The FDAImports.com team has wrapped up another intensive exhibiting experience at Natural Products Expo East 2012 – the East Coast’s premier event for organic manufacturers, distributors, buyers and press to connect, network and discuss trends and issues affecting the natural products industry. This year the FDAImports.com team came back to exhibit as the over-the-top fake juice company, Live Forever Juice. With twice the booth space, double the team and hundreds of T-Shirts and handouts, this year’s event was truly an unforgettable experience and the talk of the show. For more on the Live Forever Juice project and how it helps address FDA labeling compliance please visit the website, www.liveforeverjuice.com.
What’s Hot in Organics?
“We spotted many trends right away,” said Benjamin England, Founder and CEO of FDAImports.com. “Everyone is buzzing about GMOs, especially with the upcoming vote on Prop 37 in California. But not everyone is talking about the actual implications of this law- many of which could have unexpected or negative consequences from a small business perspective.” Mr. England also commented on the fact that start-up culture and creative thinking was both highly prized and valued in the organic community. “Many of the award winners at the show were popular not just because of their food or cosmetic product but also because of their unique marketing and design,” said England. With all the excitement about creative packaging and design, however, England hinted that unique packaging and branding was only half of the equation when it came to marketing. “We talked with many companies who had great designs on their packaging but were less than confident about the claims and statements they’d put on their labels. But everyone was open to talking about it. It’s great to be in an environment where labeling, something that’s extremely important to what we do, is important to everyone else as well.”
Can You Really Say That?
An area of constant discussion for the organic and natural products industry revolves around health claims- what can (and can’t) you say on your label? “Organic and all-natural products are in a tough place right now,” said England. “FDA refers to USDA’s NOP for organic regulation itself and the term ‘all-natural’ is sitting in claims limbo right now.” Mr. England stated that claims were one of the most common aspects of FDA regulation talked about at the show- both for companies developing new products and for companies that were already distributing goods in US commerce. “Everyone had questions on some level,” said England. “We were in the right place to talk about labeling compliance – this group gets it.”
Photos from Expo East 2012 • The Live Forever Juice project
