Events Food and Beverage International F & B NutriFoodies online California

 Navigate:

Search F&B:

 

 

 


THREE EXPERTS SEE BOOM IN NEXT DECADE IN ORGANIC FOODS, RESTAURANTS AND FARMING

Predictions Made in 10th Anniversary Issue of "Green Money Journal"

SANTA FE, N.M. - Natural foods and related industries - including supermarkets, restaurants and farming - are poised for a major jump in visibility and popularity in the next decade, according to predictions made by three leading industry experts in the 10th anniversary issue of the "Green Money Journal."

The forecasts were presented by: Gary Hirshberg, chairman and CEO of Stonyfield Farm Yogurt, the nation's fourth largest yogurt company and founder of O'Naturals, a natural and organic fast food chain; Katherine DiMatteo, executive director of the Organic Trade Association; and Frank Lampe, editorial director of Natural Business Communications, which publishes the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) Journal.

Their views are outlined in what is the oldest and most widely read magazine in the socially and environmentally responsible investing and business world. The Green Money Journal is marking its 10th anniversary milestone with a collection of thought-provoking predictions from Hirshberg and other leaders in the worlds of green investing and business, including socially responsible investing (SRI), organic foods, publishing, architecture and ecotravel.

What do the organic foods expert foresee for the next decade? The following is a brief overview of the predictions made by the experts in their three articles:

* Gary Hirshberg predicted the following: "Supermarkets as we know them will be nearly gone except in small towns, replaced by large integrated Wal-Mart-like mega-market stores. The mega-markets will be THE natural foods marketplace, and it will nearly impossible to distinguish their grocery aisles from the Whole Foods, Wild Oats, Mustard Seed and other large super natural stores we know today. The CEO's of these mega-markets will appear in ads proudly and articulately proclaiming their personal dedication to organic and pure foods. Organic or "made with organic," will command 50 percent market share and this will have occurred because the increasing demand for clean food will have brought organic commodity and ingredient pricing to parity with conventional offerings. (Many) high-end dining establishments will feature only organic foods, and a staff nutritionist will be as common as the wine sommelier is today. Three national organic and natural fast food chains will be the third, fourth and fifth largest fast food chains in the U.S. McDonalds and Burger King will have felt the pressure and will offer organic items, certified hormone-free, free-range meats and chickens and a full soy complement.

* Noting that 63 million Americans are classified as Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) Consumers, Lampe pointed out that there is substantial potential for organic foods growth: "LOHAS Consumers are nearly three times more likely to 'pay 20 percent more for sustainably made products,' and more than four times more likely than the general population to make 'purchasing decisions based on effect on the world.' They are also very brand driven when those companies are perceived to share the consumers' values. Additionally, 82.1 percent of LOHAS Consumers agreed completely with the statement that they support sustainable agriculture practices. Finally, more than 80 percent list 'Vitamins and Minerals' as their top purchase. 'Natural Foods' ranked second, 'Herbal Supplements' ranked sixth and 'Organic Foods' ranked seventh."

* DiMatteo painted the following picture: "Travelers now can find farmers' markets offering organic foods in airport terminals. Many communities with airports see cooperative-farming operations set up on land nearby to fill this demand. On the rooftops and empty lots in Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Miami, and other major cities, residents organically grow herbs and vegetables for their personal use. In addition, projects funded through tax revenues convert bankrupt shopping malls, abandoned parking lots and factories into organic farms and processing facilities to provide local food to major city centers and new job opportunities to city residents."

Commenting on the three articles about the prospects for organic foods, Green Money Journal Publisher and Editor Cliff Feigenbaum said: "The last decade has brought tremendous change in the socially responsible investment industry and sustainable business in general. We've grown by leaps and bounds. Socially responsible mutual funds are thriving, shareholder activists have successfully investigated change at major corporations and the natural business industries are blossoming. From banking to bakeries, people are considering where their dollars go not only from a financial standpoint, but also as they contemplate the footprint they'll leave on our Earth."

Feigenbaum added: "Instead of congratulating ourselves for a decade of accomplishments, we have asked various leaders to help us put together a 'visionary' issue. We're jumping ten years ahead to ask: What will the socially responsible investing and the green business world look like in 2012? We at The Green Money Journal are proud to have documented the progress to date of this world and we look forward to recording its future for another 10 years or more."

ABOUT THE GREEN MONEY JOURNAL AND CLIFF FEIGENBAUM

The Green Money Journal is one of the oldest and most widely read magazines and websites catering to the socially and environmentally responsible business world. The goal of the Green Money Journal is to educate and empower individuals and businesses to make informed financial decisions through aligning their personal, corporate and financial principles. Currently, the publication has 10,000 subscribers across the country and the world.

Cliff Feigenbaum is a leading independent voice in socially responsible investing and green business. He is the founder and publisher of the Green Money Journal, a bimonthly newsletter that has emerged as a leading clearinghouse for information on the SRI movement. In 1995, Feigenbaum launched GreenMoney.com, one of the largest socially responsible investing and business web sites. He also is the co-author of "Investing With Your Values." Feigenbaum contributes articles and information to numerous publications, and has appeared on many TV and radio programs. He is an active member of the Social Investment Forum and Business for Social Responsibility. Feigenbaum is a graduate of Whitworth College, and lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

CONTACT: Stephanie Kendall, 703/276-3254, or skendall@hastingsgroup.com.

VISIT THE GREEN MONEY JOURNAL ONLINE AT: www.greenmoney.com

Back to Nutra News

Preferred Meats.Com
To purchase quality
meat direct.


Finely Crafted Porcelain
- quality dinnerware

Events |  Food & Beverage International |  NutraFoodies |  California the Magazine
Home |  Food |  Wine |  Chefs |  Restaurants |  Advertisers |  Recipes
Travel |  Forager |  Who's News |  Directories |  Newsletter |  About Us |  Media Kit
©1985—2002 Food & Beverage International
All rights reserved. | Contact Us | Feedback