2007 Press Releases
2007 All Things Organic(tm) Took Chicago by Storm
Contact: Lisa BellFor Immediate Release Crescendo Communications lisa@crescendocom.com
303-527-0203
Seventh-year show featured more unique and innovative organic products than ever before; 2008 will bring new partners together in Chicago
GREENFIELD, Mass. (June 13, 2007) - Organic companies from big to small and organic products from mass market entries to specialized niches were all the buzz with attendees at the 2007 All Things Organic(tm) Conference and Trade Show held at Chicago's McCormick Place May 5-8. The talk on the All Things Organic(tm) show floor surrounded the increasing popularity of all organic products, as well as the continued entry of new privately owned companies and their innovative organic offerings.
In addition to the bustling three-day trade show, All Things Organic(tm) featured three keynote speakers, five "Organic 101" conference sessions, 20 conference topics, special member activities, an organic farm tour, and an organic fiber walking tour.
The All Things OrganicTM Conference and Trade Show, one of the fastest growing trade shows in North America according to Trade Show Week, attracted 12 percent more retail buyers and other representatives of the mainstream and organic industry than attended in 2006.
"This year's trade show featured some of the most innovative and unique organic products we have seen in the industry to date," said Caren Wilcox, executive director for the Organic Trade Association. "Unique finds included organic high fashion leather, organic fabrics dyed with vibrant natural colors, enhanced superfoods for adults and children, and a variety of exotic food products from around the world and close to home."
Retailers from stores of all sizes, distributors, wholesalers, importers/exporters and manufacturers seeking organic ingredients all scouted All Things Organic(tm) for the newest and most exciting products. As more and more organic products become accessible to the mainstream consumer, the tide is shifting to organic goods as everyday purchases in both natural and conventional stores.
All Things Organic(tm) donates any left over food samples to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The 2007 donation was 16,812 pounds, equivalent to approximately 12,600 meals.
2007 Manufacturer Survey Released
Preliminary findings from the Organic Trade Association's (OTA's) 2007 Manufacturer Survey released May 6 during All Things Organic(tm) show U.S. organic food and beverage sales totaled nearly $17 billion in 2006, representing 3 percent of all retail sales of food, up from 2.5 percent in 2005 and 1.9 percent in 2003.
According to preliminary survey results, sales of organic foods grew by 22.1 percent in 2006 to $16.9 billion, up from $13.831 billion in 2005. OTA contracted with Packaged Facts of Rockville, MD, to conduct the survey and analyze the results. Packaged Facts conducted the survey in March and April 2007. The report is expected to be available in June. At that time, orders can be placed via phone (413-774-7511, Ext. 16), fax (413-774-6432) or e-mail info@ota.com or via OTA's Web site (www.ota.com/bookstore.html).
With the motto "Expect the Unexpected!" 2008 Will Bring Together Three Major Forces
All Things OrganicTM, The Fancy Food Show(r) and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture's U.S. Food Export Showcase will come to Chicago together in 2008, from April 27 -29 at McCormick Place. The shows will create the largest display of specialty foods and organic products in the United States. All Things Organic(tm) had already sold 70 percent of available booth spaces and had signed up more than 5,000 attendees for 2008.
OTA produces All Things Organic(tm) in partnership with Diversified Business Communications. To learn more, go to www.organicexpo.com. Recordings of this year's conference sessions are available via www.organicexpo.com Trade show images can be accessed and downloaded at http://www.flickr.com/photos/8473048@N02/sets/72157600261190132/.
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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, the Organic Trade Association focuses on the organic business community in North America. OTA's nearly 1,600 members include farmers, processors, importers, exporters, distributors, retailers, certifiers, and more. For further information, visit OTA's web site at www.ota.com.
Diversified Business Communications provides information and market access through trade exhibitions, magazine publishing, and online resources on five continents. In addition to serving the natural products/organic market, DBC produces over 15 food exhibitions organized throughout the United States, Europe, Australia and Asia www.divbusiness.com.
