In our Speaker Spotlight series, get to know our speakers before you see them. Find out what trends Charles Redfern – Founder of Organico Realfoods, predicts this year, who they admire in the industry, and why you should attend their session at Natural & Organic Products Expo this April.
Can you give us an example of what your business is doing to become even more sustainable
We have a unique triple guarantee: organic, B Corp and Planet Score. Our environment grade on first go in B Corp is equal to Patagonia, that’s a massive achievement for a small UK SME. The reason is simple we’re not BS, we genuinely walk the talk, we constantly fight for sustainability, our engagement with NGO’s and experts is constant and we give a lot of pro bono time to support the values we believe in.
What do you see as key trends for natural & organic in the coming year?
Probably gut health but I’m bored of trends and hopping about like a headless chicken. We should just be doing really good organic food well and building a movement.
What one person or business in the natural & organic industry do you really admire and why?
Bio Coop. Totally cracked organic+ ethics. Way ahead of the curve, a coop of organic farmers, consumers and shop owners, almost 700 shops, constant and deep engagement in organic values and in developing a truly virtuous supply chain.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role and the most challenging?
Rewarding: The chance to walk the talk. Challenging: the commercial aspects and how far removed the whole marketing and selling is from the actual ethics. Too much BS basically.
How important is Natural & Organic Products Expo trade show to the you/industry?
A useful catch up point especially as life has become so much more WFH and video meeting based.
Why should visitors attend your session at the show?
Sustainability in its organic definition is under attack like never before.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given.
Speak your mind but make sure you know what you’re speaking about before you do!
See Charles Redfern alongside Lee Holdstock and Ed Ayton in the panel session ‘ Net Zero and Beyond ’ at 16.00 – 16.30 on Sunday 14 April. Register for a trade ticket here.
