Organic health drinks lead EU innovation
new organic products to hit the EU market last month.
Organic food is taking off across Europe, driven by a multitude of reasons including environmental and food safety concerns, as well as a rejection of the ceaseless growth of mass food production.
Overall, the EU organic market reached around €10 billion in 2002, according to data from UK market analysts Organic Monitor, but growth has slowed in recent years: an increase of 8 per cent between 2001 and 2002 shrunk to an estimated 5 per cent between 2002 and 2003.
Despite the slight slowdown, the decent growth is still appealing to food makers and retailers looking for new gains.
Fresh data from market tracker Mintel shows Hain Europe, for example, has just launched onto the UK market a repackaged milk and soy substitute drink under its 'Rice Dream' brand. Made from partially milled brown rice, the organic product contains no added sugar and is dairy-free, cholesterol-free, lactose-free, suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and is low in fat and saturates. Ingredients are: filtered water, brown rice, cold-pressed sunflower oil, and sea salt.
Nestlé has launched MamAlete into Germany, a new organic range for mothers, with the range name closely linked to Alete, their babyfood range.
. The range claims to address the increased nutrient and liquid requirements of pregnant or nursing women. The range is comprised of: Stillsaft Apfel-Traube (apple and grape juice); Wohlfühl-Tee (wellness tea); and Still-Tee (nursing tea).
A further launch into organic beverages sees Albert Heijn launching its AH Biologisch brand onto The Netherlands.
The firm claims the organic apple-cranberry juice is immediately pressed without leaving any pulp, and is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Ingredients are: 91.5 per cent apple juice, and 8.5 per cent cranberry puree.
French retailer Monoprix brings a new organic cider vinegar to consumers this month. Available in a 50cl bottle, the product bears the Agriculture Biologique certificate for agricultural farming.
Finally, Dr. Karg brings the Dr. Karg's organic brand of crispbread with Emmental cheese to Norway. Sold for €3.66, the pack is approved by the Norwegian organic foundation.
