Omitting Odors in Organics

摘要

Organic food is one of the fastest growing food sectors in the United States totaling 15 billion dollar in sales in 2005, according to Organic Trade Association (OTA; Greenfield, Mass.). During the last 10 years, increasing consumer demand for healthier choices has driven the industry's growth, from 17 to 21 percent each year. In recent years, fresh foods have become signature departments for many natural foods retailers, with independent natural product and health food stores and natural grocery chains accounting for 47 percent of organic sales, according to www.ota.com. Motivated by the sector's potential profitability, major food manufacturers, such as Kraft and General Mills and retailers like Wal-Mart have responded by extending their product offerings to include organic foods. However, domestic organic food producers will be unable to meet such a strong demand alone. The OTA also reports that in the near future, the U.S. will increasingly rely on imports from Australia, Europe, Bolivia, New Zealand, South Africa and Venezuela and South Africa to meet the needs of retailers seeking to capitalize on this profitable market.