Europe

Continuing success of international natural cosmetics markets

Europe Germany

Not only in Germany but on the international stage too the trend in the natural and organic cosmetics industry continues to be very positive development. In the leading market in Europe, the German market, demand shows no sign of slowing. According to Naturkosmetik Verlag, about nine million consumers buy natural cosmetics several times a year and their purchasing behaviour caused turnover in the first half of this year to grow by around two percent.  The “Green & Clean” trend is to be seen everywhere in neighbouring countries with robust market development and also internationally. However, manufacturers and the trade are having to confront a number of challenges.

(Photo: Karin Heinze)

Germany: Munich Environmental Institute lodges disciplinary complaint against BfR-President

Europe Germany

As the inconsistencies concerning the evaluation of the pesticide glyphosate are having serious repercussions, the Munich Environmental Institute (MEI) filed a disciplinary complaint against the President of the German Federal Institute for risk assessment (BfR), Prof Dr Dr Andreas Hensel.

Illegal cultivation of GM soya: a threat to Mexican beekeepers

Europe Germany

The illegal cultivation of GM soya beans in Mexico poses a threat to the livelihood of the indigenous Mayan beekeepers on the Yucatan peninsula. Mexican delegation seeks supporters in Germany – visit to Naturland.

Germany: 9.3 million vegetarians and vegans

Europe Germany

On World Vegetarian Day the German the vegetarian association ProVeg (the former Vegetarierbund Deutschland) will provide an overview of current developments in the veggie movement.

 According to a survey 1.3 million people in Germany are vegans. Three years ago the figure was, according to ProVeg, only 900,000.

One World Award: most important 
for the global organic movement

Europe Germany

Nearly 700 guests from all parts of the world came to Rapunzel´s headquarter for the One World Award gala. IFOAM Organics International praises the One World Award as most important award for the global organic movement. 

GfK Germany: specialised trade’s customers

Europe Germany

Over the last ten years, the expenditure on organics as a proportion of total expenditure on food and beverages in Germany has almost  doubled. While average buyers discover organic products in conventional retail markets, specialised trade shops are mostly visited by one group of customers.

10th Natural Cosmetics Conference: Ensuring future success for the industry

Europe Germany

September the 26-27 the Natural & Organic Cosmetics Conference will open its doors in Berlin for the anniversary edition. The Conference will be held for the 10th time and will provide information about current topics of the natural cosmetics industry, presenting and discussing these from a critical point of view.

Rapunzel’s „One World Award“ winners

Europe Germany

On the 9th and 10th of September, Rapunzel’s One World Festival took place in Legau, Germany. As a part of the festival, Rapunzel Naturkost awarded five people with the One World Award (OWA). The prizes were handed over by Dr Gerd Müller, federal development minister, and Joseph Wilhelm, chief executive of Rapunzel.

Germany: organic agriculture gains importance in policy

Europe Germany

Organic agriculture can play an important role in fighting hunger and in the adaptation of agriculture to climate change. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) therefore invests in the strengthening of organic agriculture in Africa.

Germany: vote on meat terminology for veggie products

Europe Germany

Rissoles, bratwurst, cutlets or steak: In Germany, it is still allowed to describe vegan-vegetarian products just like their counterparts of animal origin – but only if the “Guideline on naming vegetarian and vegan food,” as formulated by a committee of experts, is included in the German Food Code (the legal foundation for food legislation in Germany). The guideline has been submitted to the various associations for discussion and a vote is underway.

BioTropic celebrates 20th anniversary

Europe Germany

Apples, mangos, avocados and lemons: sourcing organic fruit from reliable suppliers – that was the idea of the founders of BioTropic- Hubert Bois Naturkost, Naturkost Elkershausen and Terra Naturkost. This year, BioTropic is celebrating its 20^th anniversary.

Germany: organic sales have grown in the first two quarters of 2017

Europe Germany

During the first half of 2017, German households have bought more organic food items again. German customers have spent a total of 7.5 per cent more money on fresh organic groceries. Even the amount of sold products in general has grown by 6.1 per cent.

WALA – building for the future

Europe Germany

A great deal has been packed into WALA's new laboratory building – far more than just the very latest analysis and environmental technology. The organically structured glass building in Bad Boll is sending out a signal. The objective of this manufacturer of medicines and natural cosmetics is to build a bridge to scientific research in order to create a joint approach to solving important medical issues, to research phytoactive agents and to develop new ideas. The company thinks long-term and is investing in the future. Get some impressions from Bad Boll from this video.

BioFach 2018: Next Generation is the main topic

Europe Germany

The international organic sector will meet at BioFach and Vivaness from 14 to 17 February 2018 to discuss ideas about how the “next organic generation” wants to continue developing the concept of organic in production and on the market. Also how the generational transition can be successfully shaped.

Rapunzel „One World Festival“

Europe Germany

The German organic pioneer Rapunzel invites guests on 9 and 10 September to its One World Festival, that is held every two years. The programme of the two-day event encompasses Information, culture, music, organic culinary delights and the presentation of the One World Awards.

Natural & Organic Cosmetics Conference looks at packaging

Europe Germany

How should natural and organic cosmetics be packaged? With a view towards the environment and digitalization, says the Natural & Organic Cosmetics Conference that will be held September 26-27, 2017, at the Hotel Ellington in Berlin.

Germany: organic eggs also contaminated with insecticide

Europe Germany

According to the  Ministry of North Rhine-Westphalia, 2.9 million eggs contaminated with the insecticide Fipronil, including organic eggs, produced on farms in Belgium and Holland arrived in Germany.

Germany: organic land reaches record level

Europe Germany

According to the latest data provided by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, organic farming in Germany experienced above-average growth in 2016.

Germany: BioCompany cooperates with Allyouneedfresh

Europe Germany

The Berlin organic supermarket chain BioCompany has launched its online business. All its roughly 150 own-brand products and BioCompany's trade brands are now available from the online supermarket allyouneedfresh.de.

Natural & Organic Cosmetics Conference: Focusing on Asian cosmetics markets

Europe Germany

Pacific Asia is, after Europe, the second largest market for cosmetics, a market particularly characterized by its dynamics. Beauty brands and products from Asia have become well-known and available beyond their own borders.

Eco monitoring: everything super except superfoods

Europe Germany

For 15 years eco monitoring has been carried out in the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg in addition to the annual farm inspections by the organic control agencies. The programme is unique in Germany and Europe as a whole.

Ritter Sport: "sustainability " more important than organic

Europe Germany

Ritter Sport likes to parade its green image. This German chocolate manufacturer does have an organic line in its product range, but it's not doing so well. Four years ago, Ritter wanted to withdraw from its organic business and convert to “sustainable raw materials”, although it didn't carry through its intention. Now, however, the decision has obviously been made. The company is demanding that 3,500 cocoa farmers in Nicaragua acquire UTZ or Fairtrade certification, which in effect will put an end to organic cropping on these farms.

One World Award: winners selected

Europe Germany

The fifth One World Award (OWA) prizes and the OWA Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented at a festive gala on 8 September 2017 in Legau in southern Germany at the Rapunzel headquarter.

Fair trade cracks billion euro barrier

Europe Germany

The organisation Transfair Germany has reported  a record: for the first time, turnover of fair trade products in Germany exceeded one billion euros. Consumers spent 1.2 billion euros on fairly traded products – a rise of  18 percent.

Takeover of Monsanto forces Bayer to sell assets

Europe Germany

From media reports we learn that, in order to get the green light from the cartel authorities for mega merger by the end of the year, the German corporation Bayer must divest a part of its plant protection business.