From Big to Small, Organic was the Hot Topic in Chicago
All Things Organic™ featured organic products galore
GREENFIELD, Mass. (May 16, 2006) — Organic companies from big to small and organic products from mass market entries to specialized niches were all the buzz with attendees at the 2006 All Things Organic™ Conference & Trade Show held at Chicago's McCormick Place May 6-9.
An estimated 30,000 retail buyers and other representatives of the mainstream and organic industry attended the co-located events (dubbed the Power of Five), including the Food Marketing Institute Show, the Spring Fancy Food Show®, United Produce Expo and Conference, and the U.S. Food Export Showcase. The buzz on the All Things Organic™ show floor surrounded the increased popularity of organic products, as well as the continued entry of new privately owned companies and their innovative organic offerings.
Even as major retailers and conventional food companies continue to increase their organic product offerings, it is estimated that 90 percent of the exhibitors at the 2006 All Things Organic™ Trade Show are privately held or family owned and operated.
"The Organic Trade Association is delighted to see that mainstream interest in organic products is increasing, and that there are plenty of smaller, private companies joining the organic business community and growing with the market," said Caren Wilcox, executive director for the Organic Trade Association. "From fine foods to handmade soaps, clothing and other household products, the world of organic products continues to grow with innovative entries each year."
Retailers from big box stores to small mom and pop shops, distributors, wholesalers, importers/exporters and manufacturers seeking organic ingredients all scouted All Things Organic™ for the newest and most exciting products As more and more organic products are becoming accessible to the mainstream consumer, the tide is shifting to organic foods as everyday purchases. Meanwhile, the introduction of organic fiber and other organic products for the home continues to grow at a steady rate.
2006 Manufacturer Survey Released
Preliminary findings from the Organic Trade Association's (OTA's) 2006 Manufacturer Survey released May 7 during All Things
Organic™ show U.S. organic food sales totaled nearly $14 billion in 2005, representing 2.5 percent of all retail sales of food, up from 1.9 percent in 2003. According to survey results, sales of
organic foods are expected to reach nearly $16 billion by the end of 2006. Meanwhile, non-food products, including personal care, flowers, pet food, fiber (linens and clothing), household cleaners,
and nutritional supplements, grew by 32.5 percent overall to reach $744 million in sales during 2005. OTA contracted with Nutrition Business Journal to conduct the survey and analyze the
results. The final report is expected to be available within the next several weeks.
In addition to the bustling three-day trade show, All Things Organic™ featured three keynote speakers, five "Organic 101" conference sessions, 18 conference topics, special member
activities, an organic store tour, organic fiber walking tour, Welcome Party, a fully merchandised organic non-food sample store, and OTA's annual dinner and dance.
OTA, in partnership with the National Association of State Organic Programs, also hosted the first North American Summit on Organic Production and Marketing where industry and government representatives from Canada, the United States, and Mexico provided the most current information on organic programs.
All Things Organic™ in partnership with Diversified Business Communications. This year marked the sixth All Things Organic™ Conference and Trade Show. The Power of Five and All Things Organic™ return next year to Chicago's McCormick Place, May 6-8, 2007. To learn more, go to www.organicexpo.com. Recordings of this year's conference sessions are available by contacting HMR Duplications (phone: 510-482-8732; fax: 510-482-1733; e-mail: hmroakland@aol.com.) Trade show images can be accessed and downloaded at www.flickr.com/photos/ato-press.
The mission of the Organic Trade Association is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy. OTA envisions organic products becoming a significant part of everyday life, enhancing people's lives and the environment. As a membership-based business association, the Organic Trade Association focuses on the organic business community in North America. OTA's more than 1,700 members include farmers, processors, importers, exporters, distributors, retailers, certifiers, and more. For further information, visit OTA's web site at www.ota.com.
Diversified Business Communications provides information and market access through trade exhibitions, magazine publishing, and online resources on five continents. In addition to serving the natural products/organic market, DBC produces over 20 food exhibitions organized throughout the United States, Europe, Australia and Asia www.divbusiness.com.
