Expo West a March Success
Posted - March 30, 2009
Expo West: Busier than Ever
By Adriana Michael, O.W.N.
A cheerful spring mood filled the air in Anaheim, California the first week of March. According to show organizers “more people sold, sampled and schmoozed at this year’s Natural Products Expo West / SupplyExpo than any time in the event’s 29-year history”. Over 1,900 exhibitors from 28 countries welcomed 53,000 industry members at the Anaheim Convention Center March 5 -8, up from approximately 52,000 attendees in 2008. There were 484 firms exhibiting for the first time this year, an indication that, in spite of economic uncertainty, the interest in organics and new natural products is still strong.
“Expo West has been awesome”, says Denise de Souza, founder of MateTherapy, Brazilian natural cosmetics company that has developed a complete line with organic certified yerba mate as its main ingredient. “I saw serious buyers, who knew what they were looking for”.
Ted Campdesuner of North American Herb & Spice agrees. “It has been a good event. Established client and newcomers have stopped by.
Coming Up: Sial Montreal
Posted - March 30, 2009
Coming Up!
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Green Perseveres Through Tough Times
Posted - March 30, 2009
Recession or Not, Green Still the Way to Go
By Adriana Michael, O.W.N.
Unemployment rates have been on the rise around the world, and the financial crisis at its peak in strong countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. This uncertainty anticipated a gloomy economy and a tough business environment for 2009. The good news is that by the end of the first trimester, the organic and natural sectors continue showing strong performance, although not at the same growth rate as in previous years.
Organic consumers are well informed, committed and have a firm idea of their purchasing priorities. In the US and Europe the industry reports steady sales of organic fruits, vegetables, dairy products, grains, bread and meat. In Germany market research firm Nielsen Co. conducted a survey of 9,000 households this past February, 54 percent of the respondents said that they may have to adjust and give up a few things due to the economic crisis, but their lifestyle will not change much. 29 percent stated that the crisis will not affect their lifestyle and purchasing decisions.
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Predictions for 2009
Posted - March 30, 2009
Organic Monitor Shares 2009 Predictions
Presented by Amarjit Sahota, Organic Monitor
With the slowdown in the global economy, uncertainty for ethical & sustainable industries built up during 2008.
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Biofach’s 20th!
Posted - March 30, 2009
Fairs: Biofach Cheerfully Celebrated 20th Anniversary
By Lucia Lorente, O.W.N.
Despite a gloomy economic environment and a snow storm that closed airports and delayed flights to Nuernberg, Biofach 2009 was once again the most successful international event for organic trade. Over 46,700 registered visitors, 38% from outside Germany, and 2,744 exhibitors from 91 countries gathered at the modern and welcoming fairgrounds to celebrate Biofach’s 20th birthday.
In addition to Germany, most exhibitors came from Italy, France, Spain and Austria, with a growing number from Holland, China and Switzerland. Denmark staged an impressive pavilion and played host as country of the year. There were several first time exhibitors, from Eastern European nations such as Bosnia, Georgia and Croatia, and others from as far away as Hong Kong, Mali and Guinea.
This year Biofach organizer NuernbergMesse GmbH launched the Sustainability Forum two days before the fair, an event that offered guests and speakers a platform to discuss sustainability issues within the organic sector, and the current global economic situation.
Vivaness, a parallel event to Biofach focusing on the natural health and beauty sectors, also reported excellent traffic and growth this year. Over 200 exhibitors located in Hall 7 of the fairgrounds introduced 70 new products to buyers and visitors.
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Brazil Third in Organic Farms
Posted - March 30, 2009
Brazil Ranks Third in Number of Organic Farms
OrganicsBrasil Reported Successful Participation at Biofach
By Sofia Garcia, O.W.N.
Brazil, a country known for the cultivation of both exotic and staple food ingredients, currently ranks third in terms of number of organic farms, according to a recent survey by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM).
This vast Latin American country, which concentrates most of the Amazon rainforest, has been leading the world in production or export volume of coffee, soy beans, cane sugar, orange juice and beef. Now it also offers a wide range of organic certified products for export. Thirty one exhibitors with quality ingredients such as cashews, acai berries, cacao, coffee, and processed foods, supplements, essential oils, cosmetics and even apparel made of organic certified cotton were on display at the OrganicsBrasil Pavilion at Biofach in Nuremberg, Germany this past February 19-22. Exotic Umbu fruit jam and Baru nuts, where two new product introductions at the fair.
OrganicsBrasil also had a stand for the first time at Vivaness (Biofach
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Italian Firm Reaches Latin America
Posted - March 30, 2009
La Finestra’s Next Frontier: Latin America
By Adriana Michael, O.W.N.
It
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