In this issue

Discussion Forum Topic - All the Rage About Organic!

Notes and Comment - "From Kitchen to Market" mentioned in the September issue of Oprah's "O" Magazine

All About Food Labels - Part One: Guidance

Specialty Food Resources - Go to Resources and Select "Market Profile"

This Month's Specialty Food Company Web Site: Laxmi's Delights

All About Food Labels - Part Two: More Good Advice

A Specialty Food Resource Mini Case Study

Discussion Forum Topic - All the Rage About Organic!

FE reader and contributor Gigi French, Owner of My Last Dime Gourmet, Inc, and producer of award winning all natural products offers the following observations about organic foods:

One might wonder is the growing interest in Organic Food a fad or a trend that is becoming a lifestyle choice.

Why organic?

Food processors need to pay attention to the important implications of organic food consumption as this becomes a larger part of mainstream food consumption. Industry experts emphasize that food processors and manufacturers embrace what may be one of the most important trends they will face for years to come.

Market Size

The specialty food sales hit $34.7 billion in 2005, up from 29% from 2003-05 (Mintel, 2006). Market researcher Packaged Facts reports that sales in the natural and organic category are expected to exceed $46 billion by 2010. "In most cases, the growth of leading natural/organic brands continues to greatly outpace that of their respective categories, while organic products themselves are outselling 'natural' ones because they are newer to mass channels and carry more clout with consumers because they are government-regulated," said Packaged Facts. The report further states that it will continue to be the hottest area in food retailing.

Trend Drivers

• Consumers' belief that organic is healthier, is pesticide and fertilizer free, is better quality and is processed without the use of GMO's (Genetically Midfield Organisms).
• The increased spending power of educated consumers who make conscientious purchasing and investing decisions based on health, social, cultural and environmental beliefs. This group is known as LOHAS - Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability.
• The belief that organic food tastes better.
• The belief that organic farming helps promote sustainable agriculture.
• The ability of consumers to afford the extra costs of organic foods.

Market Opportunities

Consumers will continue to look for healthy food choices. In the eyes of many consumers, organic food represents a healthier option. Today, we find practically every food category has an organic version ... from produce to meats, beverages, even candies and ice creams. (There is even organic clothing.) Organic goods are no longer produced and marketed just by small farmers or niche processors. Some of the major industry giants such as General Mills, Gerber, Frito Lay, Pace, and Kellogg's have either created their own organic line or purchased a small organic food company. In addition, many conventional grocery stores now offer entire organic shopping sections within their stores and continue to add more lines.

Retailers are providing an ever increasing portfolio of all natural products. Some major grocery chains are waiving the normally requisite slotting fee for all natural or organic products. It is evidenced by natural food stores opening in our towns and existing conventional grocery stores expanding their lines or introducing new ones. You can even find organic foods at Wal-Mart - Did I say Wal-Mart? -

Gigi

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Dear Steve,

Welcome to Food Entrepreneur eZine (FE).

With more than 12,000 new food products each year, of which 3,000 or so might be characterized as specialty foods, FE still maintains that if you are in business after seven years, then you are probably successful.

Would you like to be an FE contributor? Topics are welcomed that impact almost any aspect of specialty food marketing. We will be happy to help.

Does FE help you? Please let me know what you think we should do to improve the interest, ease and utility of our eZine. We invite and welcome your comments. Let's work together to learn ways of succeeding in specialty food marketing. Stay tuned...

Wishing you great profits!

Steve

Stephen F. Hall
Author, From Kitchen to Market
Editor, Food Entrepreneur eZine

·  Notes and Comment - "From Kitchen to Market" mentioned in the September issue of Oprah's "O" Magazine

1. Oprah Winfrey's "O" Magazine has published an article about women who want to start a small business. Under the heading "Market Like a Genius" is reference to yours truly and THE BOOK. The article appears in their September 2007 issue. Have a look and let me know what you think. Here is the link

2. Strategic Planning at a glance. Have a look at the winning Strategic Planning Workshop/Retreat Agenda I use. And contact me to learn how we can implement it in your firm.

3. Can Organic Flaxseed replace butter, jam, jelly and Mayo? Read about it in Laxmi's Delights press release.

4. Take our mini-surveys and submit questions for future surveys and articles for publication in of FE

5. Complete Listing of FE Contributors. Please contact me to learn how you, too, can be added to this prestigious listing.

6. Here's one for you organic foodies: A chance to be a vendor at an organic food and Yoga Conference January 2008 in Sun City, Arizona. Go here for more information:

7. Future Issues of Food Entrepreneur eZine:

- More on product pricing.

- The "State of State Specialty Food Associations."

- And any ideas that you suggest.

Email Steve@specialtyfoodresource.com to let us know what other areas you would like to have addressed.

·  All About Food Labels - Part One: Guidance

Wise Counsel From "Food Label News"

Food Consulting Company's Karen Duester includes the following topics in the latest edition of Food Label News:

Reader Q & A&A: " I want to highlight that my dessert topping with 1.5g fat and less than 0.5g trans fat per serving contains only a small amount of partially hydrogenated oil compared to competing brands that contain almost all partially hydrogenated oil. Can I highlight this with my simplified Nutrition Facts panel?"

Table of Contents:

· New! eCheck Payments for Food Labels Clients

· FDA - Food Labels Health Claims Study Results

· FDA's Spot the Block Nutrition Labels Program

· At Your Service: Free Food Labels Help

Readers of Food Label News can submit their food label questions free of charge for possible publication in the Q & A&A Section of Food Label News.

Here is the latest issue of Food Label News.

·  Specialty Food Resources - Go to Resources and Select "Market Profile"

Your specialtyfoodresource.com site now has a SEARCH feature. You may now go right to the "find" section and look for information on our entire site. Feel free to let me know if you see anything that needs changing.

Visit your free resource center

·  This Month's Specialty Food Company Web Site: Laxmi's Delights

Here is the web site for Laxmi's Delights, producers of award-winning Organic Flaxseed Spreads.

Can you learn anything from the site?

·  All About Food Labels - Part Two: More Good Advice

Label consulting firm On the Menu has its blog up and running. There are many articles that readers might find useful, including On the Menu mention in an Associated Press article.

Here's the link.

On The Menu, LLC

1805 South Bellaire, Suite 305

Denver, Colorado 80222

303-757-1333, 1-866-757-1333, 303-757-1739 (fax)

www.otmenu.com

www.gluten-detectives.com

On The Menu is committed to delighting its customers by delivering quality products and services with integrity.

·  A Specialty Food Resource Mini Case Study

FE asked Laxmi's Delights founder and principal Laxmi Hiremath to comment on the following:

1. What is your vision?

2. How do you define success?

3. How long does it take to succeed?

4. How much does it cost?

5. Any advice for the newbees?

Readers can see her replies in the next issue of FE.

·  The 4th Edition of "From Kitchen to Market" is Classic!

·  Build and Manage Your Own Website!

·  A New eBook About How Powerful Online Communities Can Promote Your Business

·  LABEL PRINTER PROMOTION