Strong support for Natexpo 2009
Posted - September 21, 2009
French event celebrates 50th anniversary
By Warren Beaumont
Natexpo 2009, the only French professional exhibition for the natural food and well being sector, will return to Paris celebrating 50 years on October 17 to 19 in Hall 8 of the Parcs Des Exposition at the Paris Nord Villeponte. A biannual event expects about 500 exhibitors and 10,000 trade visitors from France and abroad. These include specialist chain store and shop managers, and major retailers who are devoting an increasing proportion of their shelf space to organic, health and green products.
In 2007 most visitors were specialized retailers (35%) for food, health products and distributors (15%), followed by importers, exporters, agents and wholesalers (12%).Other visitors included manufacturers (8%), medical professionals (7%), special chains and sport shops.
The show is an ideal forum for key players from the organic and well being market and features a rich selection of technical workshops and parallel events, including the third edition of the NATEXPO Awards. The NATEXPO Trophies 2009 will see a jury of industry professionals reward exhibitor’s new products with four trophies in four categories based on sectors represented at the exhibition:
* Healthy eating: organic food
* Health and fitness: health foods, nutrition and dietary supplements
* Natural beauty: organic and natural cosmetics, hygiene and care products
* Daily wellness: green products and equipment (textiles, sustainable habitation etc).
All main segments in the well being sector will be represented at the show: organic and health foods, dietary supplements, natural cosmetics, green household products and equipment.
New products, categories on display
Visitors to NATEXPO 2009 will discover a host of new products and services specially devoted in response to growth in the market for nutrient-specific products (like omega 3 fatty acids), a rapid increase in cosmetic products under the Cosmebio label, and the emergence of environmentally-friendly cleaning products.
Demand for organic, health and green products is booming among French consumers. Organic foods have grown turnover by 15% since 2007, dietary supplements grown by 10% since 2006, and natural and organic cosmetics grown by 30% since 2006, according to a report from Agence BIO (2008). French consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of responsible consumption, and 69% say they prefer to buy products that respect the environment and or sustainable development principles.
Reflecting the diversity of the market with its sights focused on sustainable development, NATEXPO 2009 will pursue the exhibition’s international dimension, as well as the return of the Village des Vins (Organic Wine Village) and the TPE area (Very Small Companies). France’s wine industry has enjoyed unprecedented growth with a 25% increase inland devoted to organic vines in 2007 and 2008 (28,000ha).
Foreign exhibitors are mainly European, such as the Region of Murcia, Spain known for its organic baby foods and purees that have found great acceptance in the French market. Other exhibitors in this show edition include Essential Care Organics from Great Britain, Natures Herb and Spice from Sri Lanka, Caprilac from Spain, and Equi-Nutri from Belgium. The organizers also invited Wallonia, southern Belgium to participate with a shared stand for the first time at this year’s expo.
Natexpo is owned by the French Health Foods Federation and organized by Comexposium, with the support of its member associations: Synadiet, Conseil Nature, Synabio, SynadisBIO. Free attendance passes may be reserved in advance through the website www.natexpo.com
More organic exhibitors at Anuga
Posted - September 21, 2009
More organic exhibitors at Anuga
The Anuga food exhibition being held October 10-14, in Cologne Germany, is showing strong resilience with organizers confident to attract 6,000 exhibitors, compared to 6,600 exhibitors last year. An extraordinary effort for the world’s largest food expo, considering some U.S. shows were down by up to 50% this year. In 2008 Anuga attracted 163,000 trade visitors and was up 3%.
Organizer Koelnmesse said that last year 252 exhibitors presented their lines at Anuga Organic. “We will have about 280 this year, on a slightly increased space – again in hall 5.1, part of our Anuga-concept: Ten food fairs under one roof,” said Christine Hackmann of Koelnmesse.
According to Ms. Hackmann 1,500 companies bring organic products to Anuga and are located all over the fair and that any exhibitor who is offering organic products but is not exhibiting at Anuga Organic can be tracked down through a comprehensive Anuga-database, available on the homepage www.anuga.com
Novelties at Anuga Organic 2009
Slovenian firm BOŽNAR ČEBELARSTVO d.o.o./ HAUSE OF HONEY BOŽNAR will introduce the line Taste of Honey : choco-honey, honey with cinnamon, honey with rum, honey with sour cherry and honey with Williams pear brandy at Anuga in booth F 060. Contact: Mrs. Malči Božnar e-mail: ceb.boznar@siol.net www.boznar.si
China Auto Caiec Ltd. is offering organic certified kidney beans at booth F-088.
For more information contact: Yan Tie e-mail: yt@caiec.cn
German food company Culinaria Biofeinkost GmbH is introducing new dressings in wonderful flavors at booth 10.2C060. Contact Hans-Peter Hoerrlein e-mail hpp.hoerrlein@culinaria.de
US based Dakota Prairie Organic Flour Co. will offerits gluten-free flours and baking mixes at booth C74. For more information contact: Eric Hoberg e-mail: eric@dakota-prairie.com
German firm Wagner Life Design GmbH & Co. KG, which claims to be the world’s largest supplier of Hymalaya salt, will present in booth D-068 / F-069 a beautiful round box with 300 grams of Premium Himalayan crystal salt along with a wooden spoon hand made in Germany. Contact: Cornelia Wagner e-mail: kontakt@wagnerdesign.de www.salz.tv
Toronto hosts two organic fairs in one week
Posted - September 21, 2009
Toronto hosts two organic fairs in one week
CHFA Expo East and Ethnic & Specialty Food Expo offer a good platform to enter Canada via Toronto, the most ethnic urban center in the world.
The Canadian Health Food Association will be presenting Expo East at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from 2-4 October. October 2 will be the conference day, and October 3-4 will be the trade show itself. Over 500 exhibits are expected at this year’s fair, covering close to 80,000 square feet. In 2008, 3500 retailers, industry professionals and distributors attended, with similar numbers expected this year. The Ethnic & Specialty Food Expo celebrates health, organic and regional foods on October 5-6 near the Toronto airport, at the International Centre in Mississauga. It will feature a number of organic, ethnic, local and foreign sustainable exhibitors, including Bio-Grape Foods UK and Ocean Wise. Some of the educational seminars include Blogging about Food, Sustainability, and Health & Wellness. Both shows offer a good platform to enter Canada via Toronto, the most ethnic urban center in the world, close to New York and Chicago, two major cities in the East Coast also with a high concentration of cultural diversity and demand for organic and ethnic foods. www.chfa.ca , www.ethnicandspecialtyfood.com
World Tea East Conference & Pavilion to run parallel to Expo East
Posted - September 21, 2009
World Tea East Conference & Pavilion to run parallel to Expo East
By O.W.N. News Network
World Tea Expo, the leading North American tea event will be launching World Tea East co-located with the Natural Products Expo East September 23-26th in Boston. According to show organizer the Sage Group Intl., the new show responds to demand for a platform on the East Coast by industry members who can’t travel to Las Vegas for World Tea Expo in the summer. The event also provides a sourcing opportunity for holiday product at an ideal time in the tea buying cycle. It is also a fair that brings knowledge, products and connections from the specialty tea trade to the natural products market.
The tea industry is poised to exceed $10 billion in U.S. sales by the end of 2010, up from $7 billion in 2007, according to the Sage Group Intl. “Specialty and premium tea continues to see significant sales growth in the U.S. despite the economic downturn and offer extremely high margins to food service, grocery and retail outlets,” said George Jage, president of World Tea Expo. Leading research firm Mintel said that over 600 new tea products were introduced into the U.S. in 2008, with the hottest trends in organic and natural offerings, with health benefits as the key purchase driver for many tea drinkers. Thousands of non beverage, tea-based products enhanced with tea extracts, essences and flavors such as cosmetics, dietary supplements and functional foods add to this exciting market.
The educational program at World Tea East includes “Current Health Benefits of Tea”, “Tea’s Carbon Footprint”, the Value of Specialty Tea, and more. World Tea Expo is one of the 50 fastest growing trade shows in North America. The event includes educational sessions and focused tastings led by industry experts.
World Tea East organizers also will host the World Tea Championship Winners Tasting on the evening of Sept. 23. to offer the chance to sample winning teas from the World Tea Championship™, an annual competition that results in independent tea ratings.
As an added incentive to attendees registered for World Tea East, World Tea Expo will be giving away a 10-day intimate tea tour of Japan valued at over US $4,500. Attendees visiting the World Tea Expo booth #2981 can have their badge scanned to both get a free subscription to the World Tea News and to enter the “I Want to Pluck!” Giveaway. The 2010 World Tea Expo will take place at Las Vegas Convention Center, June 11-13. For more information, visit www.worldteaexpo.com
New this season at Expo East
Posted - September 21, 2009
Exhibitors showing for the first time at Expo East
CanaSpirit, artesanal cachasa, one of Brazil’s best loved alcoholic drinks, will be a first-time exhibitor at BioFach America co-located with Expo East in Boston. Cachaca is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented sugar cane juice. CanaSpirit believes in the process of thinking about the environment in every step of the product life cycle. The company started producing premium organic cachaca in late 2007, offering now 50,000 litres per year in various flavours available for the North American market. CanaSpirit is part of the OrganicsBrasil pavilion in Hall B2 booth 1919
LCL Natural and Organic Distributors, a new player on the New York food distribution scene, will be introducing The Organic Sweet Center, a concept to facilitate trade and consumers to learn about natural sweeteners available in the market, such as stevia, yacon, “panela”unrefined sugar, honey and agave syrup. Latin American suppliers may find with LCL a more direct gateway to reach North American retailers. Co-founders Liliana Carrillo, Melba Vega B. and Luz S. Palacio
have identified suppliers in Colombia, Mexico and Peru committed to also offer other quality products such as organic certified herbs, spices, coffee, rice and edible mushrooms. Visit LCL in Hall B booth 2416
Naturkost de Mexico S.A. de C.V. will be a first time exhibitor in Expo East/BioFach America, offering a display of the variety of products derived from chia seeds: chia oil, margarine, flour, energy bars, bread, cookies, cosmetics, supplements and even pet food. Known since Aztec times, Chia seeds are rich in omega 3 and soluble fibre. Naturkost de Mexico sells the seeds under its brand Sachia and also offers a trading platform for other ingredients from Mexico and other parts of Latin America to enter the European and North American markets. Visit them in booth 1212
Thailand, the number one organic producer in Southeast Asia is a first time exhibitor at Expo East/BioFach America in Boston. Six Thai organic firms will be presenting to the U.S. market: Baby corn snacks, organic rice vermicelli and 3 shades of Hom Mali (jasmine) rice,; coconut products, including virgin coconut oil, coconut milk and water, and canned coconut; fresh, canned and frozen organic fruits and vegetables; dried exotic organic herbs and essential herbal oils, including lemon grass, kaffer lime leaves, mangosteen shell and moringa; organic curry and chili pastes; Hom Mali rice vinegar and organic coffee. Thailand is also moving toward becoming the 7th country whose government is authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to certify products under the Natural Organic Program (NOP). Visit the Thai pavilion at booth 1373
New product introductions
Annie Chun’s new introductions include frozen foods, snacks and sauce
Annie Chun’s is debuting two new frozen foods line, a snack food line, and previewing a new sauce.Try the company’s new potstickers and mini wontons in a variety of flavors, the two new crispy, Korean-style roasted seaweed snacks, and Go-Chu-Jang—a sweet and spicy sauce that goes with everything (and could be at the forefront of a new Korean foods trend). Visit the company at booth 2545
eGear introduces a full line of Energy-Efficient lighting products
eGear Eco-Charge Products Feature Dynamo power source–never need to replace batteries; easy-crank handles power up lights in just minutes; energy-efficient LED bulbs which convert energy directly to light; solid state LED bulbs that won’t break or burn out and no fuel, no leaky batteries–perfect to store away for an emergency. Check the product range at booth 1538
HomeFree products to show latest on food allergies and new products
Jill Robbins, president and founder of HomeFree, maker of organic, ready-to-eat, whole grain cookies and coffee cakes free of common food allergens including peanuts, tree nuts, dairy and eggs, will be at Expo East to meet visitors interested in this growing food category.
Jill is a clinical psychologist, turned to baking when her son was diagnosed with food allergies almost ten years ago. The author of “Allergen Free Baking: Baked Treats for All Occasions,” Jill focused on creating a solution to the social aspect of food allergies, finding it heartbreaking to know that many children, and adults, cannot fully participate in school and social events when treats with potential allergens are served.
Among other features HomeFree products are free of peanuts, tree nuts, eggs and dairy, certified whole grain – each cookie serving contains at least ½ serving of whole grain; certified organic; baked and packaged in a dedicated bakery and without corn sweeteners, artificial colors, artificial flavors, MSG, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). HomeFree products will be at booth 2625.
NextFoods introduces new probiotic fruit drink
NextFoods is introducing its newest product, GoodBelly BigShot 50 with 50 billion probiotics per serving, ideal for those times when you’re being bullied by sluggish digestion, flare-ups, or feeling especially run down and may need some extra support to restore your body’s natural balance. The company also offers GoodBelly™, a probiotic fruit drink with 20 Billion active cultures that are clinically proven to improve digestive health and strengthen immunity! That’s more than you can get from any yogurt and a lot more delicious! GoodBelly™ and GoodBelly BigShot 50 will be showcased at Expo East/ BioFach America in booth 2322.
Natural Products EXPO EAST / BioFach America come back to Boston
Posted - September 21, 2009
Natural Products EXPO EAST / BioFach America come back to Boston
By O.W.N News Network
Natural Products Expo East 2009 returns to Boston on September 23-26 to present products from more than twenty countries. Co-located with Organic Products Expo BioFach America, in a partnership with Nürnberg Global Fairs, the event aims to host again over 25,000 industry professionals at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
Research findings show that in spite of current economic uncertainty the trend to healthy food and natural non-food products will persist and that US consumers still remain loyal to organic products. This should encourage international companies to continue their activities in the USA or enter the world’s largest market.
Last year’s Expo East drew more than 26,000 industry attendees from 79 countries and featured over 2,100 exhibits. Over 335 firms from 19 nations exhibited at BioFach America.
During this 21st edition of Expo East exhibits will be organized in 6 pavilions: Health & Beauty, Natural & Specialty Foods, Natural Living, Organic Products Expo - BioFach America, Pet Products, Supplements, and World Tea East.
Expo East shows commitment to recycling and less waste
New Hope Media, producer of Expo East in Boston and Expo West in Annaheim is showing commitment to reducing its negative impact and its exhibitors on the environment. According to its website, the show organizer is providing additional recycle bins and signage about recycling at the convention centers and hotels; collecting and donating unused samples and products to local charities and food banks; limiting attendees to only collect one bag of samples per day; using reusable dishes or biodegradable dishes and flatware when reusable dishes are not an option; increasing the use of paperless technology making all show documents available on the website; encouraging “car” pooling or participating in the shuttle service provided to the official host hotels, and collecting badge holders to reuse at future events. Since 2008, all badge holders are made of a biodegradable polypropylene. The Buyer’s Guide available at the show floor will list exhibitors committed to green booth activities to reduce show impact.
Time to raise the bar on sustainability practices – Free forum at Expo East
Sustainability” has become one of today’s buzzwords, with increased consumer demand for “sustainable” and “socially responsible” products, and more businesses touting practices and products as “green,” “low carbon,” and “fair trade.” At the same time, some continue to question the value of organic systems for people and planet. This makes it critical for organic leaders to understand and communicate the benefits of organic systems, and raise the bar on sustainability practices, advancing the organic marketplace, environmental stewardship, society and the economy.
The Food Trade Sustainability Leadership Association (FTSLA) is hosting the following events at Expo East:
“Organic Systems & the Value Proposition for Long Term Sustainability”
“Responsible Packaging Forum”
“Introduction to FTSLA”
The goal is to unite the organic community in learning, conversation & networking, focused on key issues and best practices, such as carbon foot print, sustainable packaging, measurement/reporting and sourcing/labor; current research on the benefits of organic systems, from climate change to nutrition; organics as a foundation for broader sustainability; improving impact across operations, packaging, supply/distribution chains and communicating organic & sustainability benefits in honest, compelling ways. The three events are free of charge, but registration is required. For direct inquiries contact: Melissa Schweisguth, melissa@ftsla.org, www.ftsla.org Ph ( USA) +1 541-727-0460
New England Style Dinner to Benefit Farm Aid
Farm Aid is partnering with New Hope Natural Media to offer “A New England Dinner to Benefit Farm Aid”, on Wednesday September 23 during Expo East featuring food from the region’s family farmers.
Tickets are US $125 and include dinner and musical entertainment by Jesse Dee, with all proceeds going to benefit Farm Aid. The Lighthouse at the beautiful Boston Seaport Hotel hosts the evening.
According to their website, “Farm Aid” has been, supporting farmers offering concerts for the past 24 years, raising funds to keep farm families on their land and increasing awareness about the loss of family farms in the United States. “Farm Aid” is non-profit organization which has raised nearly US $35 million through inspiring and informative television, radio, mail, and web campaigns to promote a strong and resilient family farm system of agriculture. See more at www.farmaid.org
More information at www.expoeast.com , www.biofach-america.com
After successful ExpoAlimentaria 2009 Peru confident about strong role in food sector
Posted - September 21, 2009
PeruNatura : New international showcase for natural and organic products
By O.W.N. News network
In spite of the global economic recession Peru continues its progress in positioning itself in the international arena as a reliable supplier of foods, with a special focus on organic certified, natural and ethnic products. In a joint effort between the Peruvian private and public sectors, conventional and organic certified enterprises presented a display of the country’s richest biodiversity and industrial accomplishments during Expo Alimentaria and PeruNatura, parallel event celebrated in Lima this past September 9-11th.
Over 160 Peruvian producers and exporters from the agri-food and aquaculture sectors, and players in the food processing, packaging, logistics and foreign trade gathered at Expo Alimentaria along with 4,000 national and international buyers. The event was a great opportunity to meet suppliers and to share news on what is happening in the organic market, according to importer Diego Garcia of French firm Brochenin. Jorge Urena of Uhtco Corp., a Canadian-based firm offering natural supplements and foods from Peru, attended along with partners at Inversiones 2A S.R.L., who were one of the twelve firms recognized this year on Earth Day by Peruvian President Alan Garcia for their work in promoting biodiversity and bio-commerce.
The event was an initiative of the Peruvian exporters association ADEX and Promperu, the Peruvian agency for export promotion in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and show organizer Corferias del Pacifico, with the patronage of Scotiabank.
PERUNATURA new international showcase for natural products
Besides being recognized for its quality traditional food exports, such as fish meal and fish oil, Peru also specializes in unique ingredients and derivatives with healthy properties such as maca root, cacao beans, sacha inchi, cat’s claw, camu camu, medicinal herbs, tara, quinoa and other Andean grains. Parallel to Expo Alimentaria these and other non-conventional export products from 27 exhibitors were on display at PERUNATURA, a project from PROMPERÚ and Peru Biodiverso, aimed at showcasing and exploring new niche markets for such natural products grown under sustainability guidelines and which are seeing growing demand in foreign markets.
According to Promperu, in Malasya sacha inchi, known for its high content of Omega 3, is already used in a baby cream, while in the Middle East tara has been introduced as ingredient to produce ice cream, and camu camu is being introduced in Japan. Jose Quiñones , director of export promotion at Promperu, stated that the goal to promote bio-trade in Peru is to contribute to the sustainable development of local communities, while protecting the natural resources. Bio-trade also represents an important strategy to diversify Peru’s exports. For more information about Expo Alimentaria and the organic sector in Peru contact Lesly Vera G. lvera@promperu.gob.pe
First MUNDUS vini BioFach International Organic Wine Award
Posted - September 21, 2009
First MUNDUS vini BioFach International Organic Wine Award
BioFach, the world’s leading exhibition for natural and organic certified products including organic wines, cooperates with media house MUNDUSvini/Meininger to organize the first MUNDUSvini BioFach International Organic Wine Award, a highlight for The Organic Wine World, the section in hall 4a, where 318 organic wine exhibitors presented their latest additions during BioFach, Nuernberg this past February. Show organizer expects around 700 wines to enter the competition for BioFach 2010 next February 17-20.
The MUNDUSvini BioFach International Organic Wine Award aims to become an annual competition to promote the quality and marketing of wines from organic production. The competition also offers manufacturers, winegrowers, importers and consumers a forum for comparing the wines with each other, and a way to provide consumers with valuable guidance when deciding which wine to buy.
The tasting of the samples entered in the competition will take place in Neustadt on the Wine Road from 7–9 December and will be performed by an international jury of experts comprising well-known and experienced tasters from all over the world. The judging is based on a 100-points system involving smell, taste and individual scoring using the sampling tables of the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine) and the U.I.Œ. (International Union of Oenologists). The award winners are decided by a joint decision of the jury. The number of awards is limited to maximum 30 % of the samples entered in line with the OIV rules. The best wines receive “Special Gold”, “Gold” and “Silver” awards.
Eligible for entry are still wines, sparkling wines, perl wines and liqueur wines from organic cultivation with a number from an organic certification body. The deadline for sending samples isNovember 7th, 2009. The full entry conditions and competition forms for the MUNDUSvini BioFach International Organic Wine Award can be requested from the MUNDUSvini organization team by phone +49 (0) 6321 8908-9500 or by e-mail at contact@mundusvini.com. The wines can be entered online at www.webpass-online.com.
Global trends at All Things Organic, Expo Comida Latina and All Asia Food 2009
Posted - May 19, 2009
Global trends at All Things Organic™, Expo Comida Latina and All Asia Food 2009
By O.W.N. News Network
Ethnic and specialty foods and wellness and health oriented products are among strong consumer demands. Recent studies show that in the current uncertain economic environment, consumers are evaluating what’s truly important to them. Core values such as home, health, family and sustainability are coming out on top. Organic products are now seen as a solution, not a luxury.
This coming June 16-17th, during The All Things Organic™, Expo Comida Latina and All Asia Food trade shows, entrepreneurs from the organic and natural sectors will have direct access to the hottest growth segments in today’s food market. A diverse showcase of foods and other products from all corners of the world, on display at Lakeside Center at McCormick Place in Chicago, will delight buyers from the mainstream, specialty and natural health food sectors.
According to the Organic Trade Association, U.S. sales of organic products, both food and non-food, reached $24.6 billion by the end of 2008, an impressive 17.1 percent over 2007 sales despite the economic downturn. Packaged Facts reports that consumer interest in experiencing new ethnic cuisines and flavors is expected to grow this year as well. According to Agricultural Marketing Resources the U.S. ethnic food market is strong, estimated at $75 billion in annual sales. This is the equivalent of $1 out of every $7 being spent in groceries. Packaged Facts also reports that Hispanic and Asian food retailers, both independents and chains, are expected to experience significant growth in 2009, serving both, ethnic and mainstream consumers.
In a release, show organizers indicate that top product trends this year include:
• Gourmet presentations of high nutrient foods such as caramelized flax seed, walnuts and out-of-the-box salad pairings of blueberry and basil.
• Whole and raw foods to meet consumer demand for unprocessed items .
• Biodynamic wine varietals, green tea beer and a full range of organic spirits.
• Authentic, ethnic prepared foods, exotic ingredients and flavors from markets around the world.
• Stevia, agavé and other natural low calorie sweeteners incorporated as ingredients in a variety of products, as well as stand-alone sweeteners.
Other trends still strong in the market :
• Foods including functional ingredients rich with antioxidants, Omega fatty acids and more.
• Kosher certified products that are also organic and gluten free.
• Gluten-free savory and sweet snack items, breads and prepared meals.
• Private label organic products, lead by companies such as O Organics.
• Organic and green cleaning products to satisfy consumers’ desires for healthy products beyond food.
• Green household and functional items from Fair Trade African baskets, fine linens and jigsaw puzzles that can be planted when completed to grow flowers.
More information www.organicexpo.com
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.
