers. than convenience formats,” organic label, called Carrefour launches vegan organic stores According to AgenceBio, Carrefour told Organic & Bio distributed throughout Groupe Casino, the other sales of fruits and vegetables Wellness News. our physical formats, with over leading hypermarket/ The French and grocery products have “Regarding Greenweez, our 800 SKUs.” supermarket retailer in maintained market share of online organic retailer, it In France, we have 15 France with stores that have market is almost 44 percent to specialized carries the most organic SKUs Carrefour Bio stores to date good ranges of organic food distribution through bio stores with more than 20,000k. Our (the last opened in Menton). and products, operates food outperforming and 37 percent of all organic Carrefour Bio banner, which Carrefour aims to have 159 banners such as Monoprix/ products, with direct sales is a convenience format, offers Carrefour Bio stores operating Monop, Casino Supermarkets, Europe's number from producer to consumer over 5,000 SKUs. We have by 2021. Géant Casino and Franprix. (13%) and artisans or traders also developed our private Monoprix’s Naturalia See BIO on page 26 one organic (5%). “Specialised distribution of market, Germany. organic products remains the most dynamic with a growth “The radius of the dry food is rate of nearly 24 per cent, particularly dynamic including with the opening of new stores the success of the bulk of and the increase of the average breakfast cereals, puffed basket,” AgenceBio says. pancakes and accompanying Direct selling had a slightly cereals,” AgenceBio says. slower pace (+15%) due to Figures for organics in 2016 adverse weather conditions show that sector growth in the production in 2016 continued in the provision and high demand in long of employment, the number marketing channels. of organic operators, and in Organic food growth jumps certified organic acreage. for Carrefour The biological activity Carrefour, the major (production, processing, and hypermarket/supermarket distribution) concerned in group in France for organic 2016 about 118 000 direct food sales, has around jobs, with an average annual 20 percent market share. growth of 8.4 percent per year Carrefour reported in its for four years. group’s 2016 full year sales The number of operators presentation that organic food continues to increase. At the sales in 2016 had +32 percent end of 2016, 47,104 operators sales growth. (producers, processors, Carrefour operates store distributors, and importers) banners such as Carrefour were engaged in organic Market, Carrefour Express, production, an increase of leading online organic food nearly 10 per cent compared retailer Green Weez.co, and to 2015. Carrefour Bio in France, and And Bio crossed the symbolic Carrefour banners in Belgium, threshold of 5 per cent of Spain, Brazil, China and many the Utilized Agricultural Area other countries. It reported net of France, while 1,538,047 sales of EUR70.204 billion in hectares were engaged by 2016. organic methods in 2016, “On average, our hypermarkets an increase of 17 percent carry more organic SKUs than compared to 2015. supermarkets and supermarkets carry more organic SKUs www.organicwellnessnews.com 25 BIO French organic natural health food retailers Monoprix is Casino’s in France for 25 years and (Continued from page 25) downtown brand and has a now offers around 2,200 Number of presence in more than 250 organic references, including Groupe Casino also has outlets cities in France through its 460 from the Monoprix Bio the specialist organic banner Biocoop cooperative 431 six brands. A subsidiary of brand. Naturalia, which started in the Casino group, Monoprix “Monoprix wishes to offer Paris in 1973 and became Biomonde cooperative group 190 operated 763 stores as at June, its customers an ever more part of Monoprix in 2008. La Vie Claire 265 30th (including Naturalia relevant organic offer and In June 2017, it opened three banners), with a workforce anticipate consumer trends new Naturalia Vegan organic Natureo +40 of 21,000. For the second on eating well and better and and 100 per cent vegan Bio c’ Bon 100 quarter of 2017, it had gross knows it can also count on supermarkets in Paris and sales of EUR1.110 billion. its organic specialist store, Vincennes that only sell organic farming,” the retailer says. of the environment, direct Second quarter 2017 sales for Naturalia, to meet the growing and vegetable products. The Naturalia launched its first communication on labels and Monoprix were the strongest demand for organic products,” new stores doubled the vegan eco-concept-store in the heart organic products, fruits and for Casino in France, with an the retailer said. product offer. of Paris in 2016, featuring vegetables in the heart of the acceleration in same store sales And in September 2016, “NATURALIA Vegan is the around 2,000 products made store, accessible food shelves, to 3.6 percent and customer major food retailer Groupe first store to offer 2000 daily with 100 percent vegetables. intuitive and palatable.” traffic up 3.5 per cent, with Auchan opened its second vegetable products, with a The retailer says the new store, Naturalia opened 20 new online sales showing double- Cœur de nature (‘Heart of selection of quality, respecting “redefines the values of the stores in 2016 with another 20 digit growth. Nature’) store in the heart of the environment and the meat- local organic grocery store, expected to launch in 2017, In October 2016, Monoprix Paris, specializing in products free culture, guaranteeing with raw materials, a design operates 147 outlets and has said it has been a major for 100 per cent organic all the benefits of organic which is always respectful seven franchises. player in the bio industry consumption. Natexpo 2017 reflects healthy French market

By Warren Beaumont best innovations of the organic growing organic markets in you need local distribution. buyers from all over the world. market.” Europe with a significant It is interesting to talk to Natexpo is also the showcase Industry confidence in the The show is divided into interest in innovations, in store managers as they give for health foods and dietary French organic and natural Organic food and wine; Health particular for the organic critical feedback about how supplements. In 2016, dietary products market is highly food and dietary supplements; vegan range. “There are plenty products are perceived at the supplements in France positive approaching the 2017 Cosmetics and hygiene; of opportunities at Natexpo consumer’s level,” he said. recorded a 5.3 per cent growth edition of Natexpo, the French Ingredients and raw materials bi-annual international trade – new in 2017; Services and show for organic products, equipment for retail – new helped by a record-breaking in 2017; and Household and 800 plus exhibitors taking personal products and services. space (580 in 2015), new The organizers said that the exhibition sectors and special introduction of ingredients and events, and with over 12,000 raw materials responded to a visitors expected. combination of both increased Natexpo 2017 will be held consumption and – logically 22 to 24 October 2017 at – production increases that the Paris-Nord Villepinte made it necessary to provide exhibition center. It is the industry professionals with a only international trade event complete offer. in France dedicated to the President of bio distributors organic sector. group Natexbio and managing director of retailer La Vie Claire, Benoit Soury A specialist bio expressed his approval: “It is an excellent idea to offer people At the Natexpo 2017 launch in Nuremberg (L to R) Patricia Berthomier-massip of Spas Expo, Benoit Soury of Natexbio, shop opens every the chance to discover or develop & Valerie Lemant of Spas Expo their knowledge of materials two days in or IT solutions connected to but only if you collaborate The international area of over 2015. Over 100 suppliers our profession. This can only with well introduced local the event is up 60 percent from France and abroad will France enhance the show’s offering and trade partners and if you compared to the previous exhibit in the Health Food make it more productive.” understand the French way of edition of Natexpo. Countries and Dietary Supplements Munich-based Frederick doing business,” he said. being welcomed for the sector. “Natexpo accelerates organic Letellier, managing director Present at the Canadian first time this year include The Organic Cosmetics and trends on a high-potential of Frutelia & Letellier, Organic Trade Association Morocco, South Korea, Hygiene sectors at Natexpo market: with an organic participated at Natexpo 2015 booth in 2015 was Yannick Austria, and Lithuania, while are 20 per cent larger this industry in France posting on the booth of its French Dheilly, Trade Commissioner The Netherlands and Canada, year, while the French organic growth of 22 per cent in 2016, wholesaler. “Natexpo (Agriculture, Agrifood, among others, decided to cosmetics market grew by 12 France is the most dynamic 2015 was definitively very Fisheries, Environment) at the organise pavilions. per cent in 2015. According market in Europe and the interesting. We had plenty of Canadian Embassy, Paris. A specialist bio shop opens to the Agence BIO/CSA second largest by value,” retailer visitors. Most French Mr. Dheilly said he was every two days in France. Barometer 2017, 43 per cent said show organizer Spas wholesalers were exhibiting so happy with the quality of “What is remarkable is the of French people bought this Organisation. that it was quite easy to find the buyers at the 2015 event. strength of specialist bio type of product in 2016, “Twenty percent of a way to them and we could “Although the show is focussed retailers who are the pioneers compared with 24 per cent exhibitors are international, introduce our wow!bab cereal on the French market, it is an and remain the more dynamic in 2013. and more than 26 countries bars on the French market. excellent opportunity to meet retailers in the French Special events and displays are represented at Natexpo This time we will have our own with potential distributors, distribution network,” said the include the First Organic 2017 bringing together an wow!bab booth to introduce customers (chains) and organizers. Ingredient Forum; the extensive range of products, our sprouted mueslis to the store managers. Organic The exhibition also offers New Products Gallery; the services, and raw materials in French market,” he said. distribution and retailing are the organisation one-to-one Cosmetics Innovations Village six areas and ten features to Mr. Letellier observed France well structured in France, so business meetings to enable Feature; and the Economic allow visitors to discover the is currently one of the strongest buyers are easy to identify, but its exhibitors to meet major Forum seminar. 26 Organic & Wellness News Fall 2017 Calendar 2017 - 2018 SEPTEMBER 26-27 28-NOV1 24-25 MARCH NATURAL COSMETICS SALON DU CHOCOLAT ECOCITYEXPO 2017 3-5 CONFERENCE Paris, France Moscow, Russian Federation 6-9 SPECIALTY & FINE FOOD FAIR Berlin, Germany www.salon-du-chocolat.com www.ecogorod-expo.ru/en/ FOODEX JAPAN London, United Kingdom www.naturkosmetik- Makuhari, Japan 28-30 www.specialityandfinefoodfairs. branchenkongress.de/en/ NOVEMBER NEW www.jma.or.jp/foodex/en/ co.uk 26-27 6-8 SUSTAINABLE FOODS SUMMIT 7-11 5-6 THE TAKEAWAY & RESTAURANT SUSTAINABLE SINGAPORE NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO WEST VITAFOODS ASIA INNOVATION EXPO COSMETICS Anaheim, United States Sands Expo & Convention Center, London, United Kingdom SUMMIT www.expowest.com Singapore www.takeawayexpo.co.uk/ www.vitafoodsasia.com 16-19 27-29 www.sustainablefoodssummit. COSMOPROF WORLDWIDE Paris, France 5-7 EXPOALIMENTARIA com/asia BOLOGNA www.sustainablecosmetics IFOAM 11TH EUROPEAN ORGANIC Lima, Peru Bologna, Italy summit.com 28-30 CONGRESS www.expoalimentariaperu.com/ FI NI EUROPE www.cosmoprof.com Tallinn, Estonia 29-OCT1 8-9 Frankfurt, Germany www.organic-congress-ifoameu. BIOCULTURA VALENCIA SUSTAINABLE CLEANING www.figlobal.com/fieurope/ APRIL org Valencia, Spain PRODUCTS 22-23 8-11 www.biocultura.org/ SUMMIT NATURAL & ORGANIC PRODUCTS SANA 2018 EUROPE Bologna, Italy OCTOBER JANUARY ExCeL London www.sana.it Paris, France 1 21-23 London, United Kingdom www.sustainablecleaning 11-14 BIO SUD GERMANY WINTER FANCY FOOD SHOW www.naturalproducts.co.uk/ summit.com FINE FOOD AUSTRALIA Augsburg, Germany San Francisco, United States www.biosued.de Sydney, Australia 9-11 www.specialtyfood.com MAY www.finefoodaustralia.com.au 4-6 25-28 HI JAPAN 2-4 13-15 GUELPH ORGANIC CONFERENCE Tokyo “Big Sight” Exhibition BIOFACH INDIA SIAL CANADA FI ASIA THAILAND Guelph University Center Center, West Halls 1, 3, 4 and Co-located with Montreal, Canada Bangkok, Thailand Guelph, Ontario, Canada Atrium INDIA ORGANIC www.sialcanada.com www.figlobal.com/asia-thailand/ www.guelphorganicconf.ca/ Tokyo, Japan Delhi, India 15-17 www.biofach-india.com 14-16 www.hijapan.info/eng/ 26-28 VITAFOODS INTERNATIONAL 5-7 9-12 THE MEXICAN HEALTHY Geneva, Switzerland NEW BIOFACH AMERICA BIOCULTURA MADRID PRODUCTS SUMMIT www.vitafoods.eu.com Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Baltimore Convention Center, FLEP - LATIN AMERICAN Madrid, Spain 24-26 Baltimore, United States SHOWCASE FOR ECO-PRODUCTS www.biocultura.org www.healthyproductssummit.com www.biofach-america.com AND ECO-SERVICES Medellin, Colombia 15-16 FEBRUARY BIOFACH CHINA 14-17 www.flep.com.co/en NATURAL PRODUCTS 7-9 Shanghai, China CHFA EXPO EAST SCANDINAVIA FRUITLOGISTICA www.biofach-china.com Toronto, Canada 7-11 Co-located with Berlin, Germany www.chfa.ca ANUGA Cologne, Germany NORDIC ORGANIC www.fruitlogistica.de/en/ AUGUST FOOD FAIR 18-20 www.anuga.com 14-17 Mässgatan 6 Malmö, Sweden 30-31 16-18 215 32 BITE COPENHAGEN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SUMMIT ESCA BONA MalmöMässan, Sweden BIOFACH co-located with the LATIN AMERICAN EDITION Austin, Texas, United States www.naturalproductsscandinavia. Nürnberg, Germany WORLD FOOD FORUM- Sao Paulo, Brazil www.escabona.com com www.biofach.de/en Better Food for Better People www.sustainablefoodssummit. www.bitecopenhagen.dk com/lamerica/ 19-21 24-15 18-22 PMA FRESH SUMMIT IFOAM 4TH ORGANIC GULFOOD 30-SEPT 1 21 New Orleans, United States PROCESSING CONFERENCE Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) 21TH CIHIE-INTL ORGANIC FOOD NEXT ORGANIC BERLIN www.pma.com/events/ Sevilla, Spain www.gulfood.com INDUSTRY EXPO Berlin, Germany freshsummit http://www.ifoam-eu.org/en/ Bejing, China www.nextorganic.de/ 22-25 22-44 www.chinaexhibition.com events/4th-organic-processing- CHFA WEST 25-29 conference Vancouver, Canada SUPPLY SIDE WEST NATEXPO www.chfa.ca/en/chfa-west/ Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Paris, France www.west.supplysideshow.com www.natexpo.com

Dates may change without notice. For a complete list visit www.organicwellnessnews.com

www.natexpo.comBADGEYOUR FREE 22-24 OCT. 2017 The unique BtoB trade show based in France and dedicated to the organic products ON FRANCE: Second European Organic Market

• 800 exhibitors within 6 areas: Organic Food and Wines, Cosmetics and Hygiene products, Health Food and Dietary Supplements, Paris Nord Villepinte France Household and Personal Products and Services, Ingredients and Raw Materials, Services and Equipment for Retail • Discover the best innovations: the Natexpo Awards and the New Product Gallery Accelerating Organic Trends • Events & Special areas such as: Organic Cookery Workshop, Dietary Supplements Area, Organic Trends Forum, A SHOW BY ORGANISED BY Cosmetics Innovations Village… www.natexpo.com www.organicwellnessnews.com 27 Sustainable Food Summits raising awareness & standards

By Warren Beaumont poverty, and social inequality. that the summits have what these green logos/ By hosting this summit in addressed and seen positive symbols mean. Consumers Sustainable Summits organiser Asia (Singapore), we want change in? are seeking ethical/sustainable Organic Monitor re-branded to to discuss these issues and products; however, they do AS: Ecovia Intelligence in March propose practical solutions. not always want multiple logos 2017. Warren Beaumont asked OWN: You changed the name We have hosted almost 20 and symbols on product packs. founder Amarjit Sahota about to Ecovia in March editions of the Sustainable It remains to be seen if there the change, progress in industry AS: The decision to re-brand Foods Summit so it is difficult will be more proliferation or sustainability and industry was not an easy one. Our to pinpoint a few. Some of some degree of convergence in issues. organisation started as a the major developments have eco-labels. research and consulting been: OWN: OWN: company that focused on − Encouraging third party How long have the Sustainable global organic and related sustainability standards Looking at third-party Food Summits been running product industries. Our (like organic and fairtrade). certifications and audits; more for and how have they specialisation had broadened Organisations that have companies state that they are expanded? over the last 15 years to cover Amarjit Sahota, founder and director presented and/or attended sustainable or fair without natural personal care products, AS: Ecovia Intelligence the summits, frequently them; what do you think is dairy alternatives, fairtrade say they see an increase the solution? environmental footprints We launched the first edition products, natural ingredients, in adoption rates of their and create social impacts. of the Sustainable Foods ethical textiles, health foods, standards after the summit. AS: etc. We felt that the previous In the natural and organic Summit in Amsterdam in June − Combating food waste. We For organic, it is straight 2009. The initial summits name did not fully represent food industry, it is more have covered this topic a forward as companies cannot looked at the role of organic the industries we were about doing ‘the right thing’. few times at the summit. make an organic claim unless in encouraging sustainability covering, as well as our services Companies like Organic Each time, we have raised they are using certified in the food industry. Since the portfolio. We therefore took Valley, Cliff Bar, and awareness and discussed organic ingredients. It is more first few editions, the summit the decision to re-brand under Stonyfield invest in reducing various approaches to complex for other schemes. has evolved to cover other eco- Ecovia Intelligence. their packaging impacts, reduce food waste at grower, For instance, Fairtrade labels (Fairtrade, Rainforest helping farmers/growers, and OWN: producer and consumer International (FLO) mainly Alliance, Non-GMO, etc.) undertaking philanthropic level. We have seen has fairtrade certification for as well as wider sustainability Regarding progress in activities. mobile apps developed by southern hemisphere crops, issues. The summit expanded sustainability, what about OWN: organisations after coming such as bananas, cocoa, coffee, to North America in January resistance in the market? to the summit. 2011, and then to Latin What is the level of etc. Companies cannot make a − Connecting food companies America (2014) and now to AS: engagement and discussion fairtrade claim for milk, wheat with raw material suppliers. or potatoes; some companies the Asia-Pacific in 2017. There was resistance until from food companies? A major challenge in the therefore say their products are about five years ago. There OWN: AS: organic and sustainable food ‘fairly traded’ as they say they is a growing realisation that industry is supply shortages. are giving a fair price to their Why choose Singapore for the ‘carrying on’ as normal We are seeing a major change. By bringing together food first Asian food summit? is no longer an option for There is greater engagement growers. companies, ingredient firms businesses. Companies are and more communication. At The same is true for eco-labels AS: and retailers, many new taking greater accountability the Sustainable Food Summits, like Rainforest Alliance and business partnerships have We selected Singapore as it is in extracting and utilising we bring diverse stakeholders UTZ Certified as they cover been formed. strategically located in the heart resources, marketing their together. For instance, a a limited number of crops/ products. of South-East Asia. The Asian products, as well as the way company like Anheuser- OWN: region is showing large strides they treat stakeholders. In Busch (international brewery), It becomes more complex in economic development, some countries, it is becoming Givaudan (flavourings What about the proliferation when you look at labels with consumer purchasing compulsory for publicly- firm) will share a platform of eco-labels generally like carbon neutral, water power and living standards listed companies to prepare with Sambazon (acai berry- including fake ones footprints, and zero waste. There are no widely accepted rising. However, sustainability sustainability reports. There based products) and Whole AS: is not yet on the agenda for is greater pressure from the Foods Market to discuss third party standards for such most Asian food companies media, NGOs, and consumers sustainability issues they face. The growing number of eco- and many such labels are self- and consumers. Some of for companies to become more These companies are tackling labels in the food industry designated. the major environmental sustainable. environmental and social is a major concern. There What is the solution? Expect and social issues the planet What varies however, is issues differently; however, are currently over 200 eco- to see more third-party stan- faces are based in Asia e.g. how companies approach they face similar issues. labels that represent some dards, as well as more in- palm oil and rainforest sustainability. Large environmental, ethical and/ house sustainability schemes. OWN: deforestation, non-sustainable companies, like Nestle and or sustainable attribute. The Unfortunately, proliferation seafood sourcing, biodiversity Unilever, have set ambitious Can you name three major concern is that consumers will is likely to continue on both loss, food insecurity and targets to reduce their sustainability achievements switch off, not understanding fronts!

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By Steven Maxwell its poor transport links and Barbadians to visit regularly few signs of development, are the surfers, a few tourists Paris Nord Villepinte Hall 7 • France Barbados’ northern peninsula the northern parish of Saint that make a stop to enjoy is a sparsely inhabited, rural Andrew has little in the way the breathtaking scenery of a Accelerating region that feels far removed of features to distinguish it remote, rugged coastline, and Organic Trends Contact your OWN team for more information @organicwnews from the beaches and yachts from other sections of this the truckers – around 800 pass 22-23-24 OCT. 2017 of the island’s south coast and nation in the Lesser Antilles, through each month – that www.natexpo.com its capital, Bridgetown. With save its saint’s name. The only See QUARRY on page 16 See XXXXX on page X [email protected] Organic & Wellness News Ph: 1 613 707-2067

28 Organic & Wellness News Fall 2017 SPOTLIGHT ON GERMAN ORGANIC RETAIL Special feature on the top store chains offering organic products in Europe’s #1 market MEET THE TOP 5 GERMAN CHAINS their selection to comprise on Dennree began in the of the DM drugstore chain - confectionery, and beverages. By Annemarie Kruse average 150 sku. wholesale business, and this is Rehn and DM founder Götz The Alnatura products are sold According to data by EHI According to BNN, turnover of still a critical business activity Werner were friends - and in in Alnatura’s own stores but Retail Institute, the organic the German organic food market for the company. Today its stores of supermarket chain also in several other retailers: food market in Germany was grew 5.4% to 1,63 billion Euro wholesaler’s division dennree tegut. supermarket groups Edeka worth 9,48 billion Euro in 2016. in 2016; a distinct slow-down distributes around 13,000 For almost three decades, and Rewe both sell a partial Over half of this turnover - 5,45 compared to 2015 figures of organic products to 1,400 DM remained Alnatura’s most selection of Alnatura products billion Euro - was generated 1,55 billion Euro (+ 11.4%). independently-run organic and important distribution partner. in their stores, as do German by sales of organic products in And while the fact that health food stores in Germany, However, this changed when drugstore chains Rossmann, the conventional supermarket organic products have entered Austria, Luxemburg and South DM launched its organic food Müller (since October 2016) channel. the German mainstream food Tyrol (the German-speaking brand, DM Bio, in 2015 and and Budnikowsky. Now, many No other European country has retail market is good for the part of Italy). started to delist Alnatura. DM stores also still sell some such a wide range of regional and consumer (wide distribution The second main business When Alnatura announced that Alnatura products, mostly in national organic supermarket and low prices), it also means activity is retail. In 2003, it would end its cooperation product categories not covered chains and independent organic that the domestic organic food Dennree opened its first partnership with DM, DM by the DM Bio range. Alnatura’s food stores; in addition to the retail sector must deal with denn’sBiomarkt in Bavaria. proceeded to sue Alnatura for web shop offers around 850 country’s well-established constant price pressure from It now operates 215 denn’s the rights to the brand name sku. Reformhaus health food store the conventional retail sector. supermarkets in Germany and and the resulting legal battle The company also expanded network. Regarding outlet numbers, 27 denn’s markets in Austria. was only resolved in June 2017 its international distribution: In addition,every supermarket the biggest organic food In 1975 Dennree launched by an out-of-court agreement. the Rewe group’s Austrian and discounter chain in retailer in Germany was the its first organic own label Over the last few years, drugstore chain Bipa began Germany carries a selection dennree group with its denn’s food brand, dennree. Other Alnatura has expanded sharply selling a partial Alnatura of certified organic fresh and supermarket chain. According proprietary organic brands in Germany. Rehn opened the selection in Austria last dried foods. The two largest domestic supermarket retailers Rewe and Edeka have their own organic label ranges (Rewe Bio, Edeka Bio), as do discounter chains like Aldi (Gut Bio), Lidl (Combino, Freshona, Milbona) and Netto (BioBio). Germany’s three big drugstore retail chains DM (DM Bio), Rossmann (EnerBio) and Müller (Bio Primo) also sell a broad range of dried organic foods under their respective organic Bio Company when preparing for the opening of its Denn’s Biomarkt belongs to Dennree group Alnatura began in 1984 as an organic food brand food brands. And then there is 30th store. Caption sturm-pr.de the organic supermarket/health food sector which generated to EHI’s Handelsdaten retail include Königshofer (meat first Alnatura Super NaturMarkt year while in Switzerland, 2,85 billion Euro last year. panel, in December 2016 the and dairy), Gustoni (grocery in Mannheim in 1987. By 2010, Alnatura started distribution in With such a competitive denn’s chain comprised 215 items, vinegar, oils, coffee, Alnatura had 59 domestic domestic retail giant Migros’ market environment, it comes outlets across Germany. Second and sauces) and Living Crafts stores. Over the next six years, supermarkets. The company as no surprise that in Germany, in line was Alnatura with its (natural textiles and fashion). the company almost doubled the also opened several Alnatura certified organic foods are Super NaturMarkt (Alnatura) Organic beauty brand Yalia number of outlets, opening an Super NaturMarkt stores in the very affordable indeed. For chain (107 stores), followed by was recently discontinued. The average of 5-10 new stores per Zürich region and is planning staples like milk, yogurt, regional chains BioCompany current portfolio of own label year. Now, the Alnatura chain on expanding its store network packaged bread or biscuits (51 outlets), the Basic chain products comprises some 700 operates 107 supermarkets throughout German Switzerland. the price difference between with 32 stores and Super Bio sku. across Germany. Alnatura has had a turbulent a supermarket or discounter’s Markt with 26 outlets. In 2013, Dennree launched The Alnatura Super NaturMarkt few years but the company organic own label brand and “Zukunftstiftung Biomarkt” stores sell around 6,000 sku has rallied, and in 2015/2016, a conventional food brand is Denn’s (Future Foundation Organic of organic products, including things ended on a positive note. almost negligible. Organic supermarket chain Market), a foundation to dried and fresh foods, meat, For the financial yearended on Denn’sBiomarkt belongs to help support sustainable and dairy, cheese and delicatessen, 30th September 2016, Alnatura More organic in Dennree group, one of the organic agriculture, projects alcoholic and non-alcoholic posted a net turnover of 762 traditional supermarkets largest organic wholesaler and and initiatives. And in 2015, beverages, confectionery, million Euro. And Rehn has Over the last 18 months, retail organizations in German- the Dennree group acquired cosmetics, household products, announced that in 2016/2017, this development has picked speaking Europe. Dennree Agrofarm Eichigt, a dairy farm supplements and baby care. Alnatura will continue its up the pace. According started in 1974 in the town which over the next years The core brand is, of course, expansion in Germany with at to figures by industry of Töpen in Upper Franconia. will be turned into an organic Alnatura’s label brand but the least 15 new domestic stores. association Bundesverband There are currently eight farming business. stores also retail other German NaturkostNaturwaren (German distribution centers in Germany and international organic brands Bio Company Association of Organic and a wholesaler’s distribution Alnatura and products. Bio Company is one of the Processors, Wholesalers and company, DenreeNaturkost, in Alnatura began as an organic Alnatura’s current own label largest regional organic Retailers), in 2016 the German Austria. In 2016, the Denree food brand: in 1984, Götz Rehn range comprises some 1,300 supermarket chains in Germany supermarket sector increased group posted a consolidated net launched the first products sku, including dried foods, and the organic food retail its portfolio of organic products turnover of 920 million Euro, an under the Alnatura label. In meats, cheese, dairy and vegan market leader in the Berlin to an average of 450 sku while increase of 10% compared to the beginning, Alnatura was products; coffee, tea, oils and and Brandenburg regions in the discounters expanded the previous financial year. exclusively distributed in outlets vinegar, condiments, sauces, Eastern Germany. The company To share your news in print and online related to the upcoming BIOFACH February 14-17, 2018, Nuremberg-Germany Contact: [email protected] Skype: organicwellness Ph +1 613 707 2067 www.organicwellnessnews.com 29 also owns organic meat and regional products. Depending manufacturing and distribution chain Edeka. There are 32 Basic Today the company operates sausage manufacturer Bio on seasonal availability, around of local, organic and sustainable stores in 16 cities and towns 26 outlets in the counties of ManufakturHavelland which has 40% of the fresh fruit and food products. across Germany. The retail North-Rhine Westphalia and become the biggest producer vegetables are sourced from In summer 2017, the company space of the supermarkets Lower Saxony. of organic meat and sausage farms or agricultural businesses announced a cooperation varies from 500-1100 sqm. Depending on the size of each products in the entire region. in the Berlin and Brandenburg agreement with online Since the company promotes unit, Super Bio Markt stores sell Another subsidiary is wholesale area. supermarket Allyouneed Fresh: local businesses (defined as around 7,000 sku of certified company Midgard Naturkost. In In other product categories, since early July Bio Company’s operations or farms within 150 organic products, including 2016, Bio Company registered the regional percentage is even label food brand - which km of the store’s location), dried and fresh foods, fruit a turnover of 145 million Euro, higher: Around 75% of meat, currently comprises some 150 the brand selection differs and vegetables, meat, dairy, a plus of 8.2%. sausages, bread and baked SKU - had been availablethrough considerably in individual stores. and cheese as well as organic Georg Kaiser founded Bio goods and almost 100% of the Allyouneed Fresh website. At the POS, these regional cosmetics and household Company in 1999; the first products. In one of their biggest store was opened that same Münster outlets, Super Bio year in Charlottenburg district in Markt has been operating an Berlin. “The first Bio Company organic bistro restaurant Bio store opened as a stand- To Go since 2011. Bio to Go is alone “natural supermarket,” attached to the Super Bio Markt a Bio Company spokesperson and offers fresh smoothies, explains. “We didn’t plan to salads, and desserts. launch an entire supermarket From the beginning, the chain but our vision - offering a company has been working comprehensive range of organic with local farms and agricultural products across all categories The first Basic store opened in 1998 in Munich Super Bio Markt operates 26 outlets businesses. Depending on the - turned out to be popular product category and season, amongst our consumers. Bio most products are sourced Company started to grow the cheese and dairy portfolio Basic products are highlighted by regionally: fruit and vegetables, naturally, and we opened is produced regionally or The Basic chain - founded by the ‘In der Region erzeugt” dairy and cheeses, meat and further outlets.” locally. The regional heritage Georg Schweisfurth, Richard (“produced in the region”) logo. sausage as well as bread and As of April 2017, Bio Company is highlighted at the POS Müller, Johann Priemeier und In 2016, the Basic group baked goods. These regional operates 52 supermarkets. with pictures and information Hermann Oswald in 1997 - had generated a turnover of around products are highlighted at Most stores are in Berlin and about of the respective farm the goal of offering “organic 142 million Euro. The company the POS and on the Bio Super Brandenburg, but there are or agricultural business so foods for everyone.” The first has also signed up as a partner Markt website with information also shops in Dresden and consumers can if they want to, store was opened 1998 in in US retail giant Amazon’s on several Bio Super Markt’s Hamburg. Depending on their trace the provenance of each Munich with a neutral, bright Prime Now fast delivery food regional producers. size Bio Company supermarkets product. design - unlike other organic service, which was launched in In 2012, the company began sell around 8,000 certified In fact, one of the key aspects food stores, Basic intentionally Germany last year. to explore the beauty salon organic products - dried and for Bio Company is supporting went for a modern mainstream market: Super Bio Markt fresh foods, dairy, meat and regional organic agriculture. look without wooden shelves Super Bio Markt cooperates with two organic delicatessen; cosmetics and The company was one of the and green colors. And Super Bio Markt is a beauty salons in Münster and household products. Each Bio founders of Fördergemeinschaft The Basic chain sells some regional organic supermarket Düsseldorf. These two salons, Company store has a bakery Ökologischer Landbau Berlin- 12,000-certified organic SKU chain based in the North-Rhine Natur’elle in Münster and counter. Brandenburg (Association for which includes dried and Westphalian city of Münster. Pflegereich in Düsseldorf, are “Our current focus lies on Organic Agriculture in Berlin fresh foods; dairy, meat and Founded in 1973 by Michael attached to the respective Super freshness and quality rather and Brandenburg), and in early delicatessen, baby products, Radau, the company’s first Bio Market stores. Both studios than a quick expansion,” 2013, Bio Company became cosmetics and household outlet was health food store offer a range of face and body the spokesperson says. And a member of the Märkischer cleaning products. The retailer’s Makrohaus in the city center of treatments with organic beauty indeed, Bio Company is known Wirtschaftsverbund, a regional label range is also distributed Münster. In 1993, the first Bio brands that are also available in for its high percentage of association which promotes the by conventional supermarket Super Markt store opened. the Bio Super Markt stores. NEXT ORGANIC STARTUP AWARDS 2017 Agricultural Projects, Service, By Annemarie Kruse Artisans, Social Enterprise, Every year, trade show company Food-Waste and Public Next Organic organizes a unique Favourite (Facebook vote). The start-up competition: Organic and Awards took place on 1st June sustainable food or retail start- 2017 at the offices of Berlin- ups from Germany or Austria can based foundation Heinrich-Böll- submit their product innovation Stiftung. And the winners were: or brand concept to a jury. Manufacturer: Feinschnabel And the winning entries receive Manufaktur (an artisan soup a broad range of prices: sample paste manufacturer from listings of product innovations Bavaria) in stores of the Bio Company or Producer: Schickermooser Super Bio Markt retail chains, Weidehähnchen (organic and financial consulting service sustainable poultry farming with GLS Bank, marketing concept from the Sauerland and networking support and a region) free exhibition stand at Next Artisan Producer: Zentrum für Organic’s annual trade show Fermentation (Leipzig-based Renate Kuenast, German Minister of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture (2001-2005) with award winners at the Next Organic Start-Up 2017 Green Gastro Show. company which offers food 2017 marks the third year fermentation workshops) participating café or restaurant West Africa and then shipped to reclaimed fruit and vegetables) of the Next Organic Start-up Services: RECUP (Munich- across Germany) Germany for distribution) Public Favourite: Nucao (a Awards. This year prices were based to-go-cup concept: Social Business: Fairafric (a Food-Waste: Unverschwendet functional food snack bar based awarded in seven categories: customers pay a deposit for beans-to-bar chocolate which (Vienna-based jam/chutney on raw cocoa and hemp seed, Manufacturers, Producers/ their cup and can return it at any is entirely manufactured in manufacturer which uses produced in Dresden) 30 Organic & Wellness News Fall 2017 Admission only for trade visit Nuremberg, Germany ors 14 – 17.2.2018

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