Burlington, VT— As expected, Vermont’s passage of a law requiring genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food to be labeled has been followed by a lawsuit. The Grocery Manufacturer’s Association (GMA), the Snack Food Association, the International Dairy Foods Association and the National Association of Manufacturers have collectively sued the state...
Harvard, MA—Neonicotinoids, a class of insecticide, are harmful to honey bee colonies during winter months, according to researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health. This study strengthens previous findings associating insecticide use with Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), a term used to describe the recent widespread disappearance of honey bee...
Washington, D.C.—In what is being called a “historic investment,” the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making $78 million available annually for the development of regional and local food systems. The operations eligible to receive funds include food hubs, farmers markets, aggregation and processing facilities, distribution services and other local...
The organic food industry achieved its fastest growth rate in five years in 2013, says a new survey from the Organic Trade Association (OTA). An 11.5% jump saw the industry reach $35.1 billion in sales, up from $31.5 billion in 2012. The growth is set to continue, according to OTA,...
The Bulk is Green Council (BIG), Portland, OR, is recruiting retailers for its fourth annual National Bulk Foods Week, set for October 12–18, 2014. Last year, more than 1,200 grocery stores and co-ops around the country offered special discounts on bulk bin foods, and participating retailers also received promotional...
Certified-organic and gluten-free bread company Rudi’s Organic Bakery, Boulder, CO, was purchased by the Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Lake Success, NY. Charterhouse Equity Partners LLC sold the brand to Hain for $61.3 million. Hain has indicated it plans to expand Rudi’s distribution to the conventional channel and introduce more...
Nunda, NY—Over 21,000 pounds of peanut butter were donated in April to the charity Feed the Children by seed and nut butter manufacturer Once Again Nut Butter. The 44 drums of peanut butter, weighing in at 480 pounds each, are being put to use in supporting victims of natural disasters...
Leicester, England—Soil in urban farming allotments is healthier, and therefore better for farming, than more intensively farmed soils, according to recent research. The study, conducted in the United Kingdom and published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, shows the benefits of local, small-scale farming. Typical industrial farming practices place stress...
In a move sure to stir up the sector, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has debuted Wild Oats, a line featuring low-cost organic food products. The move represents a partnership between Wal-Mart and Wild Oats, a preexisting brand, which will see around 100 products hit the shelves of every Walmart store that...
Washington, D.C.—Providing the big picture and some compelling statistics for the specialty food space is a new report published by the Specialty Food Association. Sales are up and growing almost across the board, and specialty foods are grabbing market share from conventional foods, according to the report. The report defines...
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