Organic sector increasingly dependent on imports: USDA

04-Jun-2009 - The US organic sector has become increasingly dependent on imported ingredients as a supply squeeze continues to limit the sector’s growth, according to a new report from the US Department of Agriculture.

Stevia’s organic potential is not limited, claims PureCircle

12-May-2009 - Major Reb A supplier PureCircle has disputed recent suggestions that stevia’s potential for use in organic foods could be limited, although it agrees that certification poses problems.

US organics buck recessionary trend

05-May-2009 - US sales of organic food have surged despite dire predictions for its resilience as consumers look for ways to cut spending, according to a new survey on American organics.

USDA puts organics in the spotlight

30-Apr-2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the US Department of Agriculture will conduct its first ever large-scale survey of organic farming in the US this spring.

Reb A could face organic market challenges

24-Apr-2009 - The potential of stevia-derived sweeteners for use in organic foods could be limited because of the plant’s diversified cultivation and Reb A’s processed nature, according to Euromonitor International.

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.

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.