Nutiva, the world’s leading brand of organic hemp foods, coconut oil, and chia seeds, announced today that on September 1, 2012, it will move its corporate headquarters from Oxnard, in Southern California, to Point Richmond, in the San Francisco Bay Area. Having outgrown its home base due to an enormous rise in product sales over the last several years, Nutiva will plant roots in a 200,000-square-foot building—ten times larger than its current locale. The move comes amid increased mainstream market demand for organic superfoods, doubling Nutiva’s sales over the past 90 days on top of a 42 percent annual growth rate since 2005. Inc. Magazine has named Nutiva one of the fastest growing companies in America for the last three years in a row.
“With the surge of demand for Nutiva’s organic superfoods, we needed to expand our headquarters to prepare to meet the projected growth,” said Nutiva founder and CEO John W. Roulac. “Point Richmond is an ideal location for us, providing ample space for stocking product and increasing our team.”
The Bay Area is a popular location for other brands in the market, having the highest concentration of organic food companies in the world. Nutiva’s new headquarters is centrally located, has rail car access, and is only 16 miles from the Port of Oakland, the most central West Coast port. The new locale will allow Nutiva to set up a state-of-the art high-speed manufacturing facility and also expand its private label business. Nutiva is adding 50 new employees to its team, including a group of seasoned executives who have previous experience with such top brands as Amy’s, Spectrum Naturals, Calistoga Water, Real Goods Solar, and the Audubon Society.
Reaffirming its commitment to giving back to community, Nutiva is partnering with Common Vision to plant a fruit tree orchard at every one of the 25 public schools in Richmond. Common Vision has already planted 5,000 fruit trees at over 200 public schools throughout California.”We are thrilled for the company’s move to Richmond, and to work with them to grow thousands of pounds of fresh organic fruit for the youth in this town,” said Common Vision Director Leo Buc. Additionally, Nutiva is a long-time supporter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition and donates 1 percent of its sales to worthy sustainable-agriculture projects. This year Nutiva is on track to give away $400,000.
World Traveler Helps 3rd World Develop Organic Fair Trade Coconut Oil
More than 10 years ago company founder and current Global Goods Inc. president, Brian Oaks, began importing hard to find products from around the world. Through his efforts he gained an appreciation for the struggles people have in other under developed countries. “I saw amazing people working hard to create things without a way to receive much in the way of compensation. Then it dawned on me… I could help!”
Oaks and Global Goods Inc., leading producer of Organic Agave Nectar and Mexican Vanilla, are proud to introduce their newest product…Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Coconut Oil! This excellent Coconut Oil is Organic, Kosher and Fair Trade Certified. It’s already getting rave reviews. According to Shannon Branson Fuller, President of RawMadeEasy.com, “It has a very pleasant flavor and scent that you don’t find with most bleached, deodorized coconut oils coming out of Asia. If you are seeking to create a healthier lifestyle, this coconut oil is a must-have resource. It’s great to know that it has been processed so little that I can use it in my Raw recipes.”
Coconut Oil is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals and is used all over the world as a healthy cooking oil.
-It is a stable, healthy saturated fat that contains zero trans fats.
-It is a medium chain fatty acid which is quickly absorbed, metabolized and converted into energy. – It supports healthy metabolic functions, promoting natural weight loss.
It supports the immune system.
- It provides anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. – It functions as an anti-oxidant.
-It promotes healthy skin and hair.
In addition to providing amazing health benefits to people around the world, this new product also helps those in undeveloped countries. Oaks was on a trip to Africa working on schools, shelters, libraries and other projects all the while trying to come up with a way to produce something the villagers could support. He admits “most of my ideas never really got off the ground… but it only takes one good one to get you there!” It wasn’t until he returned from a trip to Africa that he realized they naturally have coconuts growing all over the place. “I wasn’t even sure how coconut oil was produced, but I found someone who did and we made it happen!”Bringing this fantastic product to market took years of development, lots of teaching, and the resolve to overcome countless challenges. Oaks says, “This project has been one of the most challenging I’ve had when launching a new product, but I know the benefits will be felt around the world. And it fits perfectly within our mission ‘Helping Others – Help Themselves’”
Simply Organic Now Offering 59 Gluten-Free Certified Products
Simply Organic, the all-organic brand of Frontier Natural Products Co-op, has reached the 59-product mark in its quest to meet the booming demand of consumers wanting gluten-free foods. The items are all organic and many of them are also Fair Trade Certified™. In addition, Simply Organic offers many other products, such as spices and extracts that, while not certified, are naturally gluten-free.
Gluten-free products are in high demand due to a growing awareness of gluten sensitivity (also known as gluten intolerance), which affects more than 15% of the population. It’s believed that about 1 in 133 people have the medically recognized advanced form of the sensitivity, celiac disease, though only 1 in 4700 are ever diagnosed.
Gluten-sensitivity symptoms range from mild and barely noticeable to severe and include gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, as well as other non-digestive symptoms such as headache, joint pain, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. These symptoms arise as a result of an immune system reaction to two proteins found in wheat — gliadin and glutenin — and similar proteins found in barley, spelt, rye and triticale.
Simply Organic’s 59 gluten-free products meet the gluten-free standard implemented by the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Production Act (FALCPA) as well as the high product standards of the brand.
“We offer gluten-free products that not only deliver maximum flavor but are organic and, whenever possible, made with Fair Trade ingredients,” says Kory Kazimour, Simply Organic Brand Manager. “We want to provide as many options as possible for people with gluten intolerance, including those who share our values about organics and social responsibility.”
The Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition Presents “Eating Planet 2012″
The report is divided into four sections: Food for All, Food for Sustainable Growth, Food for Health, and Food for Culture. Each of these sections ends with concrete recommendations, proposals, and actions that need to be taken to solve the global food crisis.
The book features contributions from leading international experts, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres, world renowned economist and Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, philosopher and environmental activist Vandana Shiva and Carlo Petrini, founder of the International “Slow Food” Movement. It suggests specific reforms to the food and agricultural systems. The full article: The Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition Presents “Eating Planet
Earthen Path Organic Farm
You might say organic farmer Steven Schwen plows a different path through life; one built of a strong connection to the land, without many of the trappings we normally would associate as necessities of modern living.
The Father of Vertical Farming
Dickson Despommier
Seventy–eight percent of U.S. families say they purchase organic foods
Consumers vote with their dollars despite economic difficulty
Seventy eight percent – more U.S. families than ever before – say they are choosing organic foods, according to a study published today by the Organic Trade Association (OTA). “In a time when the severity of the economy means making tough choices, it is extremely encouraging to see consumers vote with their values by including quality organic products in their shopping carts,” said Christine Bushway, OTA’s Executive Director and CEO. The finding is one of many contained in OTA’s newly released 2011 U.S. Families’ Organic Attitudes and Beliefs Study. “It’s clear that with more than three-quarters of U.S. families choosing organic, this has moved way beyond a niche market,” Bushway added.
According to the study, four in ten families indicate they are buying more organic products than they were a year ago. The findings are in line with those in OTA’s 2011 Organic Industry Survey, which revealed that the U.S. organic industry grew at a rate of nearly eight percent in 2010. Fueled by consumer choice and demand, the organic sector is one of the few components of the U.S. economy that continues to add jobs.
Nearly half – 48 percent – of parents surveyed revealed that their strongest motivator for buying organic is their belief that organic products “are healthier for me and my children.” Other motivators for purchasing organic included concern over the effects of pesticides, hormones and antibiotics on children, and the desire to avoid highly processed or artificial ingredients.
Nearly a decade after the federal rules for organic were implemented, 72 percent of parents are now familiar with the USDA Organic seal, up significantly from 65 percent in 2009. However, the study also found that three in ten U.S. families are new entrants to the organic marketplace. This figure is consistent with prior years’ findings, and indicates a need for continued outreach and education on the verified benefits offered by organic agriculture and products.
For the study, OTA, in partnership with KIWI Magazine, polled nearly 1,300 U.S. families about their attitudes and behaviors relating to organic foods. The total sample reflects the target population of U.S. households at a confidence interval of +/-3% at the 95% confidence level. This is the third year the study has been conducted. The study contains in-depth information about organic consumers’ demographics, purchase motivation, understanding of organic, willingness to substitute when organic is not available, and attitudes about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Also contained in the study is strategic information about organic influencers’ communication patterns, online behaviors and much more.
Natural Gourmet Institute Founder and CEO Dr. Annemarie Colbin to Be Honored at Green Guerillas Benefit
Dr. Annemarie Colbin, CEO and founder of Manhattan’s Natural Gourmet Institute (www.naturalgourmetinstitute.com) will be among the honorees at the Green Guerillas Benefit on Monday, October 17, 2011. The Green Guerillas are celebrating the end of a bountiful growing season and recognizing the efforts of New York City’s community gardeners. In addition, Dr. Colbin will be honored as a leader in the realm of whole foods and health-supportive cooking.
“I am delighted to be a part of such a festive evening to highlight the hundreds of community gardeners who do so much for New York City, ” states Dr. Colbin. “At the Natural Gourmet Institute, we are committed to using fresh, whole foods and applaud those who are growing produce within the city’s confines.”
For more information about the Natural Gourmet visit www.naturalgourmetinstitute.com.
For more information about the Natural Gourmet visit www.naturalgourmetinstitute.com.
About Natural Gourmet Institute for Food and Health
Founded in 1977 by Annemarie Colbin, Ph.D., The Natural Gourmet Institute (NGI) is the leader in teaching health-supportive cooking as well as elucidating the relationship between food and health. NGI believes that what we eat significantly affects our physical, mental and spiritual well being.
The Natural Gourmet Institute for Food and Health offers excellent learning opportunities to the general public. Through a combination of cooking classes and lectures, NGI teaches health-supportive food preparation, as well as an ever-expanding array of approaches to nutrition, including models from Western nutrition, Chinese medicine, macrobiotics, raw foods, fermentations, Ayurveda and more.
The Natural Gourmet Institute for Health & Culinary Arts Chef’s Training Program was created in 1987 in response to the demand for culinary professionals skilled in the art of preparing beautiful, delicious health-supportive cuisine. This accredited, comprehensive, mostly-vegetarian program — the only one of its kind in the world — prepares students for careers in health spas, restaurants, bakeries, private cooking, catering, teaching, consulting, food writing and a variety of entrepreneurial pursuits.
Big Apple Pet Supply Introduces Plush Organic Dog Toy Line
New Line of Organic Dog Toys Provide Healthier and Safer Alternative for Pets
Pet supply retailer, Big Apple Pet Supply, has introduced a new line of organic dog toys in an effort to provide products that are healthier and safer for pets. The toys are made of organic fabrics and all-natural dyes. The fibers are dyed with plants and minerals like gardenia seed, clove and chestnut bur. All fibers are organically grown and are unbleached, untreated and unprocessed. These toys are 100% environmentally friendly.
Some of the toys offered include the Rainbow Caterpillar Organic Dog Toy, the Doggie Love Organic Dog Toy (which comes in three sizes), Comfy Cozy Organic Stretchable Fun Dog Toys, along with many others.
“Our new Organic Dog Toy Collection is completely in line with our mission of providing a healthier alternative to the everyday products that surround your pet,” said Steven Spitz, CEO of Big Apple Pet Supply. “Our toys are made safely in a facility under our direct management and the plant practices low-eco impact manufacturing processes. These toys use only OCIA certified organic cotton which undergo consistent toxicity testing and environmental analysis and complies with all European and U.S. standards for safety.”
After finding it difficult to purchase quality pet supplies with expert pet care advice, Big Apple Pet Supply began in New York City in 1994. After completing extensive amounts of research on how to care for pets properly, Big Apple Pet Supply now shares with its 100,000 plus customer base an extensive selection of highly researched pet products along with expert advice.
Today, Big Apple Pet Supply is a retailer and manufacturer of high-quality pet supplies for reptiles, dogs, cats, fish and small pets. They ship pet products to pet lovers all over the world including, but not limited to museums, zoos, and educational institutions. They are committed to bringing innovative and superior supplies to the world of animals and to the people who love them.
To avoid exploding watermelons, Chinese turn to organic farming
BEIJING—Chinese farmer Liu Mingsuo never sought fame.
All he wanted was to plant seeds, tend his fields, harvest his crops and make a profit.
But Liu became a national celebrity in May when his fields of watermelons in Jiangsu province exploded like land mines after he had treated them with a growth hormone.
On China’s evening news, Liu gave viewers across the country a play-by-play of the week that was.
“I used a chemical on the 6th and found the exploded watermelons on the 7th. I found more than 80 exploded watermelons in the morning,” he said, “and more than 100 in the afternoon. More and more then exploded on the 8th.
“And don’t mention the 10th to me,” he said. “I didn’t count anymore — because I couldn’t bear it.”
China’s exploding watermelon story captured the attention of the world, unfortunately more as matter of curiosity than concern.
But for Chinese consumers who have suffered through a season of one food scandal after another it was no laughing matter. For them it was yet another warning signal that all is not well in the nation’s food industry.
Even wedding banquets have proven to be potential danger zones.
In Hunan province, birthplace of legendary leader Mao Zedong, 478 guests at three different weddings this spring were rushed to hospital after being poisoned.
At one wedding alone, in Wufeng Village, 286 of 500 guests had to seek emergency health care following post-nuptial feasts.
And the scandals weren’t contained to the countryside either. In sophisticated Shanghai, news reports revealed that restaurants were cooking with used, reprocessed cooking oil — some of which had been collected from sewers.
Some experts believe that as many as one out of every 10 restaurant meals in China is prepared using reprocessed animal fat or vegetable oil.
But Zheng Rong, Liu Yujing and a group of 100 other Beijing mothers may have avoided all of these risks. They read the distant early warning signals of China’s food troubles early.
And like a small but growing number of well off, urbanized Chinese, they’ve gone organic, creating their own food co-op known as the Mother’s Green Alliance, dedicating themselves to ensuring that they and their families eat safely.
They research the community of progressive organic farms that have sprouted up north of the city and organize to have them make deliveries two days a week to the co-op’s store in Beijing’s Huilongguan district.
“We can’t control the air quality or the environment in general,” says Liu Yujing, “but this is something we believe we can control.” By Bill Schiller-Read the full article: To avoid exploding watermelons, Chinese turn to organic farming
GROW YOUR OWN CLOTHES
Sambazon Introduces Organic Protein Superfood Smoothies
Sambazon, the pioneer of organic Amazon superfoods in the U.S., today announced the addition of two new products within its functional line of beverages: Organic Protein Superfood Smoothies in Acai Berry + Chocolate and Acai Berry + Vanilla. The company will debut its new smoothies at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, Calif.
The new Organic Protein Superfood Smoothies are the only protein smoothies to combine the powerful acai berry with 10 grams of vegan whole food protein from hemp with either chocolate or vanilla soy milk. Perfect as a tasty light meal or on-the-go snack, these smoothies provide all-natural balanced nutrition to help you stay full longer. Sambazon’s Protein Superfood Smoothies are packed with a potent blend of antioxidants and healthy omegas without unnecessary chemicals and isolates.
“Organic whole food protein sources give our body key nutrients the way nature intended, complete with synergistic nutrients like omega-3s, fiber, vitamins and minerals,” says registered dietician Ashley Koff of Ashley Koff Approved. “Ten grams of good quality, plant-based organic protein provides a full serving that makes and protects lean body mass and promotes optimal metabolism.”
Sambazon Organic Protein Superfood Smoothies in Acai Berry + Chocolate and Acai Berry + Vanilla are packaged in 10.5 ounce ready-to-drink bottles with a SRP of $2.99 and are available at select grocers and Whole Foods Markets nationwide.