Organic Food and Beverage

The competitive landscape of the organic food industry has changed drastically in recent years. According

The organic food industry has seen a huge spike in growth that is expected to continue into the future due to an increase in consumption. This will provide Whole Foods Market with huge opportunities. In addition, a wave of ethical and responsible consumption has swept across America. Whole Foods’ decision to pursue sustainable activities will certainly give consumers an added incentive to purchase its organic products.

However, according to Dr. Ruth MacDonald (2014), former USDA Undersecretary and Professor and Chair of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University, and author of “Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Explained,” there is very little evidence showing major differences in the nutritional value of organic and conventional foods. According to Dr. MacDonald, both are good sources of

The latest trend or “craze” per say of the twenty first century has been that of organic foods. The U.S market for organic food at one time was growing at a pace of 20% per year, which is significantly greater as compared to the 3-4% of the food sector as a whole. This undeniable growing demand in organic foods caught the attention of Douglas Degn, an executive vice president of the wildly popular organization, Wal-Mart. With the demand of organic products often outstripping supply, Degn was faced with the decision of whether or not to jump on this shortage and give people what they want out of organics from Wal-Mart, or if he should continue to build on the products they already offer to consumers, in order

1. Introduction- Have you ever asked yourself, how healthy your food really is? We will provide information on the subject for you. With spending money on foods, which has a great impact on the body, to helping our environment; we will be discussing the pros and cons of organic vs conventional foods.

Author, Steven Shapin, in his essay, “What Are You Buying When You Buy Organic,” presents controversy reasons to buying organic food. Shapin’s purpose includes defending his point that organic food proves not always having the best results. He justifies his approach to buying organic foods with an argumentative appeal to the necessity of buying these products. Shapin questions the value of organic foods in larger organizations by targeting the industry, health, and the virtue.

Organic foods are those which are grown without hormones, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers. Organic farming does have its advantages. It conserves water and soil resources, recycles animal waste, releases fewer chemicals, improves soil fertility, promotes diversity of crops, and protects farm workers, livestock, and wildlife from potentially harmful pesticides (AG). Are organic foods safer than conventional foods though? After all, they do claim to be better for consumers, which is a tactic to be avoided (Pollan). Not only can organic foods be contaminated with bacteria and synthetic pesticides, they are also more expensive than

Long time ago, the idea of organic food was something ridiculous, nobody cared. But after proved the nutritional benefits and better taste of organic food, many farmers become interest in grown organic food. The article Beyond Organic by Eliot Coleman said that “Now that the food-buying public has become enthusiastic about organically grown foods, the food industry wants to take over.”

Using the Mayo Clinic as a reference, I have developed the following opinion on organic foods that takes into account the financial aspects as well as the health ramifications of eating or not eating organic foods.

Agricultural Secretary Dan Glickman states that organic food is no more wholesome or nutritious than conventional foods (Marcus 1). Although organic food is almost completely free from synthetic chemicals found in synthetic foods, they are no richer in vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. They are not less likely to make a person sick either (Marcus 2). The higher grocery price only buys a person peace of mind, not better nutrition.

Since 2006, the demand and market for organic food and drinks has been increasing exponentially. The demand for these organic products is growing much faster than the supply. Consumers are more interested in where their food is coming from and how it was made. “The latest data shows organic sales in Canada have tripled since 2006 to 3.7 billion dollars a year.” (Global News). There are not enough farms in Canada that produce and supply organic products to meet the high demand. It takes approximately three years for an average farm to convert to an organic farm. However, the whole farm does not have to be organic, a portion of the farm can be converted to organic while the rest operates the way it was previously. The demand curve has shifted

The food industry allows consumers to choose from a wide variety of products. However, most food corporations fail to tell the story behind their food. Is this secrecy due to their methods in creating their products? Conventional farming is America’s leading source of food production. Yet, the controversial practices used in conventional farming, may lead American’s to question if this is the only farming source that can feed our nation. Since 1972, organic farming has been creeping up the success ladder and demonstrating the methods involved can withstand the food demands of our nation. With the rising popularity of organic farming, U.S. citizens now have the option to purchase wholesome food. Consumers curious about purchasing organic goods should be aware of the notable differences between organic and conventional practices. The significant differences between organic and conventional farming include; animal welfare, health, and environmental. With the given information, consumers will be able to make informed decisions about their food purchases.

1. Whole Foods philosophy states a value in education and an informed society. They market themselves to a buyer with a slightly higher income and education level because they feel that these people are more conscious of their overall health. The demographics of an area guide’s Whole Foods in the selection process of each location. They seek out highly dense, urban areas that have high foot traffic, where at least 40% of the residents have a college degree. 2. Overall demand for natural and organic products has increased and with that rise in demand, came a rise in competition. As a result of the competition, Whole foods became the first “Certified Organic” grocer by a third party inspector. As many of their competitors continued to follow the guidelines of the USDA’s Organic Rule, Whole Foods was willing to take the extra step to become certified and have their products authenticated. Their hope is to deter consumers from buying the competitor’s products that are not certified and may not even be labeled “USDA Organic.”

As can be seen, Farm2citY is trending in the right direction, at the right time on the organic food front. Through in depth research of their competition, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods Market, Farm2citY can identify what separates them apart from their competitors. Farm2citY has determined their strengths, weaknesses, potential opportunities, and threats through performing a SWOT analysis. This information helped Farm2citY identify the areas they can take advantage of in this market and those potential areas they need to address. The emphasis on quality organic food at a more affordable price is what will help Farm2citY continually succeed in this

Our local farmers and small business owners are our neighbors, friends, and a trusted source of food supply. As our awareness of health issues (caused by the foods we eat and how they are grown), is rising, the question as to whether or not to buy organic food, and from farmers and small businesses who choose to grow their food organically is becoming more relevant. Or do we