Marketing efforts vary greatly as fresh produce companies seek to push their organic products.
Despite some setbacks, health and nutrition benefits remain strong marketing tools for organic foods.
In a recently published report by Stanford University scientists, organic fruits and vegetables were found to be no more nutritious, on average, than conventional produce, which is typically much less expensive.
Still, Simcha Weinstein, director of marketing for Albert’s Organics, Bridgeport, N.J., says this should have little effect on organic sales because the report assumes people purchase organic product looking for higher nutrition when most surveys say otherwise.
“People don’t necessarily choose organic foods because they want high nutritional content with every bite. They choose organic foods because they wish to avoid pesticides and other harmful chemicals in their food choices,” Weinstein said.
He went on to say that organics often also are chosen because of the environmental benefits they have.
“Organic is chosen because it’s better for our land, better for our water, better for our energy supply, and simply a better way to create a sustainable food system for our planet,” he said.
Other companies also take advantage of this strategy.
“There’s a very big push as organics being a healthy choice for consumers who want to eat healthy and put the best into their bodies,” said Scott Mabs, director of sales and marketing for Homegrown Organic Farms, Porterville, Calif.
He said he expects this idea to continue to remain strong in consumers’ minds, despite any surveys or studies.
Mayra Velazquez de Leon, chief executive officer at Organics Unlimited, San Diego, agreed.
“The world is changing. We are thinking healthier, and a lot more people are thinking of going to organics,” she said.
Sourcing information
Consumers are starting to be more interested in knowing exactly where their food comes from, which fits the organic lifestyle well.
It especially fits well with customers interested in buying locally grown organic produce, something Charlie’s Produce, Seattle, Wash., specializes in with its Farmer’s Own brand.
“More and more information continues to be the trend,” said Diane Dempster, manager of the Farmer’s Own program and local organic procurement.
Dempster said Charlie’s is interested in reaching out to consumers in this way.
“We provide information about the grower to the customer, giving them a description of the grower,” she said. “And we invite customers to visit the farm.”
Comments (0) Leave a comment