SPINS Recaps Expo West 2014 Success, Innovation, Purpose, Authenticity, and Longevity in the Natural Products Industry

The Natural Products Expo West show was reported to have record attendance this year and it was clear there was much excitement across the board for participants. It’s always refreshing to see such vigor and engagement by attendees, manufacturers, retailers and trade organizations. Our industry steers its own ship and with this luxury comes the perpetual question of whether we are “steering the right way.” Without a doubt things are on course. The innovation train has a lot of steam, but at the same time, traditional classics still share tremendous value and purpose. There truly is something for everyone at Expo West and the Natural Products Industry continues to over- deliver and to delight.

A couple of years ago, when non-GMO really started pushing itself to the forefront of the conversation, there was major concern about how to address this issue without taking us off course in other areas. It seems clear that in our own self-regulating way, the industry has stepped up to the challenge, dug into the details, and has provided core strength in living up to the needs at hand. Non-GMO Project Verification is helping lead this critical charge and based on product labeling and non-GMO verification signs at countless booths, I’d make the stretch to comment that non-GMO is the gluten free of 2010. It is everywhere, saturated across all categories and departments, and this is a good thing. It is important to note that it does not seem that organic has taken a hit due to non-GMO. We’ve successfully kept organic as the real golden standard, and removing and reducing synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides in our environment and in our products is absolutely front and center. An example is seeing products that contain high-risk GMO ingredients that are both Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Organic. Dual certification is the next step and testing for GMO presence, even in organic products, is something we’re going to see more. With a need to sustain consumer confidence as well, it seems completely reasonable (like it happened with gluten free) that products inherently free of GMOs, due to lack of at-risk ingredients, should still go through the verification process.

There seems to be a reinvigoration of organic and this is fantastic to witness. All-natural is still a key starting component to our industry, but organic really is the gold standard and many new and already thriving brands are supporting this core attribute. In addition, certifications are the new norm. Consumer confidence and transparent standards in this age of information remain key factors in differentiating brands and products from vague and unsubstantiated claims. Certifications are not new, but standards continue to grow.

There is always the looming question of authenticity and intention, which is only answered by the view and needs of an individual consumer. Is the Brand or Product intention enough to fit one’s purchasing decision requirements, that could range anywhere from a product just being a delicious snack all the way to it helping create a better world? Regardless of what those purchasing standards are, we all have them. It is a great thing to note, that for 67,000 attendees this year, it is our uniqueness that makes us who we are. Whether organic, non-GMO, vegan, Paleo, gourmet, sustainable, superfoods, fair trade, raw, allergen friendly, and even made with love, we deserve to take pride in what we do, and I’m proud to participate in such a great world changing industry.

- Brent Coons, Director of the SPINS Product Library

SPINS LLC | 847.908.1200 | www.spins.com Our industry is leading the charge in defining allergen friendly.

The ‘free of’ product attribute itself isn’t new, but has reached a whole new frontier and will likely take some interesting turns along the way. The success and dedication to quality gluten free positioning has paved the way for this next wave of allergen friendly eating. A large component of our industry has been made up of products that specifically do not contain something. Whether for lifestyle choice, eco or social concerns, or health or medical reasons, there are often things that we want to make sure a product is ‘free of.’ Many consumers choose ‘free of’ products for reasons not related to allergies, such as vegans purchasing dairy free items. However, our Industry is about to take a sweeping pass at defining, understanding, and responding to allergen issues. In many cases, the focus has been on core food allergens, and often more specifically, the eight main allergens defined domestically by the FDA. It seems inevitable that since the FDA instilled the requirement to label the presence of core allergens, our industry would respond by making consumers aware of what allergens are not in various products. Similar to gluten free, the ‘free of’ segment has already crossed over to Conventional and will soon become a mainstream topic, will be guided by NPI innovation, and will attract consumer types that span the full spectrum, including those without any allergen concerns.

Living Harvest hemp tofu is in essence, the The Good Bean jumps from snacks to bars with their Fruit first soy free tofu and is also considered and No-Nut Bar. This is a great twist with the new No-Nut allergen free, non-GMO, vegan, and gluten sub-branding and nut-free is likely to carry some unforeseen free. weight in the energy bars category. These bars are also gluten free, made in the USA, vegan, non-GMO and gluten True Solution nutrition shakes are allergen free certified. free, soy free, dairy free and have plant protein and stevia. TEESE takes vegan cheese to the next level being free of wheat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, palm oil, and gluten. Udi’s gluten free hot dog and hamburger buns are gluten With solid ingredients from coconut oil to pea protein to free certified and free of wheat, dairy, soy, and nuts. tapioca maltodextrin (instead of corn based), this Chicago based company is here to stay. Komplete meal replacements are vegan, soy free, dairy free, gluten free and interestingly, have a hypoallergenic claim. Hillary’s Eat Well takes an extra quality ingredient approach to the dressing aisle with options such as Ranch Chia, You may be familiar with Qrunch’s quinoa burgers already. Balsamic Thyme, Apple Fennel Dandelion Root, and Creamy Their new toastables are also organic, non GMO verified, Remoulade with Dill Pickle. These are free of gluten, dairy, certified ICS Gluten Free and free of wheat, nuts, eggs, soy, corn, yeast, egg, and nut, but even great to see is dairy, and corn. They are an impressive entry into a whole hexane free! new category and meal time with their has-brown like appeal and breakfast positioning. These also feature a solid Corn free positioning is out there and could play a stronger ingredient profile with quinoa, amaranth, coconut oil, and role in chips and snacks soon. Beanitos has done a great millet. job of holding this space and their new Bean Puff snacks are likely to hit a home run. Siding on the glossy label Don’t Go Nuts nut free foods, organic soy butter and bars approach, these seem ripe for conventional cross over and appeal to a wide consumer range as evidenced by the acceptance while being gluten and corn free, non-GMO brand’s phrase “nut-free for nut-free kids and the world verified, and certified low glycemic. around them.” These are vegan, non GMO, and show dedication with their “field to fingers – nut free process” Cybele’s Free To Eat is dedicated to claim. those that are in it for more than just a lifestyle choice. Proper labeling Freedom Foods cold cereal, pancake mix, bars, and and free of the top 8 allergens, this snacks evoke the brand’s authenticity in this segment. brand makes cookies that are clearly allergy friendly. Take Their products are free of gluten, nuts, wheat, dairy, eggs, note of the claim listed on the front label that highlights fructose, soy, yeast, and GMOs. each of the 8 core allergens it is free of.

SPINS LLC | 847.908.1200 | www.spins.com Specialty Natural brands are the best of both worlds.

Consumers, particularly those that are dedicated to buying Specialty Natural - All Channel Dollar Sales natural and specialty products, perceive brands based on a myriad of factors. The lines between brand positions may blur, but one segment that is somewhat more easily distinguishable than others is Specialty Natural, which caters to both gourmet foodies and committed natural shoppers. Gourmet products (and more specifically, those that are Specialty Natural) have hit mainstream. They do come at a higher price point, but folks are willing to pay more for the quality and value that $4.3B $5.1B $6.0B these items provide. 2011 2012 2013

Category 2012 2013 Absolute $ Growth % Chg TOTAL SPECIALTY NATURAL PRODUCTS $5,076,527,402 $5,987,455,996 $910,928,594 17.9% YOGURT & KEFIR $1,427,164,221 $1,711,899,134 $284,734,913 20.0% CHIPS PRETZELS & SNACKS $270,294,377 $377,646,670 $107,352,293 39.7% COFFEE & COFFEE SUBSTITUTES & COCOA $327,970,242 $362,918,377 $34,948,135 10.7% BREAD & BAKED GOODS $261,284,431 $297,103,807 $35,819,376 13.7% FROZEN & REFR MEATS POULTRY & SEAFOOD $185,512,207 $211,917,477 $26,405,270 14.2%

FROZEN DESSERTS $105,650,430 $166,626,241 $60,975,811 57.7% RF ENTREES & SUSHI & GRAB N GO MEALS $146,276,762 $159,956,455 $13,679,693 9.4% WATER $133,008,289 $159,760,037 $26,751,748 20.1% CONDIMENTS DRESSINGS & MARINADES $149,061,475 $158,063,841 $9,002,366 6.0% CRACKERS & CRISPBREADS $133,229,427 $150,145,281 $16,915,854 12.7% ALL OTHER $1,937,075,541 $2,231,418,676 $294,343,135 15.2%

Lake Champlain steps squarely into Specialty Natural with their new line of organic and Fair For Life certified chocolate bars. Olli Salumeria now features slow cured pork salami and pepperoni from pastured and vegetarian fed pigs. Food Should Taste Good fills out their product line nicely with new brown rice crackers and pita puff snacks. Cappello’s brings us gluten free and grain free almond based refrigerated pasta and refrigerated cookie dough! Mother In Law’s kimchi brings another Korean staple into our world and for the better. This fermented chile paste is vegan and as they say, the “everything sauce,” which is a statement most hot-sauce fanatics can understand.

SPINS LLC | 847.908.1200 | www.spins.com Protein takes center stage. Protein is essential to our health and has once again become a huge topic in the nutrition conversation. It will no doubt begin to show up across all categories in food and beverages. We can expect to see an increase in products that are inherently high in protein as well as those that add ingredients to boost their protein content. Products incorporating protein with current trends such as Paleo, grain free and low carb, and in segments such as sports nutrition and weight loss are likely to draw even more appeal.

Organic Valley steps into ready-to-drink territory with ground and onto our tables, as its Organic Balance and Fuel lines of protein shakes. evidenced by Chapul’s cricket These core natural shakes blur the lines between bars using cricket based protein categories, as they can be considered more of a powder. There is a huge sustainability grocery product than a functional beverage withinin component to using insect protein, supplements. OV uses SPINS data to reference the which is less water intensive than many $1.8B meal replacement category, while at the same other protein sources, and it is likely to time making mention of being the first to market be a growing topic of conversation over organic milk-based protein shakes. Pasture raised cow the next several years. Chapul’s bars milk provides the protein source here. are soy free and dairy free.

Tru Table protein enriched dressings and dips have a There are many great brands and products that play specialty flavor profile and include Turmeric & Black in the hemp protein space. Ziggy Marley’s Shelled or Bean, Key Lime Caesar with Asiago, Orange Citrus & Roasted Hemp Seeds are a perfect protein boost, are Black Chia Seed, and more. These are gluten free, in snack friendly packets and are organic, kosher, and vegetarian, and use whey protein to align with their non-GMO verified. protein positioning.

Lamb is now part of the grocery landscape and makes appearances in EPIC’s new lamb bar and Ranchline All Natural Ch’arki lamb jerky. Insect protein has officially made its leap off the

Any time is the right time for chocolate. Expo West always provides an opportunity to explore the latest in quality chocolate. While chocolate bars have long been a strongsuit within the industry, it’s now time to introduce chocolate to and conquer completely new natural and gourmet segments outside the traditional bar.

Melt organic, non-GMO spreads also Love Bean superfoods fudge spreads use Fair For Life and Rainforest Alliance have a coconut oil base and are vegan, ingredients. These coconut and flax 100% organic, soy free, agave free, and based spreads are all about healthy oils, cane sugar free. Short of coconut, the bringing new joy to a historically non- spreads are allergen and Paleo friendly. natural segment. Good stuff.

In addition to being delicious, Nocciolata hazelnut spread with cocoa is organic, gluten free and touts a no palm oil claim.

SPINS LLC | 847.908.1200 | www.spins.com Natural products with social responsibility at their core. “Consuming our way to a perfect world is not a reality. However, improving the world we live in through the purchasing decisions we make is something I think we all care to participate in.” (2013 Expo West – SPINS Recap)

This Bar Saves Lives donates a food pack NuCo coconut vinegar has four flavors (garlic, chili for those in need each time you buy a bar. ginger, honey, classic) of soy free, vegan, gluten free fermented coconut vinegar. NuCo vinegars are Similarily, Kutoa feeds a child in need with produced in the Philippines and a portion of profits every purchase. go directly to social, economic, and environmental projects within the country. Kiwa “connects small farmers to world markets through premium snacks.” The Suja is standing out in the HPP whole food, functional company practices direct trade with juice world. The company gives twenty cents per South American small farms and uses non bottle sold to a variety of organizations including Food commodity crops such as Andean potatoes, Puca Democracy Now, Eceana, Citizens for GMO Labeling, and Yana Shungo, in addition to plantain, cassava, New Eyes Glasses for those in Need, Healthy Child and beetroot. Its chips are Celiac Sprue Gluten Healthy World and more. Free Certified, non-GMO verified, RSPO Certified Sustainable Palm Oil, and Socially Responsible Direct Kuli Kuli Moringa superfood bars are gluten free, Trade. vegan, ethically sourced and yet another example of where direct interaction with growers leads to better People Water gives an equal amount of clean water to growth for all. This brand from Oakland California a person in need for every bottle purchased. directly supports women’s cooperatives in West Africa.

Grass-fed is the new standard in dairy. Grass-fed dairy differs from grass-fed meat both by nature of the category and also because of regulatory oversight (FDA vs. USDA). The industry itself has helped define the segment and addressed consumer concerns around what grass-fed dairy means. Different farms will have different standards, but outlining those standards, creating consensus and accounting for them are all big steps. On the heels of this work we are going to see strong development in third party certification here as well.

Source Organic Grass-fed Blue Hill 100% grass-fed GMO verified cheeses have Whey Protein powder is yogurt comes in savory history and depth within the only Non-GMO Project flavors like tomato, parsnip, natural. Verified whey protein. beat, butternut squash, and carrot. In addition to its organic Organic Valley grass-fed grass-fed Russian style kefir, milk and cheese is organic Maple Hill Creamery’s new Latta also has an organic too - of course! line extension of 100% grass coconut water kefir with fed dairy drinkable yogurts 14 probiotic strains that Dreaming Cow grass-fed are also organic. is dairy/lactose free and yogurt is sweetened with Located out of Northern vegan. only a touch of maple or California, Rumiano’s agave. organic grass-fed and non-

SPINS LLC | 847.908.1200 | www.spins.com Popcorn goes gourmet - and non-GMO!

Pop Art gourmet popcorn 479 Degrees puts a little Farmer Gene’s Tiny features great flavors pop into the realm of but Mighty Popcorn is such as rosemary truffle, gourmet with its Specialty Iowa grown has smaller white cheddar jalapeno, Natural positioned kernels that lead to no tandoori yogurt, Thai approach to popcorn, hulls. The popcorn is coconut curry, and nori which is air-popped, non- also dairy free, gluten sesame. Add to it that it’s GMO, and certified gluten free, Non-GMO Project from Non-GMO Project free. Add some black Verified, GFCO certified Verified organic corn, air truffle to the mix and and Whole Grains Council popped, and gluten free. we’re good to go. certified.

Also, if you get a chance, check out King Corn, a documentary about growing an acre of corn.

Innovation makes general merchandise more earth friendly. Environmental considerations and using manufacturing, ingredients, and packaging that has less of a negative impact on the earth have long been a core aspect of natural general merchandise products. There is still room for innovation and new brands and line extensions that are environmentally friendly continue to resonate with the dedicated natural consumer.

Ecover is a veteran natural brand. It’s exciting to see a European based company move manufacturing to the US with the opening of a plant in South Chicago. Ecover is also driving innovation with new sustainable bottles made of bio-plastic from sugar cane by-product and 25% recycled plastic content. This keeps the packaging material in a closed loop system and reduces total petroleum plastic. In their words, “no new drop of oil.”

Earthkind natural insect repellent for home use keeps ants, spiders, moths and rodents away with lemongrass, thyme, citronella, rosemary, cedar, and geranium, and other natural ingredients.

Caboo paper products are made from bamboo and sugar cane, which are fast growing and do not require replanting, resulting in a sustainable alternative to conventional paper.

Gently Eco Nappies baby diapers feature a reusable shell and compostable inserts, or where needed pure compostable diapers. Yes, compostable diapers!

SPINS LLC | 847.908.1200 | www.spins.com Is Paleo a fleeting fad or a lasting trend? There is no definitive way to determine the staying power of new trends as they appear in the industry - yet, relying on the “we know it when we see it!” gut feel approach, Paleo is here to stay and is likely to influence nearly all food and beverage categories. What’s more, it may even find its way into body care and general merchandise. This newly developing segment is appealing to many consumers for a variety of reasons. The success that folks are having in achieving their health and weight loss goals from choosing a Paleo approach to eating is one of the major drivers attracting consumers to the segment. It’s also cool to note that Paleo appeals to a wide audience, with wild-boar hunters going Paleo to vegans incorporating it into their lifestyles.

Gluten free may have potentially paved the way for grain free (and low-carb) which directly connects to a core component of Paleo, but there is also something deeper driving the movement. In a more philosophical sense, it’s the questioning of our food systems to begin with, starting with agriculture and domestication of plants and animals. I don’t think anyone is going to say that Paleo is outside of agriculture nor does it claim to be, but it does prompt us to reexamine deeper food considerations. As we continue to strive to reconnect with our planet, there could be value in thinking about human history beyond the Fertile Crescent. Was the dawn of agriculture when we left the garden of natural harmony?

Regardless, expect to see Paleo develop in a big way. There is clearly a wealth of interest surrounding the movement with more websites dedicated to sharing recipes and knowledge about the lifestyle than those promoting brands and products themselves - signifying the opportunities to meet the growing demand!

Steve’s PaleoGoods pack a lot of The New Primal grass-fed beef jerky and trail packs paleo punch in its variety of grass-fed are gluten free and sweetened only with a touch of beef kits and sticks. In less traditional pineapple juice and honey. paleo categories (can we say that yet?), Steve’s offers grain free granola bars EPIC is doing its best to live up to its and a line of dressings and marinades. name with a new “Hunter-Gatherer” Another cool thing about this brand product to add to its line of whole food is its mission to support at-risk youth. meat bars. Its jerky-trail mix combines It’s always great to see a social organic grass fed beef jerky with nuts, component to a core NPI brand. seeds and berries, and is organic, Paleo friendly, gluten free, dairy free, and Mammoth Bar’s sprouted nut bar with dates and nitrite free. minimal ingredients is paleo for the modern world. Vegan, gluten free, soy free and junk free, these bars even incorporate a bit of baobab fruit.

SPINS LLC | 847.908.1200 | www.spins.com Vegan, vegetarian and meat alternatives having growing appeal. Plant based foods and meat alternatives will always be core to the Natural Products Industry. These products are not new and for many of us, have served as the entry point into the natural space. The segment, which was essentially mono-crop based at one point, continues to drive innovation is about to go big as it crosses over into convenience. Take for example, the launch of Todo Soy Sofritas in Chipotle, the depth of Gardein branded and based menu options at the Yardhouse, and Beyond Meat’s fun Taco Bell impersonation booth at Expo this year which championed the concept of offering plant based protein options to mainstream America.

Coconut Grove cultured coconut Sweet Earth continues their awesome brand drive and milk yogurts are organic, soy free, takes a “righteous meats” run at veggie bacon. These lactose free, non-GMO, non-dairy are bound for some serious vegan grilled cheese and and have probiotics! veggie bacon sandwiches. Sweet Earth has a great product offering and packaging design to carry it on Daiya (with a little help from its through. amazing cheesecake samples at the show) proves once again that vegan dairy COYO coconut milk yogurt is dairy free, vegan, alternatives are not just for vegans. soy free, lactose free and has no added sugar. Somewhere I got programmed to say this, but Neat’s nut and legume based meat alternatives have “breakfast just got better.” simple ingredients and are soy and gluten free. While these remind me of the old school veggie burgers of Viana’s non-GMO cowgirl steaks and Health is the ‘90s, the segment has vastly improved and Neat Wealth’s sprout burger were also among my picks. helps pave the way.

Innovative brands are developing unique products and moving into new and unchartered categories.

Little Me Tea tea, fruit, and veggie drink boxes are gluten free and vegan, have no caffeine, no added sugar, no synthetic ascorbic acid, and are only 25 calories for 6.75 ounces!

Drazil kids teas are infused with fruit juices, are caffeine free and have no added sugar. Introduced on the heels of kid’s coconut water and now, lower calorie tea juices, this new beverage breakout segment could see some ripe competition and innovation ahead.

Oskri is breaking into to a thinly populated natural segment with its refrigerated cookie dough.

SPINS LLC | 847.908.1200 | www.spins.com Cold pressed juices are everywhere. Many brands are jumping into a new breakout segment based on HPP pasteurization, juice bar culture, meal replacement meets cleansing marketing, and an honest reinvention of core-natural juices in a post Naked Juice world. After seeing growing and NEXT brands sprout up so quickly, it could be innovative to keep a regional approach to this segment! Everyone wants to be a national brand, but are there opportunities for us as an industry to promote only being “so big” and having a more micro approach to brand coverage, ingredient sourcing, freshness, and distribution networks? The original concept behind a juice bar is to be ultra local, raw, and fresh. Translating that concept into convenience seems to support a regional model. HPP brings us close to that model. Take note that there is a bit of controversy over whether HPP is considered raw. We’ll stay out of that one for now, but one thing is for sure - these beverages are tasty, healthful, and definitely take refrigerated juices into new territory.

Forager Project starts with Turmeric Elixir of Life products Suja is a segment leader that also vegetables, then flavors with range from energy shots to HPP champions social change. Learn fruit to make for a great blend of juices to Matcha Tea. This brand more about Suja above. ingredients with a strong brand and seems to have carved its own product profile. spice-based space out of this pop- Urban Remedy cold press juices up segment. and raw foods and Garden of Drink Me organic gluten free vegan Flavor HPP Juices and smoothies juices have a core base focus on OMG blends almond milks and are also among my picks. kale. smoothies are marketed as meal replacements.

Water is officially made from everything. A few things intersected (per usual) and resulted in a whole new segment, maybe even deserving of its own subcategory in the near future. Not too long ago, coconut water went viral, soda became a bad word (or even a taxed product), kombucha commanded new price point acceptance, and vitamin type waters became a flat soda. Marketing these products as water is key, but they are obviously not just H2O (though some are very close). They are plant sourced (cactus, olive, artichoke, tree sap, watermelon) and an essence or product of something other just water. The word JUICE has taken on a whole new meaning even though it’s spelled WATER.

Kiki maple WTR MLN WTR - Say Whaaaat. Love Birch taps into the tree sweet water is The product segment is spelled out juice trend with a birch sap based pure maple sap in its name. Watermelon water - RTD beverage that is gluten free, water “filtered well that makes sense to me. organic, vegan and uses Chaga by nature” mushroom extract. Supporting with lots of Arty artichoke water is sweetened Love Birch’s “buy a bottle – feed micronutrients with monk fruit and agave. a child” program by buying its and good for you benefits. It has beverages is an added bonus. no added sugar and no added Olive Water takes a 10-calorie water, just the goods straight from approach and brings Mediterranean Vertical Water launched a the source. Kiki know its stuff and flair to RTD beverages. successful maple water that is shows it! clearly here to stay. True Nopal cactus water is With its aseptic packaging, Seva’s gluten free, has no sodium and is maple water can go places, literally. marketed for hydration.

SPINS LLC | 847.908.1200 | www.spins.com Pastured is the new standard in eggs. Once you make the leap you won’t go back! What are the benefits of pastured eggs? A noticeable difference in the quality of the eggs, and better standards for the hens. Know your local farmer and go direct, or count on these brands offering new options in a staple category.

Vital Farms’ alfresco eggs come from hens that each Nest Fresh’s eggs are pasture raised with published get a minimum of 108 sq ft of outdoor space. The standards including 25 sq ft outside, 1.5 sq ft inside, eggs are certified humane and have no hormones, pasture access from sunrise to sunset, perches, antibiotics and (interestingly) pesticides. The hens, or nestboxes, and dust bathing areas. so-called “girls on grass,” are definitely the focus of this brand.

Packaging gets eye catching - and sustainable.

Evol’s commercially compostable bowl Blue Bottle Coffee and Clover Organic is made from reclaimed and renewable Farms, two iconic northern Californian resources - and is an excellent attribute for brands, joined to launch a New Orleans frozen entrees. inspired ready-to-drink coffee at the show. The coffee craving adult in me appreciates Get your Harmless Harvest coconut water the combination of organic cold press cof- in your own bulk containers from their coco- fee with organic milk, while my inner child nut water dispensers! was immediately drawn to the gable top carton packaging. Hope Foods’ packaging design really stands out.

There’s no shortage of innovation (or deliciousness) in frozen desserts.

Mr. Dewie’s cashew milk frozen dessert is Riding on the success of its ice creams in peanut free, non-GMO verified, gluten free, frozen novelty, Three Twins debuts cookie organic, vegan, and kosher. and wafer sandwiches and a Sunday cone that scream summertime anytime. These are Teapops herbal tea based frozen dessert organic and use some fair trade ingredients, pops have no added sugar, great ingredients, and Three Twins supports 1% for the Planet and only 25 to 50 calories each depend- and the “ice cream for acres” project. ing on SKU. They are also certified organic, vegan, gluten free, peanut free and non-GMO Good Pop dessert pops are gluten free and verified. dairy free.

Brewla brewed tea and coffee bars keep finding their way into things.

SPINS LLC | 847.908.1200 | www.spins.com Baobab: The superfruit with big benefits.

In addition to Baobab powder, Bonga brings Baobest Baobab fruit is organic, gluten us superfoods chews that bring a functional free, raw, whole food that is known for its twist and adult positioning to the grocery antioxidants, fiber, calcium, vitamin C and fruit “bites” category. In appropriate fashion electrolytes. for this ingredient, Bonga donates 10% of all profits to the Bonga Foundation in Republic of Tea offers baobab leaf tea as support of the harvesters and their families, part of their SuperHerb line for wellness. in addition to other charitable organizations. They keep things positive through their work with PhytoTrade Africa as well.

Raw rages on. Raw has become quite a mature segment within our industry but it continues to drive innovation, product quality, and all around goodness. Raw foods influence us whether we choose a raw lifestyle or not. Take for example, kale chips as snacks or use of raw coconut oil on your popcorn. There is something for everyone in raw!

Just Pure Foods snacks are vegan, raw, gluten free, Live Kombucha Sodas are honest and simple with nut free, yeast free, sprouted and have great clean raw probiotic benefits, in addition to being raw, organic, fair ingredients. The crispy onion rings, kale-nola and sour trade, and non-GMO verified. cream and onion zucchini chips featured at the show were awesome. Wildbrine fermented salsas are probiotic, non-GMO, gluten free, and vegan. The wild fermented salsa- RawFoodz dressings are 100% organic, raw, vegan, verde might be a new staple. nut free, and gluten free. Essential Living Foods Last year I mentioned that finding raw sauerkraut on steps up its game with all our plates during meals would become more common. new, well done package Pickled Planet gives us another reason to follow designs. Also note through on this commitment. Organic, fermented its eco approach and and packaged in glass jars, these krauts from Oregon zero waste claim, along are great. The I-Boost with added burdock, kale, with organic, non-GMO and nettle leaf or the Taquiria Mix with jicama and verified, GFCO, B Corp, jalapenos could easily find their way into my fridge. Certified Vegan, and 1% for the Planet claims. Wonderfully Raw Coco-Roons are organic, non- One product to call out in GMO verified, certified gluten free, kosher and vegan the plethora of raw foods is the raw and unpasteurized verified. When it comes to innovative chips and almonds from Italy and Spain (due to pasteurization snacks, Wonderfully Raw steps in front of the kale laws in California for example for almonds). chip train with its strong offerings, including its Brussel Bytes and Snip Chips. These hit the mark for real food in a traditionally less healthy category.

SPINS LLC | 847.908.1200 | www.spins.com Additional Favorites and Show Picks

Chameleon Cold seed packs might be as accessible Brew ready to drink Seasnax Chomperz are likely to be in the convenience channel. It’s time coffee is cold brewed, huge. These crunchy seaweed chips for a truly organic, sugar free, and organic, fair trade and are wrapped in rice flour and hit the domestically grown nut/seed snack packaged in glass. mark with use of organic coconut to be available across American Everything doesn’t sugar for a hint of sweetness. highways and at local metro corner have to be sweet. stores. Some folks like black Primal Essence’s tea concentrates or coffee, as simple as “super teas” in 1.5 ounce spray pump Erewhon launched a great new that. bottles feature very clean ingredients buckwheat & hemp supergrain that get straight to the organic point cereal. This SKU really stands out Genki-Su Japanese drinking vinegar and are made from raw whole plant from an ingredient and label design is delicious and features gourmet extracts like peppermint, rosemary, perspective and is GFCO certified, flavors such as Yuzu, Japanese Basil, clack pepper, vanilla, clove, nutmeg, organic, whole grain, and Non- and Nashi pear. cardamom, ginger, turmeric and GMO Project verified. With brown much more. There’s plenty of rice syrup and maple syrup as its Phoney Baloney’s vegan coconut opportunity here as well for creativity sweeteners, this looks like it will bacon is GFCO certified and is a in the realm of cocktail mixology. No become a natural products industry delicious, crispy, smokey, salty snack sweeteners are needed - these teas staple. that can go anywhere or on anything. have pure flavor and great aromatic tones as well. As far as label claims go, pumpkin I’m impressed with and apple spreads that are “made NUTIVA this year. It Numi chocolate tea blends seem like from rain water” win the unique seems like they have they could find a place in an early claim award this year. These items made a leap to the evening routine with their smooth by Barton Creek Crossing in Texas next level and have a character and fair trade, organic are packaged in a mason jar with clear established brand ingredients. a handle that is encouraged to be presence that is in for reused. the long run. Many Stevia is on many ingredient of their products have panels but is not being featured Saffron Road frozen entrees with hexane free hemp on a front of label claim in every Halal meat are gluten free and protein, are non-GMO instance anymore. How good is IFANCA Certified. Will Halal take on verified, vegan and your stevia though? Pyure takes the an Animal Welfare aspect in eyes of feature front label right approach and brings organic consumers? nutrition claims. It is also certification to its calorie free, non- interesting to note that GMO verified sweetener. We’ve Karma wrapped Nutiva sources palm oil from small seen that co-branding has a good cashews are organic family farms in Ecuador and play especially when associated with unique as they works with Natural Habitats to further a consumer need (vegan, gluten have the skin social and eco efforts. No palm oil free, trust in sourcing, etc). Pyure is retained which claims are very important right now, making its way around and leaving its gives them an but it’s also nice to see transparency branded mark on other products. extra bit of a of sourcing and even the “orangutan good toasted safe” claim. Eden Foods has remained steadfast flavor and crunch. No oil is added to natural product standards since and the cashews are dry roasted. Good boy Organics yellow barn the beginning, using BPA free cans Very well done, keep it simple. biodynamic pasta sauces are organic before BPA was even a known non-GMO verified, and Demeter term to most, for example. Fingers certified. crossed that their Spicy Pumpkin

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