Educational events, international buyer’s mission and new exhibitors, at the combined shows in Chicago
Posted - May 19, 2009
Educational events, international buyer’s mission and new exhibitors, at the combined shows in Chicago
By Adriana Michael
Educational events to highlight industry trends and challenges
The All Things Organic™ Conference, presented by the Organic Trade Association, and the new Health & Wellness Education Program, in partnership with Progressive Grocer Magazine and Nielsen Business Media, will focus on industry and consumer trends and challenges, and on exclusive research in the organic and wellness sectors.
Navigating the current market conditions will be a highlight, with conference topics on “Capital Funding in Today’s Economic Crunch,” “To Survive and Thrive: Strategies for Growing Organic Sales in the Economic Downturn,” and “Organic Consumer Trends 2009: Economic Effects and Outlook.”
Buyers Trade Mission
Show organizers are also expecting a buyers’ trade mission of companies from Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia. “It is the first time we will attend All Things Organic and look forward to meet companies with new products and suppliers not seen already at other fairs this year”, said Cliv Sher co-founder of Australian based firm Hampden Trading. “In Australia we do not have enough ingredients in organic quality, which makes our R+D activities difficult”. Besides the trading business Cliv and his brother Steve also run a company that develops products for the natural health care sector.
New exhibitors and country pavilions
In spite of tight budget restrictions for exhibitions and promotion activities this year, experienced by many companies in spite of the organic sector continued double digit growth, a number of first time exhibitors and new country pavilions have already reserved their space to introduce their lines at All Things Organic™ “We are looking forward to All Things Organic ”, says first time exhibitor Guadalupe Latapi, founder and CEO of Aires de Campo, first organic certified distributor in Mexico. “We find the combination of the three shows a great opportunity to offer products suitable to all three hot markets”. Established seven years ago, Aires de Campo is the first brand for organic foods seen at all independent food retailers and major supermarket chains in Mexico, including giant foreign firms Walmart and Costco. The firm is also distributor of Nature’s Path breakfast cereals and is planning to introduce some imported lines not produced in Mexico yet, such as baked goods and pastas.
“Our goal is to concentrate in products made in Mexico”, says Guadalupe. “But there is also room now for some exports of Mexican ingredients and products with added value and imports of lines not seen in Mexico in organic quality yet”. “All Things Organic is a show with a great atmosphere and opportunity to exchange with old friends, and to make new contacts”, says Ming Liu, manager of the OrganicsBrasil export promotion program.OrganicsBrasil recently joined the Organic Trade Association, presenter of All Things Organic™ and feels it important to support the organization and fair being present. “We did not know until last year, that OTA also welcomes members from outside North America”.All Things Organic™ will host pavilions from Mexico, Brazil and other Latin American countries, such as Peru, Argentina, and El Salvador.
