US and Canada to agree on organic equivalency by summer

03-Apr-2009 - The US and Canada have agreed to finalize negotiations on organic equivalency standards between the countries by this summer, according to the Organic Trade Association.

Weekly comment

Obama’s veg plots point the way to healthy eating and more

30-Mar-2009 - “If you don’t plan to plant a garden in Lake Wobegon in the spring, it means you plan to be planted yourself.”

Judge upholds almond pasteurization law

13-Mar-2009 - A federal judge has rejected challenges to a law requiring mandatory pasteurization of almonds to reduce risk of salmonella contamination.

Organic growth freezes but will thaw, says Mintel

23-Feb-2009 - The number of consumers buying environmentally friendly products has slowed with the economy but is still expected to increase over the next five years, according to new research from Mintel.

SAFC adds certified organics to range

18-Feb-2009 - SAFC Supply Solutions has launched its first ever certified organic raw materials for use in food flavors, in response to demand from flavor houses.

Recession is rebalancing organic supply-demand

09-Feb-2009 - The price of organic food ingredients is expected to fall in 2009, as the recession reduces demand for organics back in line with available supply, according to predictions from a specialist organic research firm.

Organic still not mainstream

05-Jan-2009 - Organic foods are yet to gain mainstream acceptance by US consumers according to a new study by a marketing research and consulting firm in the consumer products industry.

Obama nominates next US secretary of agriculture

18-Dec-2008 - President-Elect Barack Obama has nominated the former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack to be the 30th Secretary of Agriculture.

Foodies lead the way in shaping the industry

17-Dec-2008 - A growing group of consumers dubbed foodies are shaping the American palate and offering food manufacturers a willing audience for product launches, a new report suggests.

Positive outlook for natural products

20-Nov-2008 - The number of US consumers buying natural products is still increasing across the majority of categories, indicating “continued opportunities for product and shelf expansion”, according to a new report.

Organic no longer seen as recession proof

12-Nov-2008 - Growth in the organic food and drink market is expected to slow along with the economy as consumers in the US are struggling financially, according to Mintel.

Fairtrade a key part of sustainability drive

07-Nov-2008 - The fairtrade phenomenon is benefiting from the trend for sustainability reporting as fairtrade foods as well as ingredients can boost corporate credentials, according to an analyst.

News in brief

Conference tackles food color challenges

22-Oct-2008 - The importance of heat and light stability when using red colorings will be among the topics discussed by industry experts at the forthcoming Global Outlook for Food Color Conference in the US.

Cargill introduces new organic cocoa powders

21-Oct-2008 - Cargill has introduced a new range of organic cocoa powders suitable for dairy products and bakery in response to growing consumer demand.

Ethnic trend adds spice to US palate

02-Oct-2008 - The Hispanic and Asian influence on the US food and beverage market is growing stronger as ethnic flavors become mainstream and the spending power of these cultural groups increases, according to an industry expert.

Eco-chic and eco-centric consumers are key to green market

30-Sep-2008 - Consumers who claim to be concerned about the environment are not always likely to follow through by purchasing environmentally sound goods, according to a new study from IRI which could help food manufacturers when positioning green products.

Manufacturers buy land to secure organic supply

19-Sep-2008 - Food manufacturers are becoming landowners to ensure continuity of supply of organic ingredients as they face a volatile future.

Organic supply squeeze tightens

09-Sep-2008 - Farmers in the US are being forced to leave the organic market because it is too costly, compounding supply shortages already faced by food manufacturers, according to a new report.

Organic consumers yet to be shaken by troubled economy

28-Aug-2008 - Shoppers in the US are continuing to buy natural and organic foods despite difficult economic times, according to research, but experts question how long it can last.

Organic group eyes ethnic team-up potential

13-Aug-2008 - The Organic Trade Association (OTA) says it will be sharing floor space at its next annual trade show with two of the US’ most prominent ethnic food events in reflection of their growing significance to natural goods.

Organic market shows signs of a slowdown

30-Jul-2008 - The organic trend appears to have reached a plateau as consumer interest is waning and attention turns to other food categories such as fresh, local and fair trade, a new report claims.

Prospects flourish within organic industry: expert

24-Jul-2008 - As the perception of health and taste benefits from organic produce drives sales across all demographics, opportunities are arising in every sector of the food industry.

Organic agent to ferret out US supply

27-Jun-2008 - An organics company that links growers and food manufacturers has announced plans to expand its product range as it prepares to open new offices in 'carrot country'.

Organic Summit to highlight industry concerns

24-Apr-2008 - Nanotechnology for food and food security are among the key issues affecting the natural food industry, according to the line-up of topics at this year's Organic Summit.