Warren Beaumont
Five questions for Pukka
Wed, 24/01/18 - 09:10
By Warren Beaumont
UK-based Pukka Herbs was founded in 2001 by Tim Westwell and Sebastian Pole. The tea brand has become a consumer favourite due to its taste and flavour and its commitment to high quality ingredients. Warren Beaumont asked the founders five questions.
OWN: Pukka Herbs tod
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Terrafertil acquires Essential Living Foods
Wed, 01/03/17 - 09:00
By Warren Beaumont
Ecuador-based snack food company Terrafertil Nature's Heart, the largest natural food brand in Latin America and fastest growing natural brand in the UK, has added leading US superfood brand Essential Living Foods to its product roster and rapid company geographic expansi
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Oatdeal's smoothies warm up Canada's winter
Wed, 25/01/17 - 10:01
By Warren Beaumont
OatDeal 30g pouches for individual servings
OATDEAL, based in Saskatoon, the largest city in Canada's Saskatchewan province, has produced the first gluten-free, dried oat-based smoothie mix made with 100 percent oats grown in the Canadian Prairies and 100 percent Can
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Oat-based foods back on trend
Tue, 24/01/17 - 07:07
By Warren Beaumont
OATLY! beverage seen in DenmarkOat-based foods on supermarkets and health food store shelves seem to be expanding and being incorporated into a wider range of foods such as cereals and granolas, snack bars and bakery products, often mixed with Ancient Grains to tap into d
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Andean Grain expands into new markets
Mon, 12/12/16 - 19:34
By Warren Beaumont
South American producer Andean Grain Products is expanding its organic & conventional chia into retail-ready products, helped by increasing demand for high-quality omega-3 products and vegetarian proteins. Warren Beaumont spoke with company co-founder Thomas Spillane
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Mamma Chia helps drive chia seed renaissance
Fri, 17/06/16 - 06:57
By Warren Beaumont
Mamma Chia, started by entrepreneur Janie Hoffman in 2009, has become a strong US based chia brand that besides an amazing and delicious line of energy drinks and bars has a strong commitment to sustainability and social justice programs. Here is some information Ms. Ho
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About Life ramps up to eight Australian stores
Wed, 15/06/16 - 07:35
By Warren Beaumont
Part of the cafe offer at About Life, Cammeray, Sydney.About Life has consolidated its position as Australia’s largest organic and whole foods retailer in 2016. The company has moved from five to eight retail stores, following the acquisition of three large store le
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BIOFACH 2016: A boost for organic trade
Wed, 24/02/16 - 13:38
By Warren Beaumont
BIOFACH 2016 and its sister fair for personal care VIVANESS welcomed an enormous range of organic products from all over the world to Nuremberg Messe, February 10-13. Organic 3.0 ‘Action for more organic’ and going ‘Beyond Organic’ were major the
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Nordic countries take action on Acrylamide
Tue, 02/02/16 - 08:43
By Warren Beaumont
Danish food minister Eva Kjer Hansen will introduce significant Danish levels for the carcinogenic food additive acrylamide while the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety recently completed an acrylamide risk assessment.
The move follows the US Food and Drug
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Alnatura Expands Distribution
Fri, 29/01/16 - 01:50
By Warren Beaumont
Alnatura is to open its 100th store in Berlin in March 2016, following the opening of the new 675sqm Göttingen Alnatura Super Natur Markt in the first week of December. In the last fiscal year, ten new Alnatura markets were opened.
Despite changing conditions Alna
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EDEKA will acquire Kaiser’s Tengelmann
Tue, 26/01/16 - 02:22
By Warren Beaumont
Germany’s largest food retailer, Edeka Zentrale AG & Co, looks set to win control of the Kaiser’s supermarket business of German retailer Tengelmann after Edeka confirmed that the Federal Economics Minister Sigmar Gabriel intends to grant permission for
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EWG identifies 12 cancer causing chemicals
Wed, 26/08/15 - 11:23
By Warren Beaumont
US non-profit, human health and environment advocacy group the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has released its EWG’s Dirty Dozen; Cancer prevention Edition, its latest consumer guide that highlights 12 of the worst chemicals that are known to disrupt cancer-rel
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Fairtrade launches in Brazil
Sun, 02/08/15 - 11:52
By Warren Beaumont
Audrei Cavalho Suarez from COOPFAM cooperative Brazil. COOPFAM’s coffee carrying the Fairtrade mark is now sold in stores in Brazil. Photo credit Didier Gentilhomme Fairtrade InternationalBrazilian consumers now have the power to help farmers in Brazil and developin
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Spotlight on Asia
Sat, 27/06/15 - 12:54
By Warren Beaumont
China is the world’s largest grocery market with the value of the organic food market estimated at US$7.8 billion to more than US$13 billion, while grocery market growth is expected to rise by 9% in 2014 to over 14% in 2020, according to IGD research.
A market stud
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Midsona buys Danish organic co Urtekram
Fri, 26/06/15
By Warren Beaumont
Dietary supplements and health foods company Midsona AB of Malmo, Sweden has agreed to acquire Danish organic food company Urtekram International A/S (Urtekram), Scandinavia’s largest organic wholesaler.
The move in early June came six months after Midsona bought N
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New WHO guidelines for sugar intake
Thu, 25/06/15 - 18:29
By Warren Beaumont
A new World Health Organization (WHO) guideline released in March recommends adults and children reduce their daily intake of free sugars to less than 10% of their total energy intake. A further reduction to below 5% or roughly 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day would provide
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Organic food in China set for huge growth
Sun, 24/05/15 - 18:12
By Warren Beaumont
China is the world’s largest grocery market with the value of the organic food market estimated at US$7.8 billion to more than US$13 billion, while grocery market growth is expected to rise by 9% in 2014 to over 14% in 2020, according to IGD research.
A market stud
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Top Trends identified at BIOFACH Germany 2015
Thu, 05/03/15
By Warren Beaumont
Among the top trends seen at BIOFACH 2015 in February were raw and vegan from chocolates to raw nuts and spreads; more use of low GI sweeteners with yacon becoming the center of attention; more free-from and gluten-free foods; and bigger ranges of Ancient grain products s
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Conventional outlets shift to healthy products
Wed, 04/02/15 - 11:38
By Warren Beaumont
We are in the midst of a shift in our food supply toward natural, clean and healthy products. The evolution is evident not only in the climbing dollar sales of natural and organic products, nearing $100 billion this year, but also in the growing number of mainstream retai
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Healthy Nordic diet helps reduce inflammation
Sun, 01/02/15 - 17:58
By Warren Beaumont
A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (January 2015 vol. 101) has found that a healthy Nordic diet reduces inflammatory gene expression in abdominal fat tissue compared with a control diet independent of body weight changes.
Previously, a health
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White tea shows anti-cancer protective effects
Sun, 01/02/15 - 17:50
By Warren Beaumont
Studies published in 2013 added to the growing body of evidence showing that tea consumption has the ability to help prevent chronic illness (More evidence shows drinking tea improves health, Organic & Wellness News Spring 2014) and now a new study published in the jo
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Book Review: The Myths of Safe Pesticides
Sun, 01/02/15 - 12:34
By Warren Beaumont
Andre Leu, president of the International Federation of Organic Movements (IFOAM) and an experienced organic farmer in Australia has published a must-read book called The Myths of Safe Pesticides that questions the corporate misinformation, lack of safety and scientific e
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Customers drive Alnatura sales record
Sun, 01/02/15 - 11:38
By Warren Beaumont
Germany’s leading organic retailer Alnatura celebrated ‘30 years in Bio’ in 2014, posted record sales growth, is ramping up its retail store expansion with 10 more Alnatura Super Natural Markets planned for 2015, and opened its fourth Alnatura organic su
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Naturally Good Expo off to a flying start
Sun, 01/02/15 - 11:23
By Warren Beaumont
The Naturally Good Expo, a new, exclusively trade only show and conference for Australia’s natural and organic products industry being held in Sydney, May 3-4, 2015, has received strong support from the trade in Australia.
Australia’s previous industry show,
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Is fair trade just a marketing tool?
Fri, 03/10/14 - 13:35
By Warren Beaumont
The proliferation of fair trade certification schemes and multinational food companies using fair trade only as a labelling and marketing tool was a major point of discussion at a Biofach 2014 seminar, Does Fair Trade Certification Matter.
The discussion included concern
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Organic: Key for Sustainable Agriculture
Wed, 01/10/14 - 21:29
By Warren Beaumont
Key EU policy-makers and organic stakeholders met at the 8th European Organic Congress in Bari, Italy in mid September and agreed, that the EU must support the development of the organic sector across Europe to achieve a sustainable agricultural system that benefits peopl
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2014 The ‘Year of Chia?’
Wed, 25/06/14 - 23:34
By Warren Beaumont
Supply bottlenecks for organic chia sourcing reported by O.W.N. in May 2013 due to higher demand and lower crop yields appear to have eased this year, with a resulting drop in price, while some suppliers believe there are major issues over chia transparency and quality in
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The future of the (Andean) quinoa market
Wed, 25/06/14 - 21:40
By Warren Beaumont
Held at BioFach 2014 in Nuremberg, Germany was a seminar and discussion on the future of the (Andean) quinoa market, convened by the Netherlands CBI – Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries – led by Eva Smulder of CBI.
About 50 people f
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BioFach celebrates 25 years
Fri, 07/02/14 - 00:24
By Warren Beaumont
BioFach, the World’s most international trade fair for organic products, celebrates its 25th edition this coming February 12-15. Over 2,400 exhibitors and more than 40,000 trade buyers are expected to congregate at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg in Germany to be pa
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Alnatura opens 83rd outlet
Tue, 28/01/14 - 13:21
By Warren Beaumont
Germany’s organic product focused supermarket Alnatura opened a new Alnatura Super Natural Market in Munich in December at “forum on deer garden” the seventh branch in Munich, and its 83rd Alnatura market.
The six other branches are located in the city
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Preference for dark chocolate continues
Sat, 14/12/13 - 13:25
By Warren Beaumont
Major chocolate trends over the last few years include the move to premium and certified organic dark chocolate, products that are single origin and have high cacao content, use of natural sweeteners such as agave, stevia, yacon or coconut sugar and increased sustainable
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At tegut… organics continue to flourish
Fri, 15/11/13 - 15:09
By Warren Beaumont
Fulda-based regional German grocer tegut… is undergoing renewal and expansion under the ownership of Swiss retailer Migros Zurich. Warren Beaumont spoke with head of corporate communications Stella Kircher.
Thirty years ago, tegut… was one of the first re
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Health & ethical attributes help Styx expand
Thu, 14/11/13 - 13:43
By Warren Beaumont
Made by Taste&Beauty of Ober-Grafendorf, Austria, Styx chocolate has enjoyed increasing demand for its organic and sustainably made chocolates in 2013, led by the introduction of the Styx brand into Russia.
Styx’s origin had its beginning in the idyllic and dee
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Health and wellness lead snacks category
Sun, 08/09/13 - 08:33
By Warren Beaumont
Organic and natural snack foods are a growing category in specialist health food stores and major supermarkets around the world as consumers look for healthier and nutritious options that are free of pesticides, chemicals and GMOs.
Packaged Facts estimates that 20% of al
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Strong outlook for OrganicsBrazil
Sun, 28/04/13 - 07:20
By Warren Beaumont
Tracking exports annually from 74 member companies OrganicsBrazil has been an export promotion project, geared to assist Brazilian companies develop this channel, says executive coordinator, Ming Liu. In spite of strong growth in the domestic market, in 2012 co
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Sustainable practices give Primeal an edge
Sat, 27/04/13 - 19:26
By Warren Beaumont
The Ancient Grain and gluten-free trend shows no signs of slowing down in natural and organic retail markets worldwide as consumers increasingly choose ancient super foods like chia, amaranth, cañihua and quinoa for their health and nutritional benefits. Quinoa dem
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A fresh mapping of culinary trends
Fri, 26/04/13 - 17:04
By Warren Beaumont
Health & Wellness, Authentic Appeal, Artisan Appreciation and Local & Sustainable are the key consumer drivers with the most power to propel culinary trends, according to the recent A Look Backward & Forward Culinary Trend Mapping Report, a joint publication o
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Quinua Real launches first organic quinoa syrup
Thu, 04/04/13 - 02:35
By Warren Beaumont
Quinua Real is entering the next chapter of its growth and development from a Brazilian organic pioneer to a global supplier of quinoa Andean food products with the launch of Quinua Real® syrup, the first organic certified syrup from quinoa into the market, an innovat
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EU slows new GM crop approval
Tue, 05/02/13 - 05:17
By Warren Beaumont
More countries are rejecting and banning genetically modified (GM) crops and questioning the productivity or pest-resistance of GM crops as evidence grows that more chemicals being used in GM agriculture. EU countries issuing or renewing bans on GM crops recently included
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Pacari: World’s best chocolate
Tue, 15/01/13 - 22:07
By Warren Beaumont
Carla Barboto and Santiago Peralta, co-founders Pacari Chocolate, overall winner among the best brands at Intl. World’s Chocolate Awards 2012Maker of single-origin dark organic chocolate Pacari Chocolate of Ecuador was recognized as the world’s best maker of h
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Updates from the world's top retailers
Sun, 13/01/13 - 23:41
By Warren Beaumont
EUROPE
Switzerland’s Migros Zurich takes over German supermarket Tegut
Starting in January, Migros Zurich, one of the Swiss market leader's co-operatives, will acquire the supermarket business of German group tegut. This chain introduced organic food almost 30 yea
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Quinoa & chia super foods lead new product development
Mon, 05/11/12 - 00:46
By Warren Beaumont
Superfoods and ancient grains such as quinoa, chia, kamut, farro, spelt, millet, amaranth and freekeh, which are high in fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals and in many cases are also gluten-free, high in omega-3s and antioxidants are proving to be popular ingredients u
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Prepared foods:a $32 billion opportunity
Mon, 08/10/12 - 09:11
By Warren Beaumont
Food service is a major opportunity for suppliers of organic and sustainable foods, from café chains such as Starbucks and Pret A Manger through to major natural health food stores, supermarket chains, chefs and caterers are cooking up a major point of difference t
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EU-USA Organic Equivalence signed at BioFach
Mon, 07/05/12 - 15:13
By Warren Beaumont
The European Union and the United States announced at the BioFach World Organic Fair in Nuremberg on February 15 that beginning June 1, 2012, organic products certified in the EU or in the US may be sold as organic in either region. Formal letters creating this partnershi
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Spotlight on chia in cereal bars
Sun, 06/05/12 - 14:21
By Adriana Michael, Warren Beaumont
From animal clay shapes with sprouted seeds popular in the U.S. market during the 1980s, to superfood known by a few foodies and found at some natural health food stores in the 1990s, Chia seeds have been gaining momentum during the last five years reaching now the full s
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Stevia gains markets but issues remain
Sat, 05/05/12 - 10:32
By Warren Beaumont
The development and growth of natural sweeteners such as agave, yacon and stevia has been driven by concerns over rising levels of obesity and diabetes and also with sweeteners such as high fructose corn syrup. Researchers in LWT – Food Science and Technology recent
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Gluten-free cosmetics take off
Fri, 04/05/12 - 14:41
By Warren Beaumont
Gluten-free cosmetics are now being seen in skin creams, body care, vitamins and other products absorbed by the skin as celiac disease sufferers and consumers aim to avoid allergic reactions or accidental ingestion. There has been a 43% increase in body care products bein
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Sales of Maple and Agave Syrup remain strong
Thu, 03/05/12 - 21:15
By Warren Beaumont
Luc DesbiensNatural sweetener popularity across the board continues to rise; the category is up 8 percent according to the SPINS scan. Agave, which is 1.4 times sweeter than sugar, has been a driving force in the overall growth of the sweetener industry. Agave-based swe
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Natural sweeteners continue to rise
Mon, 13/02/12 - 14:20
By Warren Beaumont
Consumer demand for all-natural sweeteners keeps growing. The category is up 8 percent according to the SPINS scan. Agave, which is 1.4 times sweeter than sugar, has been a driving force in the overall growth of the sweetener industry. Agave-based sweeteners sold nearly $
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Trends to watch this year
Tue, 07/02/12 - 19:37
By Adriana Michael, Warren Beaumont
This past year was one of change. In 2011, the global population reached seven billion, food prices continued to climb and a gloomy economy clouded with social and political uncertainty prevailed. Natural disasters like the devastating tsunami in Japan shocked the world a
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Market for Omega 3’s is still on the rise
Sat, 10/12/11 - 04:14
By Warren Beaumont
Consumers now associate food with health and wellness and new studies and reports covered by the media have contributed to an increase in the purchase of functional food and natural supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids, vital nutrients to human health, are one of the most wid
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