Emerging Retail Marketplace Response to the GMO Controversy
SCHAUMBURG, IL March 16, 2011 – The recent decisions by the USDA to allow the unregulated planting of genetically modified alfalfa and sugar beets have intensified the controversy surrounding GM crops and have left many consumers feeling helpless and discouraged in the wake of the ruling. According to the Non-GMO Project , approximately 80% of processed foods sold in supermarkets have some measure of modification due to genetic engineering. None of these products are required to be labeled as such, posing a challenge for consumers seeking a natural, non-GMO lifestyle. As a result, more and more consumers are identifying non-GMO choices with the help of the “Non-GMO Project Verified” seal.
By coding for Non-GMO Project Verified items in its databases, SPINS continues to build its proprietary Product Library into the most complete and up-to-date resource to drive insights related to key natural and specialty product industry issues.
SPINS is the only information and service provider with the ability to track on-going consumer response to the increasing availability of Non-GMO Project Verified products. Dollar volume for products that have earned the seal has increased 24% in the past year. Baby Food (+10%) and Refrigerated Non-Dairy Beverages (+5%) are two categories that have seen considerable expansion of Non-GMO Project verified products on the shelf across the combined conventional, natural and specialty channels. Refrigerated Non Dairy Beverages is one of the categories with the most Non-GMO Project Verified dollars sales ($61.1MM) and is only exceeded by cold cereals ($62.7MM). Consumer response to Non-GMO Project Verified products has been positive and according to Mary Ellen Lynch, SPINS' Director of Consumer Insights, “will continue to grow as consumer awareness and understanding of food safety issues, including GMOs increases.”
The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization that was created by leaders in the Natural and Organic Products Industry, and offers the nation’s first and only third party verification program for items produced according to rigorous best practices for GMO avoidance, including testing of risk ingredients like those derived from corn and soy. The Project’s standards incorporate strict and comprehensive traceability, segregation and testing requirements. According to Megan Westgate, Executive Director of the Non GMO Project, “Informed food companies recognize the need to ensure that non-GMO crops, ingredients and food are available into the future. Over 1,200 unique products have been verified to date, with thousands more in the process of becoming verified and new products joining the program every day.”
About SPINS
SPINS ( www.spins.com ) is the first company to offer Natural and Specialty Products sales data to the industry. Established in 1995, SPINS is now the premier provider of retail measurement services, content-based reporting, consumer information and consulting services for this rapidly expanding sector.
All of SPINS’ services leverage its comprehensive Product Library , the most complete and up-to-date resource of its kind in the Natural and Specialty Products Industry. Today, SPINS Product Library provides information on over 160,000 natural and organic products segmented into our industry-standard hierarchy of 92 categories and 469 subcategories, with 575 primary ingredients and 21 product attributes. Additionally, vitamins, supplements, herbs and medicinal teas are mapped to over 80 health concerns.
About the Non-GMO Project
The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit multi-stakeholder collaboration committed to preserving and building sources of non-GMO products, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices. Find out more at http://www.nongmoproject.org.
Please direct any SPINS press-related inquiries to Jennifer Fuller at 847.908.1224 or jfuller@spins.com.
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