Industry News

The latest news from the natural and organic products industry.

US study shows whole grains increase calorie loss

A new study suggests that substituting whole grains for refined grains in the diet increases calorie loss by reducing calories retained during digestion and speeding up metabolism.

Capitalizing on EU organic grant is trade’s biggest opportunity

“Capitalizing on the Organic Trade Board’s recently secured EU grant, and working closely with them to get a thread of unification across the whole sector. I think that’s a really important thing for us as industry over the next few years.”

Farm animal welfare emerges as competitive advantage

An increasing number of companies are beginning to see their commitment to farm animal welfare as an important business opportunity, says a new report.

SA expands its restaurants award scheme

The Soil Association (SA) has expanded its award scheme for restaurants, cafes and eateries to cover the whole of the UK.

Farming Minister confirms stewardship funding

Farming Minister George Eustice MP has confirmed that farmers and growers will be able to apply for Countryside Stewardship support for the next two years.

“Engaging authentically with customers – that’s our big opportunity”

“Engaging authentically with our customers – that’s our big opportunity as independent retailers.” So says Food For Thought owner Alan Martin in a new video interview for Natural Products News.

FSA acrylamide campaign is “fiasco” that misses biggest risk

The food writer and campaigner Joanna Blythman has described the Food Standards Agency’s ‘go for gold’ campaign on acrylamide as a “fiasco” that distracts from the biggest exposure risk.

‘Waste apple’ is key ingredient in latest Left-Yeovers yoghurt

Yeo Valley has launched a new variant of its Left-Yeovers yoghurt, which uses surplus fruit crops and raises money for money for the food waste charity Fareshare.

New natural beauty trends at Natural & Organic Products Europe 2017

Being quick to adapt to emerging beauty trends and keeping up-to-date with new product developments is key for any successful natural and organic retailer....

Veganz closes stores as multiples jump on plant-based trend

Veganz, the German-based vegan supermarket chain, is to close around half of its stores in the face of stiff competition from the grocery multiples, according to several local reports.

Industry figures debate the future of natural food

Leading figures from across the natural food industry – including retailers, brand-owners, chefs and food writers – gathered in Brighton this week to debate the future of the natural food sector.

UMFHA discovers unique manuka honey compounds

The Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) has announced it has validated unique signature compounds which can identify manuka honey as genuine.

Organic gets a voice at both Oxford farming conferences

Michael Wale says that organic is gaining a voice at the annual Oxford Farming Conference, as well as at the alternative Oxford Real Farming Conference.

H&B opens 6,000 sq ft flagship ‘More’ store at Marble Arch

Holland & Barrett International opened a new flagship store at Marble Arch in London this week (Thursday 19 January).

Transitional organic certification for US farmers

A new transitional certification programme for products from farmers who are in the process of becoming organic has been launched in the US. Using standards...

Major new store opening for Liverpool

A 10,000sqft organic and natural food store will open in Bold Street, Liverpool in March.

Ethical supermarket hiSbe closes in on second Brighton store

Brighton-based ethical supermarket hiSbe is close to securing a second store site in the city.

New US guidelines on peanut allergy

Babies without eczema or egg allergies, should be introduced to peanut-containing foods alongside other solid foods according to new clinical guidelines from an expert panel...

Natural Branding eliminates need for packaging

Nature & More is to mark organic fruit and veg with Natural Branding, a marking method which removes the need for packaging or stickers.

Campaign calls for VAT drop for low sugar foods

A new campaign is seeking a VAT cut on all foods and drinks with a reduced/low/free from added sugar/sugar free/low or no calorie claim.