cheaper from China,” Young says. “Also, we stick only to foods that grow in our bio-region—meaning no orange marmalade or papaya butter.” TSP Spices, a company in
MODERN DAY MASALA
Vendors bite into category Many vendors in this category strive to educate retailers about their commitment to organic foods and to an overal l eco-friendly philosophy. Timothy Young, president and chef at wholesaler Food
for Thought, says that the company’s tag line—saving the planet one jar at a time—reinforces its mission. Food For Thought is based in Honor, MI and creates a line of wine and herb preserves, among other organic food items. There are many gift products including blueberry lavender and strawberry basil preserves. Young adds that the company is about more than just
organic food—its philosophy is based on sustainable consumption and living for all. The company makes sure customers are aware of its certified organic status and its “local at any cost purchasing policy.” This policy means Food For Thought will always buy from a local organic farmer first. “How that plays out is I’ll buy a local organic strawberry for $1.75 per pound when I could easily get them for less than $1 per pound from California, or even
What is Organic? Organic products conform to the Organic
Foods Production Act. The principal guidelines for organic production are to use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming system into an ecological whole. Organic farming includes crop rotation to maintain sustainable growth and use of natural fertilizers.
Towson, MD, wholesales organic spices and provides retailers with a copy of their organic certification. The company sells tins of 12-packet spices for a retail price between $9 and $10. Each packet is about a teaspoon in size—the amount typically used when cooking or baking. Sara Engram, co-founder of the
company with Katie Luber, says packaging—both to preserve freshness and emphasize the green nature of the product—was integral to the concept. The designer tin can be reused or recycled. Shaman Chocolates, a Santa Cruz, CA wholesaler of
fair-trade chocolate bars, provides its retailers with rack cards explaining the company’s mission to support the Huichol tribe in central western Mexico.The chocolate is also USDA-certified organic. “Purchases directly support the tribe,” says Marilyn DelDuca, who manages the company’s daily operations. “Our wrappers themselves have pictures of the tribe—it’s not just generic pictures or stock art. These are the actual people we support.” Shaman Chocolates founder Brant Secunda was adopted
by the tribe, served a shaman apprenticeship and later wanted to find a way to help sustain the culture, DelDuca says. The company’s chocolate is a nod to the tribe’s use of chocolate in ceremonies. Flavors include the popular organic milk chocolate with macadamia nuts and more unusual ones like chocolate with Hawaiian pink sea salt.
Customer satisfaction For retailer Vicky Dorvee, who is dedicated to offering gift items free of “anything artificial,” it’s not about carrying multiple lines of a product but rather honing in on a few that truly stand out and speak to her customers. Products that have not been tested on animals, are eco-friendly and have beautiful packaging also are important, says Dorvee, owner of It’s Only Natural Gifts in Niwot, CO. One such product is toffee from
Madison & Marcela, a Murrells Inlet, SC candy company specializing in fine gourmet toffees. Flavors include their
MODERN DAY MASALA 120 Summer 2010 n GREENRetai ler GREENRetai
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