are packaged in re-usable organza bags. The company provides fliers to retailers for use in displays. Dorvee of It’s Only Natural Gifts, says that vendors can


FOOD FOR THOUGHT


be encouraged to craft organic products for stores. Dorvee sells Papa Bends Peanut Brittle (made in Boulder, CO)— a product that didn’t start out organic. “We asked them if they could make it organic, so they tweaked it with a couple of ingredients. They just needed to swap out one of the sweeteners, and they made it organic for us,” Dorvee says. She adds that attractive gift packaging is important in this marketing segment—it’s the whole package that cements the deal. By all indications, organic gourmet products are a


TSP SPICES


original Madison Crunch, with pecans, as well as cranberry almond, chocolate and peanut, dark chocolate pecan and coconut macadamia. The toffees are made using organic butter and sugar, and without preservatives or additives, company founder Robert Timofai says. He suggests that retailers offer free samples of product,


particularly when introducing a new brand to customers. “When you’re looking to build recognition in a new area or state or region, the best way to do it is through samples, and we’ll support that,” Timofai says. Swoon Beams, an organic, fair-trade confections


company in Santa Cruz, CA, encourages retailers to personalize their products. Their suggested method: Add a note to the confection gift, such as a pre-made “Happy Mother’s Day” or “I Love You” slip of paper. It could also be something customized either by Swoon Beams or by shoppers in your store. “We can provide blank recycled parchment paper and gold pen as part of the display,” says Anita Pearson, company co-founder with Ilene Morrison. Pearson also believes in the importance of sharing the fair trade story behind Swoon Beams’ chocolates, which


Did You Know? According to the Organic Trade Association, overall sales of organic food items totaled $24.8 billion in 2009. $273 million of that amount sold in specialty stores and boutiques.


GREENRetai lerMag.com


red-hot category. After all, the sales numbers speak for themselves. As Barbara Haumann of the Organic Trade Association says: “Consumers are excited about these kinds of products and see the value in them.”


Heather Johnson Durocher is a northern Michigan-based journalist who writes frequently about business for newspapers and magazines. She has contributed to USA Weekend, Woman’s Day, Parents and American Baby. For more information, visit heatherdurocher.com.


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