Swiss organic associations say "No!" to pesticide ban and restructuring of agricultural subsidies

Voters in Switzerland can permanently ban pesticides and redistribute agricultural subsidies in favor of organic. But organic producers and organic retailers are against it. What's going on?

Transgourmet launches its own organic brand for the catering market

One of the largest specialists for gastronomy and communal catering will be starting its own organic brand from April. With this step, Transgourmet wants to profit from the untapped organic potential in the out-of-home market.

First vegan stock index presented

Those who want to make their money work for veganism can invest in the shares of vegan companies. 21 of them have now been compiled by two investors into an index called "Vegtech".

Ecotone aims for a billion in turnover

The Wessanen Group, which has been renamed Ecotone, is on an expansion course, focusing on the market launch of new products and not ruling out further acquisitions in the organic sector.

Swiss organic sales up in 2020

Consumers in Switzerland spent just over 400 euros per capita on organic food last year. Gastronomy is to contribute more to organic sales in the future.

What is important to consumers when buying natural cosmetics

Certifier Natrue has conducted a consumer study on the purchase of natural cosmetics. At the top of the wish list is naturalness - however, consumers sometimes attribute this characteristic more to conventional products than to certified natural cosmetics.

Manufacturers fight back with petition against censorship of milk substitutes

In the course of the agricultural reform, the EU bodies are currently also negotiating new regulations on the designation of vegan milk alternatives. A petition once again bundles the unwillingness of the affected manufacturers.

How the EU Commission wants to boost organic sales

If Europe's organic area does not grow faster, the EU will miss its Green Deal target. Now an action plan is intended to boost the pace. IFOAM Organics Europe welcomes the measures.

Long-term study shows: Organic farming is beneficial for small scale farmers

Under tropical conditions, organic farming can contribute significantly to sustainable development. This was the conclusion of a long-term trial that has been running since 2007.

Online survey on the future of organic processing

FIBL is conducting a survey with market stakeholders until 31 March 2021. The results will help a project team to develop guidance on the selection of appropriate technologies for organic processors.

IFOAM - Organics International seeks new World Board members

In September, a new World Board will be elected at the General Assembly of the globally active organic association. The deadline for applications for the honorary position is 15 April 2021.

Biofach / Vivaness E-Special: "70 per cent of the participants drew a positive balance"

In this interview, Danila Brunner and Petra Wolf look back on the digital version of Biofach and Vivaness - and give a first preview of how the trade fair duo could play out next year.

How the "Food for Biodiversity" association aims to safeguard biodiversity in food production

67 measures to protect biodiversity are on the table at the still young association. The founding members include environmental associations, standard setters and food companies such as Nestlé.

Natural cosmetics remains driver of the German industry

In the Corona year, natural cosmetics again recorded strong growth and were able to attract many new buyers. However, not all forms of distribution are benefiting equally.

Alnatura expands its management team

Two internal executives rise to the top of the organic trading house. Herwarth von Plate is apparently leaving the company.

Fibl launches new sustainability label “We Care”

The Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FIBL) has developed a sustainability standard for companies in the food industry. It covers the entire value chain, is geared towards continuous improvement and has been pre-tested by two organic companies.

Why natural cosmetics companies are increasingly turning to online retailing

The Corona pandemic has rapidly changed the natural cosmetics industry, from new distribution concepts to unprecedented new products and growing competition from conventional manufacturers. In Vivaness' "Beauty Briefing 2021," blogger Julia Keith takes us through the most important developments in the market.

“Roots of Resilience” webinar on agroecological transition

Participants are invited to exchange with policy makers on the challenges and opportunities for an agroecological transition in Europe. 

Austria: Organic sales rise to 713 million euros

Like Germany, Austria also reports record sales figures for organic food. But the Austrians are already a bit further ahead.

Organic sales in Germany up 22 per cent

The German market and demand for organic products developed positively in 2020. Direct and online marketing in particular boomed in the Corona year, as BÖLW announced at the industry's annual press conference at Biofach in Nuremberg. This momentum must be used, according to the appeal to politicians.