USA: Colorado - important player in the organic products market

With more than 200 organic farms in Colorado, and a growing number of businesses dedicated to organic and sustainable products, Colorado is emerging as a center of the organic products industry, according to Best Organics. Sales of organic products by Colorado companies are estimated at more than US$ 2.5 billion, according to trade group Naturally Boulder, representing approximately 10 % of overall US sales of organic products, which was valued by the Organic Trade Association at nearly US$ 25 billion in 2009. Naturally Boulder, established in 2005 by the City of Boulder, is a public-private partnership with a mission to help entrepreneurial natural and organic products companies grow, become profitable, and create jobs through networking, resources, education and business mentoring. The organization, with more than 200 business members, specializes in linking young companies with seasoned organic industry advisors. (Picture: Best Organics products)
 

Colorado also has played a pivotal role in the evolution of natural products retailing, with early pioneers such as Boulder-based chains Alfalfa’s Market and Wild Oats Markets paving the way for modern-day, full-service natural foods stores. Margaret Isely, a health food pioneer, founded Vitamin Cottage in Lakewood, CO, in the 1950s. Now called Natural Grocers, this family-owned chain has more than 30 stores in Colorado, Texas and the Southwest. Sunflower Farmers Markets, established by Wild Oats founder Mike Gilliland and based in Boulder, is emerging as a major Southwestern natural products retail chain. Veteran Boulder-based retailers also founded Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, a unique crossover natural pharmacy concept, with 23 stores in five states. Whole Foods Market’s Rocky Mountain Regional headquarters are also located in Boulder.
 

The state also enjoys favorable organic growing conditions. In 2008, Colorado’s 220 organic farms had farm-gate sales of more than US$ 70 million, according to USDA’s first census of organic production published in February 2010. Farmers markets and community-supported agriculture have seen a dramatic rise. “After California, Colorado has emerged as a leader in organic farming and organic consumer products”, says Seleyn DeYarus, CEO of Best Organics, a Boulder-based company that sells gift box collections filled with leading local, regional and national organic brands. “As a gift business dedicated to organic and eco-friendly products, we serve as ‘brand ambassadors.’” Best Organics also recently entered into a promotional partnership with Bonterra Vineyards, the number one seller of California wines made from organic grapes in the USA. Bonterra offers a full line of premium organic wines. Best Organics gift box collections are sold online at www.bouldersbestorganics.com and www.coloradosbestorganics.com. (Picture: Bonterra proucts)