United Natural Foods Inc. expects to request at least $1.9 million in state tax credits in return.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. United Natural Foods Inc., a wholesale distributor headquartered in Providence with $8.47 billion in net sales last fiscal year, expects to add 150 jobs in Providence by 2020 after selecting Rhode Island from about 30 prospective metro locations.

The company is seeking a long-term lease for a new, shared business services center in the Providence metro area, Gov. Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation announced Wednesday.

United Natural Foods expects to request at least $1.9 million in Qualified Jobs tax credits from the Commerce Corporation at its Feb. 27 board meeting, Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor told The Providence Journal.

About a year ago, Rhode Island leaders responded when the company issued a solicitation to different jurisdictions, seeking answers about office space availability and financial incentives that locations could offer, Pryor said.

The company narrowed its search to three top metro locations places that are leaders in "shared services operations," said Josephine Eke, the firm's vice president of branding and communications marketing. Centralizing in Rhode Island continues the company's effort "to stay nimble and evolve to the market changes," she said.

"Clearly, we have a great relationship with Rhode Island because our headquarters is here," Eke said in a phone interview Wednesday. "This is about building a business for the future, trying to do the best for our customers as well as our associates, and I think we're thrilled to be able to continue our relationship with Rhode Island."

Eke said she does not know how many of the jobs would be new and how many would move from other locations, or whether there might be layoffs elsewhere.

The wholesale distributor moved its headquarters from Connecticut to Rhode Island in 2009 and has grown exponentially since then.

As it seeks tax credits from Commerce, the firm could request more credits if it exceeds its current expectations for job creation, Pryor said. The board will likely consider a higher amount of credits, not yet negotiated, that the firm would redeem if it hires about 250 or more employees, Pryor said. Neither Pryor nor Eke could immediately say what median annual wages would be.

"It's exciting that Rhode Island-based operations such as United Natural Foods are deciding in Rhode Island's favor when they are considering where to expand," Pryor said. "Some of our recent victories include companies moving into Rhode Island from outside our borders. It's enormously encouraging that companies such as UNFI are joining A.T. Cross and Ocean State Job Lot, and other Rhode Island companies, in growing right here."

United Natural Foods (UNFI:Nasdaq) identifies itself as the largest publicly traded wholesale distributor of natural and organic foods and wellness products to the natural, organic and specialty industry in the United States and Canada.

The company's net sales have grown from $3.4 billion in the fiscal year that ended in 2008, the year it announced its move to Providence, to $8.47 billion in the fiscal year that ended July 30.

The company employs about 9,800 people at 33 distribution centers throughout the United States and Canada, with about 450 employees at its Providence headquarters, Commerce spokesman Matthew Sheaff said. United Natural Foods distributes more than 100,000 organic, natural and specialty products to more than 43,000 customer locations throughout North America.

In Rhode Island, the company now expects to open a "shared services center," Steven L. Spinner, the company's president, CEO and board chairman, said in a statement issued by the Commerce Corporation. That "new, centralized location" is expected to support business operations that includes services such as accounts payable and accounts receivable, Sheaff said.

A lease hasn't been signed, but the company is working toward a long-term lease in the Providence metro area to accommodate the new employees, the Commerce Corporation said. The company's headquarters is 313 Iron Horse Way, the American Locomotive Works building in Providence's Olneyville neighborhood, the same complex where the Commerce Corporation is located.

We look forward to expanding our presence in Rhode Island with the opening of our shared services center, which will enable us to drive greater efficiencies and improve the customer experience as we further simplify and standardize our supplier and customer interactions, Spinner said in the statement.

Weve long been proud that UNFI calls Rhode Island home, and today were pleased that its decided to grow here, Gov. Gina Raimondo said in a statement. The business climate weve worked to create over the past couple of years is one thats mutually beneficial for businesses and our residents, and were careful to ensure that the opportunities we create pay off in both the short- and long term.

The company is moving forward with hiring plans soon, with an open house scheduled for March 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at its corporate headquarters.Hiring managers expect to conduct interviews at that time.

Last fiscal year,Whole Foods Market was the company's only customer whose business represented more than 10 percent of total net sales, with about 35 percent, according to United Natural Foods' annual report. In late 2015, the company announced it had extended its wholesale distribution relationship with Whole Foods until Sept. 25, 2025, extending a prior agreement that would have expired in September 2020.

In 2014, United Natural Foods acquired California food distributor Tony's Fine Foods for approximately $202.7 million.Last fiscal year, Haddon House was its largest acquisition, at approximately $217.5 million, and with other acquisitions, the company took on an additional 1,000 employees, according to its annual report.

Excerpt from:

RI-based distributor of natural, organic food to add 150 jobs - The Providence Journal

Mashable

Whole Foods is struggling despite a booming organic craze Mashable The high-end grocery chain said it would close nine stores last week after a year and a half of falling same-store sales. Yet ironically, the organic food craze it ... What would it mean to modernize the Endangered Species Act?Grist Whole Foods was a half-step behind industry changes, and it hurtFlorida Weekly Global Organic Food & Beverages Market 2016 Amy's Kitchen Inc, Dean Foods, Evol Foods, Organic Valley ...Albanian Times WholeFoods Magazine all 9 news articles »

Continued here:

Whole Foods is struggling despite a booming organic craze - Mashable

Consumers face big challenges when it comes to shopping organic because of inaccurate and misleading food labeling, confusing nutrient values and sometimes outrageous pricing

If you are a dedicated organic-only food shopper, no matter what the cost, this column is not for you. But if you wonder about getting your money's worth in terms of healthier food at a reasonable price, then read on.

Consumers face big challenges when it comes to shopping organic because of inaccurate and misleading food labeling, confusing nutrient values and sometimes outrageous pricing.

Here's my story.

Standing in front of a brightly lighted dairy food case triggered my comment, recently, to the guy standing next to me. "Isn't $7.29 a gallon is a bit high for a gallon of milk," I asked. "Don't they have cheaper alternatives?"

The guy, who looked to be in his late 30s or early 40s, gave me a thoughtful stare and responded to my question with a crisp, "no." But he wasn't finished. He then told me that he and his wife shop at second-hand stores for clothing so they can afford to spend more of their household budget on organic food for their kids. Organic milk at $7.29 a gallon being a primary purchase.

"We're willing to make the sacrifice because we believe in locally sourced, fresh, pure, hormone-free organic food," he said with passion. His short lecture caught me by surprise. I took a deep breath and quietly said, thank you.

What did I expect? I was shopping in a new co-op grocery store down the street from my son's urban apartment. Almost everything in the store is organic and pricey. Why wouldn't I get a "talk" about the glories of paying more than $7 for a gallon of milk while the Safeway store less than a mile away sells milk for just under $3 a gallon?

Here in the Northwest, the natural-food-GMO-free organic-only movement is embraced as religion, wrapped up in doing good things for the planet and for our children. How can you not believe?

But investigative reporters at the Los Angeles Times and other big newspapers, plus a range of food experts, say the nutritional content from conventionally produced foods and those with the organic label are indistinguishable.

For instance, Mayo Clinic researchers do not consider organic food significantly different than conventionally produced foodstuffs in terms of nutritional value. The clinic looked at 50 years' worth of scientific articles about nutrient content. Journal of Dairy Science recently reported that in terms of nutrients in milk "there is nothing distinct about organic milk that makes it unique from conventionally produced milk."

A study reported by the New York Times a couple of years ago, explained that Stanford University researchers analyzed 237 studies of organic produce, meats and dairy foods and concluded that organic foods are no more nutritious than their conventional counterparts.

Sorry, guy at the dairy case who buys second-hand clothes for his family to afford organic food purchases.

Here's the problem. Huge money is being made by food retailers by perpetuating the public's belief that paying higher prices for organic food is worth it.

Kroger, Albertsons, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, even Safeway are all growing revenue on the organic wave. More grocery shelf space is going organic for that reason.

A food shopper intent on holding down costs must now be aware (at every turn) of the big price differences between organic and conventional fresh vegetables and between hormone-free and conventional meats and milk.

According to Consumer Reports as sighted by the LA Times, organic foods and beverages run an average 47 percent more in price than conventional alternatives. In some cases, the markup can be more than 300 percent.

You are paying more because organic food is more expensive to produce, safer and is more healthful and nutritious, right? But profit margins on organic food sales are far greater than for conventional food. Supermarkets earn a measly 1- to 2-percent on conventional food sales, while organics will generate averages of 3.5- to 6 percent.

"Organic foods often include a price market up of 29- to 32-percent when only a 5- to 7-percent premium is needed to break even," says the National Academy of Sciences.

Organics are a huge profit opportunity for the cut-throat trillion dollar grocery industry.

Labeling confusion

Then there's the whole labeling thing: 100 percent organic means just that while a singular "organic" label means the product is 95 percent organic. Products that contain just 70 percent organic ingredients can say "made with organic ingredients."

Terms such as natural, all natural, free-range or hormone-free should not be confused with organic foods. Who has time for all this label-reading and primary research?

Grocery vendors are counting on time-strapped shoppers to not take the time to figure this all out and instead grab the higher-priced organic stuff without comparing cost.

For young families on a budget who face rising household expenses, it may be worth it to check out the cost of organics verse conventional food. Is buying milk for a family of four with a $4-a-gallon price difference, worth it? Or as the LA Times headline asked, "Is organic food worth the higher price? Many experts say "no."

Julia Anderson is the Smart Money columnist for the Portland Tribune

Continue reading here:

Smart Money: Is organic food worth the higher price? Experts say no - Pamplin Media Group

(1 of ) Amy's Kitchen team leader Gricelda Barajas Barragan, right, manages production line employees on Wednesday, March 11, 2015. (BETH SCHLANKER / THE PRESS DEMOCRAT) (2 of ) Meals are packaged for shipping at Amy's Kitchen in Santa Rosa in this 2013 file photo. (KENT PORTER / The Press Democrat) (3 of ) William Silver, dean of Sonoma State Universitys School of Business and Economics. (SSU) (4 of ) Big Bottom Market partner Michael Volpatt, left, operations director Donna Prowse, and partner Crista Luedtke with their artisanal biscuit mix at Big Bottom Market in Guerneville, California on Wednesday, October 26, 2016. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat) (5 of ) Big Bottom Market partner Michael Volpatt, left, operations director Donna Prowse, and partner Crista Luedtke with their artisanal biscuit mix at Big Bottom Market in Guerneville, California on Wednesday, October 26, 2016. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)

CYNTHIA SWEENEY

NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL | February 14, 2017, 11:11AM

| Updated 5 hours ago.

Sonoma Countys love affair with organic and artisanal food is showing no signs of slowing down.

As more consumers embrace those food products locally and across the nation, the specialty food and beverage manufacturing sector continues to grow at a rapid clip, in terms of both profits and employment, according to a December 2016 industry report from the Sonoma County Economic Development Board.

Sales of organic food and nonfood products have grown nearly three times as fast as conventional offerings in the last decade, and robust growth in food and beverage manufacturing lifted overall factory payrolls to the highest level since 2006, the report said.

Theres something about the artisanal culture here that seems to permeate all industries here in Sonoma County, even our food manufacturing, said William Silver, dean of Sonoma State Universitys School of Business and Economics.

Silver saw evidence of this at the first Harvest Summit in Sonoma in October. The summit was billed as a gathering of innovative leaders in technology, media, entertainment, food, wine and consumer products. The people that were gathered there, the nature of the conversations and the event itself was not like your typical industry affair, Silver said.

It wasnt a ballroom setting with PowerPoint presentations, he said. Even networking is too 1990s a term to describe what was happening there. It was people from different sectors getting together and using their experiences, talent and excitement about where we live and whats happening here to talk about possibilities for the future. People love what they do here and are passionate about it. Thats where the energy is. Were doing things very differently here than in other parts of the state and the country.

Silver cited the success of local businesses like La Tortilla Factory, Traditional Medicinals, Krave Jerky and Amys Kitchen.

More county food producers are also seeking startup financing, although IT and medical device firms have traditionally attracted the highest share of venture funds. Access to plentiful startup financing in the Bay Area and in the county itself will enable local producers to better compete on the national stage, the economic board report said.

As consumers are growing increasingly health-conscious and aware of environmental and ethical practices of the food beverage and lifestyle products they purchase, the demand for organic and artisanal goods stands to further increase in coming years, to the benefit of Sonomas producers.

Though organic produce, dairy, meat and snack foods tend to be more expensive than conventional offerings, organic purchases are on the rise across income levels. According to the Organic Trade Association, eight in 10 shoppers purchased organic food products at least once in the past year, a marked increase from the start of the decade. U.S. sales of organic foods surged 11 percent in 2015 to $40 billion, or nearly 5 percent of total domestic food and beverage sales.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, sales of organic produce, dairy and meat will increase at a double-digit pace over the next two years, and consumers willingness to pay a premium for organic and artisanal products will safeguard profits despite the countys high business and labor costs.

A tight labor market and rising labor costs will compress margins, though profits for food, beverage and lifestyle products makers will continue to hold firm, the board report report said. Though competition in the organic foods segment is heating up, robust demand will drive revenue growth and preserve county firms pricing power.

Follow this link:

Sonoma County's organic, artisanal food future looks bright - Sonoma Index-Tribune

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The latest science on the environmental and health benefits of organic food and farming will literally take center stage on March 9 at The Organic Center's 14th Annual Benefit Dinner in conjunction with Natural Products Expo West.

With the theme of "Science Says So," the eventthe single biggest fundraising event for The Organic Center and the largest business networking dinner at Expo Westwill explain organic science to the dinner attendees in a unique, thought-provoking and entertaining way. Marking a first for the dinner, The Secret Ingredient podcast team from National Public Radio affiliate Austin, Texas, based KUT will live-tape, on stage, a podcast episode featuring The Center's Director of Science Programs Dr. Jessica Shade and the chef and creator of the dinner, Chef Matthew Raiford.

The star of the episode will be the all-organic, scrumptious and healthy feast created exclusively for the event by Raiford. The Secret Ingredient hosts Raj Patel, Tom Philpott and Rebecca McInroy will dine on center stage under the spotlight with Shade and Raiford, while the dinner is being enjoyed simultaneously by the benefit's attendees. Shade will discuss the work of The Center and present some of the science behind the ingredients on the organic menu. Raiford of Gillard Farms in Georgia will share his journey as an organic farmer and chef, and focus on the legacy of race in southern food and agriculture, and the opportunities offered by organic.

Raiford is the sixth generation to farm his family's land organically. He is also an executive chef and owner of The Farmer and The Larder, noted as one of the South's most exciting new restaurants, and associate professor of culinary arts at the College of Coastal Georgia.

In their bi-weekly podcasts, veteran food politics writers Patel and Philpott team up with seasoned Public Radio producer McInroy to focus on people whose life's work has been to understand the complex systems of food production, distribution, and marketing, and the impact these foods have on our lives. In each episode, the hosts interview a guest who is deeply versed in a particular foodstuff or aspect of food production or consumption. The show covers the hidden life of foodthe "secret ingredient." Their motto: "We won't tell you what to eat, but we will tell you why you're eating it."

"For something that's such an intimate part of life, food is easy to take for granted for many people in the United States," says Philpott, an award-winning journalist, currently food and agriculture correspondent for Mother Jones magazine. Co-host Patel is a professor at the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs and author of Stuffed and Starved and the Value of Nothing. Host and executive producer McInroy produces a wide range of content for KUT, KUTX and KUT.org in Austin.

"We are excited to be presenting the science of organic in this fun and innovative way," said Shade. "Research does not have any impact if it's kept in a vacuum. The mission of The Organic Center is to make available the latest organic research to all, and enable sound science to make a difference in our daily lives. Making the connection of science with the delicious organic food we are eating will be meaningful and educational for everyone."

Organic is good for you, and good for the earth, research findings have shown. The Organic Center event will highlight credible, evidence-based science on the benefits of organic, while garnering vital support for The Center's work to facilitate and communicate these findings to promote organic agriculture. At the networking dinner, The Organic Center also will debut whiteboard videos on soil health and the role of The Center in promoting research priorities critical to organic production.

Opportunities are still available to sponsor this important event, which helps makes the critical work of The Organic Center possible. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets for the dinner can be found here. Participants will have the opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones, be inspired and entertained, and enjoy an organic mealall in support of The Organic Center's important work to advance organic research and evidence-based science on organic food and farming.

Current sponsors for the fundraiser are the National Co+op Grocers, New Hope Network, UNFI, Annie's Inc., Josie's Organics and Braga Fresh Family Farms, Nature's Path Food Inc., Organic Valley, Stonyfield, Horizon Organic, Whole Foods Market, Aurora Organic Dairy, BPM LLP, Cal-Organic, Foster Farms, Frontier Co-op, and Driscoll's Inc.

For more information on The Organic Center and the science behind organic food and farming, visit http://www.organic-center.org.

The Organic Center's mission is to convene credible, evidence-based science on the health and environmental benefits of organic food and farming and to communicate the findings to the public. The Center is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) research and education organization operating under the administrative auspices of the Organic Trade Association.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/curtains-up-light-the-lights-the-organic-center-benefit-to-put-science-in-spotlight-300407058.html

SOURCE The Organic Center

See original here:

Curtains up, light the lights! The Organic Center benefit to put science in spotlight - Yahoo News

Organic food is extremely popular and everyone wants to know about their benefits. The sweeping public opinion that organic food is healthier than conventional food is quite strong, and is the main reason for increase in its demandin its demand over the past 5-6 years.Organic Facts is a strong proponent of organic food; however, this website also believes in putting across the most accurate facts to its visitors.

This article will explain what organic food is, how it is beneficial and what are the standards for the same.This is to substantiate the public opinion that we have on organic food being good for the health.

First of all, there is a small amount of scientific evidence to show that organic food is better in quality than conventional food. Scientific research conducted thus far on various organic food items has not been able to give strong evidence about the superiority of organic food over non-organic food. This is more so because bulk of the scientific research is based onfunding provided by the governments and industry.

As a result, even the FDA and the USDA clearly mention that non-organic food is as healthy as organic food. However, there are some scientific studies that have proved organic milk and organic tomatoes to be better than the non-organic varieties. Studies are also ongoing about a variety of other types of organic food that may have additional health benefits compared to the non-organic varieties.

Organic Milk

Recent research conducted on organic milk has shown that it has more antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, CLA, and vitamins than non-organic milk. According to the researchers at the Danish Institute of Agricultural Research at the University of Aberdeen and the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, organic milk is healthier than non-organic milk, since organic cows are pasture grazed which results in the better quality of milk.

Organic Tomatoes

According to a 10-year study conducted by the University of California, Davis, organic tomatoes are produced in an environment that has a lower nutrient supply since nitrogen-rich chemical fertilizers are not added. This leads to an excessive formation of antioxidants, such as quercetin (79% higher) and kaempferol (97% higher) in organic tomatoes. As we all know, antioxidants are good for health and help in reducing heart disease and the chances of developing cancer.

These studies haveincreased the hopes of numerous people who strongly believe that mankind should stop using chemical fertilizers and pesticides and shift to more sustainable organic farming practices. There are many studies that prove that there is some pesticide and fertilizer contamination in non-organic food, and there are others whichclaim that organic food is not healthy because they contain harmful bacteria and viruses because of not using strong chemicals to protect against these toxic substances. However, none of these studies that show chemical contamination or the presence of bacteria/viruses show any direct impact on the overall health of individuals.

In general, organic food consumers, manufacturers, and farmers strongly believe that organic food has the following benefits compared to conventional food. Antioxidant Capacity

A number of studies have been completed regarding the effects of antioxidants derived from organic foods on your overall health, and the predominant results have shown that antioxidants tend to have more of an impact when they come from organic foods. This may be due to the fact that foreign chemicals are not negatively interacting with the different vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds that are so essential for the positive impact of fruits and vegetables in the prevention of things like cancer, heart disease, premature aging, vision problems, and cognitive malfunction.Recentresearchsuggests thatchoosing organic food can lead to increased intake of nutritionally desirable antioxidants and reduced exposure to toxic heavy metals.

Pesticide Reduction

One of the major complaints that organic food consumers cite when choosing organic over non-organic is the presence of pesticides. In order to keep crops from being attacked by the natural world, including bugs, pesticides are required. Although they do a good job keeping certain pests away from the crops, they also are composed of powerful chemicals like organophosphorus. This is an unnatural mineral compound that is not required by humans, but more than 80% of this material in our bodies comes from eating pesticide-coated foods. Organophosphorus has been connected to a number of developmental problems, including autism and ADHD, so those organic food lovers do have a pretty strong argument in this case. To be fair, many people do choose to go organic to make sure that their children grow up healthy and unaffected by the toxins of the world during their developmental years.

Heart Health

Increased amount of time grazing on grass also increases the amounts of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) that can be found in the animal products. CLA is a heart-healthy fatty acid that can boost cardiovascular protection, and it is found in higher quantities in breast milk and in meat for animals that have been raised free range or cage-free.

Immune System

In recent decades, one of the biggest projects for farmers and food growers has been genetic modification. Making tomatoes six times larger might sound like a possible option for solving some world hunger issues, but there is another side to it. Genetic modification is still in its early stages, so the long-term effects of it on human health arent understood as well as we would like. In animal testing genetically modified food showed a major reduction in immune system strength, an increase in birth mortality, as well as in certain sexual dysfunctions, cancers, and sensitivity to allergens. Although there are some good things about genetically modified food, organic food advocates point to the lack of concrete details about the long-term effects.

Antibiotic Resistance

People are very sensitive to issues of their health, and they often take precautions to make sure they remain healthy, like getting various vaccines and taking antibiotics as soon as a new strain of bacteria makes them ill. However, non-organic food sources, particularly livestock and feed houses, also use antibiotics to feed their animals. This extra dose of antibiotics may actually be weakening our immune system by basically overdosing on antibiotics, thereby reshaping our immune system so many times that it will eventually be unable to defend itself. Organic food growers and dairy farmers do not use antibiotics in their processes.

Overall Health

Since organic food is not prepared using chemical fertilizers, it does not contain any traces of these strong chemicals and might not affect the human body in negative ways. Natural fertilizers, like manure, work perfectly fine, and organic farmers are happy to use this smellier, yet safer, form of fertilizer.

Better Taste

Some people strongly believe that organic food tastes better than conventionalfood. The prominent reason for this belief is that it is produced using organic means of production. Furthermore, organic food is often sold locally, resulting in availability of fresh produce in the market, which usually does taste better than produce that has been frozen, shipped, and transported across long distances.

Environmental Safety

As harmful chemicals are not used in organic farming, there is minimal soil, air and water pollution; thus ensuring a safer and healthier world for future generations to live in.

Animal Welfare

Animal welfare is an important aspect of producing organic milk, organic meat, organic poultry, and organic fish. People feel happy that the animals are not confined to a miserable caged life when they eat organic animal products.

The below FAQs will help you understand organic food and its benefits in a better way

What is Organic Food?

Organic food refers to food items that are prepared according to the norms set by an organic certifying body. On an overall basis, organic food is food prepared and processed without using any chemicals. That is, organic food production does not involve the use of chemical fertilizers, chemical pesticides, or chemical preservatives.

The USDA categories food products into the following sections:

100% organic: Must contain 100% organically produced ingredients.

Organic: Must contain at least 95% organic ingredients.

Made of organic ingredients: Must contain at least 70% organic ingredients.

Have some organic ingredients: May contain less than 70% organic ingredients.

Is ItGood for Health?

Normally people believe that organic food is better for your health than conventional food. However, the USDA and the FDA clearly state that conventional food is as healthy as organic food. Scientific research has also not been able to conclusively prove that organic food is healthier than conventional food because there has been counter research too to prove conventional food is better than organic one. The exceptions are organic milk and organic tomatoes. Recent studies on organic milk and organic tomatoes have shown that these food products are healthier than non-organic milk and non-organic tomatoes, respectively.

Where Can I Buy Organic Food?

Some of the best avenues for buying itare given below:

Directly from an organic farm

Local organic food markets

Health food stores

Retail chains such as Walmart or Whole Foods

Conventional stores that also stock organic food

Online

How Do I Know Something is Organic?

Organic food can be identified with the help of an organic logo on the packet. Companies, farmers, manufacturers, and suppliers, which follow all the norms set by a certifying body of their region, can put a logo of that certifying body on their food items.

Are Standards the Same for All Organic Food Products?

No, since the mode of production and processing is different for different food items, the standards are also different. For example, the standards for organic honey production are different from the standards for organic milk production or organic coconut oil production.Note that thestandards vary from region to region. Some countries may follow a uniform set of codes. For example, about 18 countries follow the rules set by the International Olive Oil Council for organic olive oil production. However, there are some countries such as the US, which have their own standards for organic olive oil production.

Should I look for the word organic on the food item?

Yes, you should look for the word Organic. However, you should also check the logo of the certifying body.

It is illegal to sell non-organic food with an organic label. However, there have been cases of fraud before, which when brought to the attention of the authorities, have been dealt with strongly. Therefore, you should always check the logo of the certifying body properly and you should buy organic food items that have an authentic label on them.

Does organic food cost more than conventional food?

Yes, organic food normally costs 20% to 100% more than conventionalfood.Organic food production is generally labour-intentsive and involves the use of organic fertilizers and organic pesticides, which are more expensive than chemical fertilizers and pesticides. That is why itcosts more.

Can I produce it in mygarden or farm

You can also produce organic food in your garden, organic gardening is a very common hobby for many people.you do not need any permission to produce it. However, if you intend to sell organic food, you need to follow the guidelines set by a certifying agency and get approval from them for using their logo.

Is organic food the same as natural food?

No, organic food refers to food items prepared without using chemicals. Natural food refers to food items that are only minimally processed.

Is itsafe for children?

Many parents believe that organic food is safer for their children, since it does not contain any chemical pesticides and fertilizers. However, there is no scientific research to prove this.

Does itcontain more nutrients?

So far, scientific research has proven this only for organic milk and organic tomatoes. Organic milk has more omega-3, CLA, vitamins, and antioxidants than non-organic milk. Similarly, organic tomatoes have more antioxidants than non-organic tomatoes.Recent research suggests thatchoosing organic food can lead to increased intake of nutritionally desirable antioxidants and reduced exposure to toxic heavy metals.

Visit link:

Organic Food - Benefits, Scientific Research & FAQs

Submit the press release

Global Organic Food and Beverage Market accounted for $89.8 billion in 2015 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.9% to reach $238.4 billion by 2022. Growing consumer awareness, rising government support for organic agriculture, increasing interest of large retailers, health benefits and the promotion by regulatory and government authorities of several countries for organic food and beverages over the conventional foods are some of the major factors driving the market growth. However, high cost and lack of awareness on availability of products are some of the major restraints hampering the market. Moreover, growing usage of organic products provides a significant growth opportunity for the market.

Request a sample copy of Report @http://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/184814

In Organic Food and Beverages, organic foods segment is expected to grow with a highest share during the forecast period owing to its government funding and growing digit of retailers providing a variety of organic products. North American organic food and beverages market accounted more than 90% of share and dominated the global organic food and beverages market. Asia Pacific is witnessed to be the fastest growing market over the forecast period.

Some of the key players in this market include Conagra Foods Inc., Amys Kitchen Inc., Kraft Foods Group Inc., Eden Foods, Dean Foods Co., Organic Valley, Dakota Beef LLC, Whole Foods Market Inc., Tesco plc, Waitrose Ltd., Koninklijke Ahold, Florida Crystals Corporation, Carrefour, Hipp Gmbh & Co. and REWE.

Product Covered: Organic Food Organic Fruits and Vegetables Organic Dairy Products Fish and Poultry Products Packaged Grocery Cereals Frozen and Processed Foods Others Organic Beverages Organic Coffee and Tea Organic Non-Dairy Beverages Organic Beer and Wine Others

Consumption Type: Fresh Organic Foods Processed Organic Foods

Distribution Channel: Organic retailers Super Markets

Browse Full Report with TOC@ http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/organic-food-and-beverage-global-market-outlook-2016-2022

Regions Covered: North America US Canada Mexico Europe Germany France Italy UK Spain Rest of Europe Asia Pacific Japan China India Australia New Zealand Rest of Asia Pacific Rest of the World Middle East Brazil Argentina South Africa Egypt

Enquiry Before buying Report@ http://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/enquiry-before-buying/184814

About Us:

Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customised reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialisation. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.

Contact Us:

Hector Costello

Senior Manager Client Engagements

4144N Central Expressway,

Suite 600, Dallas,

Texas 75204, U.S.A.

Phone No.:+1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019

Email ID:sales@orbisresearch.com

Follow Us on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/company/orbis-research

Originally posted here:

Organic Food and Beverage Market is Expected to Rise at a Remarkable CAGR During 2016 2022 - Satellite PR News (press release)

Even though transitioning from traditional to organic farming methods can be costly, Colorado farmers are increasingly doing so in order to meet rising demand for organic produce.

As The Denver Post reports, Colorados organic agricultural industry has more than doubled in sales from $66.2 million in 2012 to $155.2 million in 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures annual Certified Organic Survey.

Organic farmland currently covers more than 155,000 acres statewide, up from 100,000 acres in 2011, according to the U.S.D.A.

Making the transition from conventional farming methods to organic ones can be costly and obtaining organic certification takes about three years and comes with its own expenses. These factors have given organic farming a reputation for being expensive, so many farmers transition slowly, but producers say that technological innovations have helped them grow and protect their crops more efficiently and less expensively than in previous years, even while using certified organic methods.

Produce that carries the U.S.D.A.s certified organic stickers goes a long way to ensuring financial success, said Becca Jablonski, an assistant professor and food systems extension economist at Colorado State University.

As more and more research is done, we can use products on the plant that arent chemical, said Kaylee Armstrong of Abundant Life Organic Farms in Hotchkiss, Colo. People complain about costs and say organic is so much more expensive. We actually increase our prices to meet with conventional growers.

Jordan Hungenberg, co-owner of the Hungenberg farm in Greeley, said market trends for organic produce isnt going anywhere.

People buy organic a lot, so we decided we were behind the eight ball and decided to try it, Hungenberg said.

Hungenberg Produce dedicated about 60 acres to growing carrots using organic farming methods last year and plans to triple its planting of organically grown carrots next season.

Jablonski said there are programs available to assist farmers with the costs involved in transitioning to certified organic methods.

According to the U.S.D.A., this includes a crop insurance option to allow producers to purchase insurance coverage that better reflects the products actual value.

Read more:

Colorado farmers increasingly going organic to meet rising demand - HPPR

February 11, 2017 Whole Foods may have led the charge on organic food, but it's in danger of being left behind by the movement it helped create.

The supermarket chain reported declining in sales for the sixth quarter in a row, experiencing 2.4 percent fall in salescompared tothe first quarter, amidst an increasingly competitive organic food retail market.

"We are refining our growth strategy, refocusing our efforts on best serving our core customers, and moving faster to fully implement category management, said the chief executive officer of Whole Foods, John Mackey, in a statement following the release of the report.

The Austin-based store said at the end of 2013 that it was planning to grow its 470 US locations to more than 1,200. But the new report shows a shift from expansion to consolidation, as it closes nine stores this quarter.

"The more conventional, mainstream supermarkets have upped their game," Mr. Mackey told investors, reported the Wall Street Journal. "The world is very different today than it was five years ago."

The numbers back his claims: Sales of organic products increased 209 percent between 2005 and 2015, topping $43.3 billion in 2016, the US Organic Trade Association said. Studies from the US Department of Agriculture also underscore the rapid development of the industry, with the number of organic farms growing from 67 in 2011 to 166 in 2014.

Whole Foods, who brands itself as "America's healthiest grocery store," is no longer the only market for fresh, minimally processed produce and foods. Now nearly three out of four grocery stores offer organic products, according to USDA.

In addition to the popular farmers markets popping up in more and more cities, retailers including Walmart, Kroger, Aldi, and Costco all offer organic selections to the consumers flocking to their aisles for their lower prices.

According to the Seattle Times, Costco in 2015 became the biggest organic grocer, sellingmore than $4 billion of organic food each year, while Krogers recently launched organic line also netted $1.2 billion in sales in 2014.

To fight its "whole-paycheck" reputation and falling sales, Whole Foods launched a cheaper grocery store chainnamed 365 to appeal to Millennials, a generation who are keen on wellness and exercise. As the Christian Science Monitor noted in 2016:

The 365 chain of stores is designed for Millennials and budget shoppers. According to the website, it will feature heavier discounts, competitive prices, and a few innovative additions, like Whole Food Friends, third-party businesses that operate in or nearby the 365 shops.

Whole Foods is aware of its pricing problems. On Wednesday, Mackay told investors that "in some cases, when we have particularly a strong quality advantage, the gap might be a little larger. But if theyre selling the exact same items and exactly the same brands, we feel like we really need to be competitive on those prices."

Others have pointed to Whole Foods ambitious expansion plan and its poorly managed stores as the reasons behind the stores lower sales.

"The company finally told investors what they've been waiting more than a year to hear: Whole Foods will give up on a misguided goal of adding 1,200 new stores to an over-retailed America," wrote Shelly Banjo, a columnist at Bloomberg.

"Instead, it will close unprofitable stores and hold back on building more of its lower-priced 365 stores until it's more confident in the concept's long-term performance."

Go here to read the rest:

Organic food is more popular than ever, so why is Whole Foods struggling? - Christian Science Monitor

TheStreet.com

Organic food has never been so popular, so why is Whole Foods now struggling? Sacramento Bee Organic food has never been so popular among American consumers. Ironically, that's bad news for the brand that made organic a household name - namely, the Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods. On Wednesday, Whole Foods reported what is arguably its ... Has Whole Foods Become a Half-Baked Stock?TheStreet.com Organic Food and Beverages market research report and Design Guidelines Overview 2021Satellite PR News (press release) Global Organic Food Market 2017 Conscious Food, Organic India, Morarka Organic Foods, Ecofarms(India)Publicist Report - Market Research News by Market.Biz (press release) CNBC all 312 news articles »

See more here:

Organic food has never been so popular, so why is Whole Foods now struggling? - Sacramento Bee