Organics, Not Just a Food Fad

Consumer interest in organic products continues to increase despite the 2012 Stanford University study which concluded that organic and conventional produce have the same nutritional value. Evidently, the organic craze is more than just another food fad. A recent study by the Hartman Group shows that the organic allure lies in the absence of conventional farming’s negative qualities as opposed to any added nutritional benefits of organic farming.

In particular, consumers prefer the lack of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in organic food. Organic farmers use compost or manure instead of chemical fertilizers, natural pesticides or beneficial birds and insects instead of synthetic insecticides, and mulch or weeding instead of chemical herbicides. These practices promote conservation and reduce pollution in the air, soil, and water. These qualities undeniably benefit all living creatures on earth, and leave the planet healthier for future generations.

Furthermore, organic products are viewed as more trustworthy and authentic than conventional goods. After all, the USDA requires that organic foods meet strict standards in terms of growing, handling, and processing. Consumers value the honesty of organic producers, and like to know what they are eating. For this reason, shoppers in grocery stores nationwide are seeking products with clean, recognizable ingredient lists and minimal processing.

In fact, the Hartman study found that over 74% of US consumers purchased organic products in the last three months, and at least 36% used organic products on a monthly basis. However, basic products like produce and milk were the most popular organic purchases, largely because processed organic goods come at a price.

This does not have to be the case when using RIBUS ingredients! Our functional ingredients are 100% organic, derived from rice bran and hulls. When producing organics, use RIBUS products to ensure that manufacturing costs stay low and saving can be passed on to consumers!

Sources:

http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2013/05/organic-s-attraction-still-lies-in-what-s-not-the.aspx

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/NU00255

http://www.organic.org/articles/showarticle/article-206

Global Movement for Natural Food Extends into the Pet Market

In America, household pets have become more than mere domesticated animals – they are part of our families. This sentiment has given rise to the $4.1 billion market for natural pet products. Consumers have become increasingly conscious of what they are feeding their furry friends.

All in all, Americans feel that their pets deserve the absolute best. According to a recent survey, around 63% of pet owners are concerned about the safety of conventional pet products, which often contain unfamiliar additives. In addition, approximately 38% of pet owners believe that natural and organic pet products are simply better than their conventional counterparts. Consequently, retail sales of natural pet products in the US between 2008 and 2012 displayed a compound annual growth rate of 17% despite the economic recession.

Pet owners have clearly been reading ingredient labels and are looking for simple, trustworthy products. Manufacturers interested in entering this market must differentiate themselves from conventional competitors in terms of quality and nutrition. One way to accomplish this is by replacing unfamiliar, synthetic processing ingredients with all-natural RIBUS products, derived from rice. Several large brands such as Hill’s, Nestlé Purina, and Wal-Mart have already created natural pet food formulations. Declare rice extract on your label and reassure health-conscious pet owners!

Source:

http://www.foodandbeveragepackaging.com/articles/85768-steady-growth-in-4b-market-for-natural-pet-products

Allergens, Going Beyond Just Peanuts

The hot topics in the food industry today are gluten and GMOs, but manufacturers cannot overlook the common food allergies that are responsible for approximately 90% of allergic reactions. Specifically, the FDA requires food producers to declare the presence of eight common allergen ingredients – milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat. One or more of these ingredients is likely present in a given processed food item, making life difficult for those with food allergies.

Food allergies are nothing new, but as their incidence is on the rise, the market for allergen-free goods continues to grow. According to the US CDC, between 1997 and 2007, the world saw an 18% increase in the presence of food allergies in children under the age of 18. In addition, 4% of children worldwide have a food allergy, causing them to be 2-4 times more likely to develop additional allergies. Without a doubt, these children deserve access to safe, allergen-free foods.

Therefore, in March of 2013, the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom launched a three-year international study on food allergies. The goal is to create a standard approach to allergen-management for food manufacturers and industry regulatory agencies. The study brings together experts from around the world and is supported by the UK Food Standards Agency. This goes to show that there is still room for the allergen-free foods industry to grow.

In recent years, many companies have chosen cater to allergen-free consumers and have expanded allergen-free product variety. This calls for sourcing ingredients with caution, operating in allergen-free facilities, and testing for even traces of common allergens in finished goods. Labeling must be precise, and suppliers are even monitoring the post-production handling of their products to ensure food safety. Companies that do not adopt these practices run the risk of subjecting consumers to allergic reactions.

Eliminating allergens is no easy task. Many manufacturers are finding it difficult to locate allergen-free ingredients, and ingredient suppliers are working to develop them. However, RIBUS has already created functional, allergen-free replacements for many common allergy-inducing ingredients utilizing the natural qualities of rice. Instead of subjecting consumers to uncertainty, trust RIBUS.

Sources:

http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2010/04/allergen-free-product-formulation.aspx

http://www.foodprocessing-technology.com/news/newsuniversity-of-manchester-commences-international-study-on-food-allergies