All Things Organic™ to Co-Locate With Expo Comida Latina and All Asia Food June 16-18, 2009, in Chicago

PORTLAND, Maine, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Organic Trade Association (OTA), in partnership with Diversified Business Communications, today announced it will co-locate its 2009 All Things Organic™ Conference and Trade Show with two of Diversified's Cultural Food brand events -- Expo Comida Latina and All Asia Food -- June 16-18, 2009, at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

"This is an exciting time to be involved in the organic and ethnic and specialty product sectors, particularly as organic and specialty/ethnic foods are the two fastest-growing segments of retail food sales," said David Gagnon, OTA's Interim Executive Director. He added, "These co-located events will offer national and regional forward-thinking retailers, foodservice professionals and manufacturers access to valuable educational opportunities and sourcing options that will help them stay competitive in the changing landscape of food consumption in North America."

According to the Organic Trade Association's 2007 Manufacturer Survey, organic food and beverage sales represented approximately 2.8 percent of overall U.S. food and beverage sales in 2006, growing 20.9 percent in that year alone. Overall U.S. organic product sales, including both food and non-food products, are estimated to have reached $21.2 billion in 2007, and are projected to surpass $25 billion in 2008.

With more than 70 percent of U.S. households buying authentic ethnic food and beverage products today, the demand for Hispanic and Asian foods is greater than ever. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanic and Asian Americans will make up 33 percent of the U.S. population by the year 2050. Packaged Facts, meanwhile, has projected Hispanic and Asian markets to top $7 billion and $4 billion, respectively, in sales by 2009.

According to The Natural Marketing Institute, Hispanic and Asian consumers are more interested in organic foods than is the general population, and are more likely to seek out stores that carry organic foods. More than 50 percent of surveyed Hispanic Americans buy organic products to better their health, improve the environment, and support local farmers. The co-location of the three shows will bring the certified organic and ethnic food and beverage markets together in one focused event to deliver the latest trends and showcase new and innovative products.

The All Things Organic™ Conference and Trade Show will mark its ninth year in 2009. Presented by OTA and Diversified Business Communications, All Things Organic™ is the definitive annual meeting place of the North American organic industry, with an extensive conference program and a focused trade show floor open to only certified organic products and products approved for use in organic processing.

The show has grown from 100 exhibitors in the 2001 inaugural event in Austin, TX, to over 600 booths of organic products and services and a buying audience of 12,000 in 2008. One hundred percent of all revenue OTA receives from All Things Organic® is reinvested in programs that support the organic business community.

Expo Comida Latina and All Asia Food are the leading Hispanic and Asian food shows in North America. As such, they focus on the food and beverage buying trends of the growing Hispanic and Asian American populations in the United States. The launch of the 2009 event in Chicago will be in addition to an event Oct. 13-14, 2008, in Los Angeles.

These events offer food and beverage buyers across mainstream retail and foodservice, ethnic markets and restaurants, distribution and manufacturing an opportunity for face-to-face meetings, networking, education, and a resource for authentic products and ingredients from exhibitors around the world, including pavilions and representation from the United States, Canada, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

"Chicago looks forward to hosting this new co-location," said Tim Roby, Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau (CCTB) President and CEO. "We fully expect the CCTB's unique marketing programs, coupled with our premier meeting destination, will meet all expectations for a successful event."

OTA and Diversified Business Communications are developing additional opportunities for the co-location in Chicago. Look for more information as it becomes available.Organic

Trade Association (OTA):
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, OTA focuses on the organic business community in North America. OTA's 1,700 members included farmers, processors, importers, exporters, distributors, retailers, certifiers and more (www.ota.com).

Diversified Business Communications:
Experts in bringing cutting-edge information and buying opportunities to food professionals, Diversified Business Communications produces over 20 food exhibitions and six trade publications for the food industry worldwide, including Comida News and All Asia Food News, on-line publications featuring the latest news and information critical to food industry professionals looking to navigate changes and maximize opportunities in North America's dynamic food industry (www.divbusiness.com).

Contact: Barbara Haumann, Organic Trade Association, +1-413-774-7511, ext. 20