Seattle, WA-based PCC Natural Markets (PCC) announced it will only sell ethically sourced chocolate. Vendors must provide documentation that child slave labor wasn’t used in its supply chain and that suppliers follow International Labor Organization Fundamental Conventions.

Dean’s Natural Foods of Ocean and Basking Ridge, NJ will no longer accept new grocery items containing the top five high-risk GMO ingredients unless they are organic and/or Non-GMO Project Verified.

The Natural Products Association is accepting nominations for its 2014 NPA Award before July 1, 2013 at NPAinfo.org/awards.

derma e of Simi Valley, CA named Crescent Marketing its 2012 Broker of the Year. The pair has worked together since January 2009.

The Southwest Natural Products Association gave its 2013 President’s Award to Essential Formulas Inc. (EFI, distributor of Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics) for its “notable contributions to our industry both as a distributor and behind the scenes.” Jolen and Marty Schoor of EFI received the award at Health Fest 2013, held in Dallas in April.

A new Web site (www.ryesocial.com) has been launched with the intention of making it easier for natural brands and retailers to engage in social media. Rye Social delivers related content (including recipes, photos and health articles) to members’ inboxes for users to post (or to have the service post for them). Industry members can also sign up for a free marketing insights and ideas e-newsletter. For more information, contact Todd Pauli, Rye Social founder at todd@ryesocial.com.

Life Extension of Fort Lauderdale, FL sponsored the Look Young Longer Quiz at www.youbeauty.com/quizzes/look-young-longer. Users learned their beauty age, projected aging trajectory and how lifestyle habits affect aging. Also, Ronald Cox of Perkinston, MS won $24,000 worth of Life Extension supplements spread over the next 20 as part of the Life Extension Supplements for Life Sweepstakes.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, June 2013