The Lost Treasure of the Incas isn’t Gold… it’s Legumes
The Lost Treasure of the Incas isn’t Gold… it’s Legumes
By AWA Nutrition
Ancient Andean people may have revered gold to create glittering temples and adorn their leaders, but when it came to fueling the largest empire ever known to the Americas, legumes were key — specifically Andean Lupine seeds. Also known as chocho, tarwi and pearl lupine where it is native to the Andean Highlands in South America, Andean Lupine seeds pack nutritional power worthy of an Incan warrior with its nutrient-dense 50% protein content.
Archeologists have found evidence of cultivated Andean Lupine seeds dating back 5,000 years. Since colonial times, however, the plant has been devalued as a crop. It was derided as “Indian food,” or “poor man’s food,” and consumption shriveled like a bean pod in the sun. Today, advocates for indigenous culture and food sovereignty are working to revive the ultra-nutritious, super-sustainable crop.
And now, one Ecuadorian company dedicated to healthy lifestyles and plant-based nutrition, AWÁ Nutrition, is using Andean Lupine as a key ingredient in its premium line of plant-based protein smoothie blends to power people with active lifestyles and elite athletes striving for peak performance.
“Foods such as Andean Lupine, which has the highest amount of protein of any legume, and quinoa, which is also native to the Andes region, have long provided highly digestible, plant-based protein sources for people,” says AWÁ Nutrition Founder and CEO Felipe Guevara, whose experience in the food industry includes directing business and brand development for leading companies worldwide.
“Combined with the benefits of antioxidant-rich super fruits grown in Ecuador and the Andes region, our products match ancestral tradition with today’s consumer’s desire for authentic, plant-based nutrition, fitness and a balanced diet.”
A Plant-based Protein Powerhouse
A natural nutrient powerhouse, Andean Lupine makes other beans, like soybeans, pale in comparison. Andean Lupine is:
Protein packed — 50% protein — more than three times the protein of quinoa
Easily digestible — Unlike other legumes, none of the compounds that cause gas and bloating
Zero net carbohydrates — Paleo friendly
Low glycemic — Keto friendly
High fiber — Three times more fiber than oats
Highly satiating — Helps reduce food cravings and maintain a healthy weight
Good source of lysine — This essential amino acid is critical for collagen production and healthy skin and bones
High in antioxidants
High in iron
Fueling Today’s Indigenous Cultures
After researching the properties of Andean Lupine, the Ecuadorian government developed national policies to promote expanding its cultivation as a way to improve the health and nutritional status of marginalized populations. The crop can be cultivated 7,800-11,400 feet above sea-level, which can make it a critical food source in the mountains, where Ecuadorians with the highest levels of nutritional deficiency live.
Ecologically, the Andean Lupine is incredibly efficient — and regenerative. By stabilizing atmospheric nitrogen, it enriches the land, making it more productive and profitable to the farmers who grow it. International agencies such as the Sustainable Development Goals Fund created by the United Nations have invested in promoting Andean Lupine cultivation to nourish the bodies and economies of Ecuadorians living in the mountains. The plant also plays an important role in Andean culture. In addition to food, people use its purple flower to dye alpaca and sheep fiber, helping color the vibrant textiles for which the region is well known.
Fueling Active People
In pre-colonial times, Incan women soaked the seeds of Andean Lupine in rivers for up to eight days to remove the alkaloids — bitterly flavored chemical compounds contained in the seeds. This lengthy preparation process was another reason the beans nearly disappeared from dinner plates. However, recent technological advances in processing led by AWÁ Nutrition have made Andean Lupine more readily available.
To deliver a complete essential amino acid profile in its products, AWÁ Nutrition combines Andean Lupine with quinoa and pea protein in a proprietary blend that provides easy-to-digest, complete protein nutrition. The protein blend is then mixed with concentrates of tropical super fruits including naranjilla, golden berry, wild Andean blueberry, passion fruit, bananas, cacao and coconut to create delicious smoothie mixes and single serving packs high in antioxidants, minerals and essential micro-nutrients.
Ideal for meal replacement, breakfast, snack, post-workout recovery or any time you need an energy boost, AWÁ Nutrition supplements are available in two product lines, High Performance and Lifestyle Active, all with healthy protein, carbs, fats (omega 3, 6 and 9) and antioxidants — and no artificial flavors or ingredients.
Free from gluten, soy, GMO and dairy, all AWÁ Nutrition products are vegan and have no added sugar. Browse products here and experience this Incan nutritional treasure. Andean Lupine is poised to conquer the plant-based food market — and usher in a delicious new era of eating.
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Packing a Plant-based Protein Punch: Walmart.com Is the Latest Major Retailer to Feature AWÁ Nutrition’s Smoothie Mixes Made with Nutrient-dense Superfoods from the Andes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Packing a Plant-based Protein Punch: Walmart.com Is the Latest Major Retailer to Feature AWÁ Nutrition’s Smoothie Mixes Made with Nutrient-dense Superfoods from the Andes
Superfood Nutritional Products Maker AWÁ Nutrition Expands Its Online Retail Presence in the U.S. with Products Now Available on Walmart.com, Amazon.com and the Company’s Own eCommerce Site, AwaNutrition.com
SANTA MONICA, CA (April 4, 2022) — AWÁ Nutrition, maker of plant-based smoothie mixes and nutritional supplements featuring ancestral superfoods sourced from the highlands of the Andes Mountains in South America, is pleased to announce that its products are now available on Walmart.com, the ecommerce website of the world’s largest retailer.
Walmart.com joins the world’s number two retailer, Amazon.com, and the company’s own ecommerce site, AWANutrition.com, in offering AWÁ Nutrition’s unique line of nutrient-dense smoothie blends to health conscious consumers who demand quality, efficacy, and products free of many common food allergens.
Founded by the Walton family in 1962 in Rogers, AR, Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) currently operates more than 10,500 retail stores, including nearly 5,000 locations in the U.S., 600 Sam's Club stores and more than 5,000 international locations. In addition, Walmart operates 364 distribution facilities throughout the world. Walmart.com was established in 2000. In 2005, the company made a major commitment to environmental sustainability, including initiatives in zero waste, renewable energy and “focusing on products that sustain people and the environment.”
Andean Lupine, Quinoa and Pea Provide Complete, Plant-based Protein
AWÁ Nutrition’s soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and non-GMO plant-based smoothie mixes combine ancient wisdom and modern nutrition in uniquely formulated blends – with no added sugar – that meet rising demand for plant-based protein, nutrient-dense superfoods, ancient ingredients and convenient solutions for meals, snacks, post-workout recovery and energy boost in all natural, tasty tropical flavors from Ecuador.
Protein-packed, ancient Andean superfoods including the protein-rich Andean lupine (also known as chocho, tarwi and pearl lupin), quinoa and peas in a proprietary blend provide a complete amino acid profile to AWÁ Nutrition’s smoothie mixes. The superfoods are mixed with concentrates of tropical super fruits including naranjilla, golden berry, Wild Andean blueberry, passion fruit, bananas, cacao and coconut to create delicious products high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and micro-nutrients.
“The ingredients AWÁ Nutrition sources from small-scale producers in the Andes have been powering people for thousands of years,” said AWÁ Nutrition Founder and CEO Felipe Guevara. “Foods such as the Andean Lupine, which has the highest amount of protein of any legume, and quinoa have long provided high quality and highly digestible, plant-based protein sources for people,” he said. “We specially developed our smoothie blends to appeal to and serve the nutritional needs of everyday active lifestyles, as well as those of elite athletes striving for peak performance,” Guevara added.
Lifestyle Active and High Performance Products for All Fitness and Energy Needs
Ideal for meal replacement, breakfast, snack, post-workout recovery or any time consumers need an energy boost, AWÁ Nutrition supplements are available in two lines, all with healthy non-inflammatory and non-allergenic protein, carbs, fats (omega 3, 6 and 9) and antioxidants, and with no artificial flavors or ingredients.
Lifestyle Active Series: For the Everyday, Healthy Lifestyle Consumer
Available in 6 Andean flavor mixes: Naranjilla (citrusy lemon-pineapple flavor), Andean Blackberry, Andean Wild Blueberry, Coconut, Cocoa and Passionfruit; 11g of plant protein from non-inflammatory sources, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants; made with real fruit concentrates
High Performance Series: For More Serious Athletes
Available in 4 Andean flavor mixes: Andean Berries, Tropical Splash, Ancestral Power and Jungle Shake; 21g of plant protein from non-inflammatory sources; 3 billion CFU probiotics; vitamins, minerals, antioxidants; made with real fruit concentrates; KETO friendly
About AWÁ Nutrition
Based in Ecuador and with offices in Santa Monica, CA, the mission of AWÁ Nutrition is to promote an active lifestyle and encourage mindfulness of nutrition through unique and natural Andean plant-based nutritional products. We source from local, small-scale producers and cater to consumers who consciously seek out quality products with greater purpose. A direct percentage of sales of AWÁ Nutrition products go toward supporting social responsibility and nutrition and sports programs for disadvantaged communities in Ecuador.
For more information, visit our home page at www.awanutrition.com, visit AWÁ Nutrition on Walmart.com, or visit the AWÁ Nutrition store on Amazon.com. Also, visit AWÁ Nutrition on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Contact
For retail, wholesale and distribution inquiries:
Felipe Guevara, CEO, AWÁ Nutrition, fguevara@awanutrition.com
For media inquiries:
Evan Tompros, Compass Natural, evan@compassnaturalmarketing.com
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Compass Coffee Talk Episode 23 - The Rodale Family’s Organic Legacy
The Rodale Family’s Organic Legacy
Compass Coffee Talk welcomes Maria Rodale, trailblazing author, publisher, organic lifestyle advocate and former CEO of Rodale Inc., a global health and wellness media company.
Wednesday, April 20, 11:30 am – Noon EDT
Zoom, Admission is Free
Maria Rodale, Organic Advocate and Former Chair and CEO of Rodale Inc
As the third generation of leadership, Maria Rodale imprinted her own legacy on a family of publishing and organic agriculture pioneers who founded the internationally acclaimed Rodale Press, publisher of such renowned titles as Prevention Magazine, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Runner’s World, Organic Gardening and more.
Maria’s grandfather, J.I. Rodale, founder of Rodale Press, was the first to popularize the term “organic” for food grown without the use of toxic, synthetic chemicals; and her father, Robert Rodale, coined the term “regenerative agriculture,” for practices beyond organic that sequester carbon into rebuilding healthy, sustainable soils.
Building on her family’s work, Maria’s career in organic and publishing has expanded awareness of better agricultural, nutrition, wellness and organic lifestyle practices worldwide. Maria is the author of numerous books, including The Organic Manifesto and Scratch, a collection of recipes from her former blog, Maria’s Farm Country Kitchen. Recently retired as Co-chair of the nonprofit Rodale Institute for agriculture research in eastern Pennsylvania, Maria remains an active board member. Located on 300 acres in Kutztown, PA, the Rodale Institute is known worldwide as a leader in organic and regenerative agriculture research.
About Maria Rodale
Maria Rodale is an author and former CEO and Chairman of Rodale Inc, publisher of books such as Al Gore’s Inconvenient Truth, Howard Schultz’s Onward, and classics like The South Beach Diet. She also published the magazines Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Prevention and Organic Gardening,among others. She is the author of Organic Manifesto, How Organic Farming Can Heal Our Planet, Feed the World and Keep Us Safe, and Scratch, Home Cooking for Everyone Made Simple, Fun and Totally Delicious. She has also been involved as a board member and co-chairman of the Rodale Institute, an independent scientific research and education non-profit which studies regenerative organic vs. chemical agriculture. She was Co-Chair from 2007 to 2017 and still sits on the board.
From 2003 to 2011 she was on the board of Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project. From 2014 to 2017 she served on the Pennsylvania Federal Reserve Advisory council. She served on the board of the Lehigh Valley Health Network.
She has received awards for her lifetime of service and activism, including the National Audubon Rachel Carson Award in 2004, United Nations Population Fund’s Award for the Health and Dignity of Woman Everywhere in 2007, and The Auburn University International Quality of Life Award in 2014. And in 2017 she received an honorary Doctorate Degree from Delaware Valley University. In 1985 she graduated from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA with a dual major in Communications and Art.
About Compass Coffee Talk™
Take a 30-minute virtual coffee break with Compass Coffee Talk™. Hosted by natural industry veterans Bill Capsalis and Steve Hoffman, Coffee Talk features lively interactive conversations with industry leaders and experts designed to help guide entrepreneurs and businesses of any size succeed in the market for natural, organic, regenerative, hemp-derived and other eco-friendly products.
Compass Coffee Talk™ is produced by Compass Natural Marketing, a leading PR, branding and business development agency serving the natural and organic products industry. Learn more.
VIEW OUR PAST COMPASS COFFEE TALK EPISODES ON YOUTUBE.
Moving Beyond Plastic: National Co+op Grocers Program at Expo West Explores Packaging Alternatives
This article originally appeared in Presence Marketing’s April 2022 Industry Newsletter
By Steven Hoffman
What are the pain points, and where have manufacturers, distributors and retailers made progress in finding sustainable alternatives to a world awash in non-biodegradable plastic packaging waste? That was the topic of conversation at a recent panel held on March 10, 2022, at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim CA, co-hosted by National Co+op Grocers (NCG) and Presence Marketing.
The natural products channel, like most, has embraced plastic over the years for its obvious benefits: it’s durable, lightweight, versatile, cost effective and helps lengthen shelf life and ensure food safety, among other attributes.
However, much plastic packaging is designed for single use, and as such, according to data collected by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 69% of plastic packaging ends up in landfills or the ocean. The rate of recycling of PET bottles and jars was 29% in 2018. Same for HDPE containers – only 29.3% of these containers were recycled. In the U.S., plastic products generation increased by 4.3 million tons from 2010-2018, due in large part to an increase in plastic packaging production. After food, plastics are the second-most-common type of materials to be sent to a landfill, according to the EPA. The issue is of such concern that National Geographic warned that the amount of plastic trash in our oceans is expected to nearly triple to 29 million metric tons by 2040, unless society takes drastic action.
In striving to take the lead and set a positive example, NCG identified a number of advocacy initiatives for the organization and its members, including promoting waste reduction and alternative packaging at the manufacturer and distributor level. In particular, NCG works with industry partners to research and provide the most environmentally friendly options possible in NCG programs and services, including tangible items such as branded packaging, to help reduce plastic packaging in the waste stream, according to the co-op organization’s website.
In this panel, hosted by Heidi Traore, Supplier Relationship Development Manager for NCG, and Milton Zimmerman, EVP of Presence Marketing, and moderated by Steven Hoffman of brand marketing and PR agency Compass Natural, the following industry leaders offered their insights, and highlights of their responses are below.
Alyssa Harding, Packaging Collaborative Director, One Step Closer, and Senior Consultant, Anthesis Group
Blair Kellison, CEO, Traditional Medicinals
Ricardo Perdigao, CFO/COO, Sambazon
Dave Pirazzini, Director of R&D, REBBL
Q: Where do you believe the pain points are for most brands in terms of their packaging?
- Alyssa Harding: “Companies are successfully reducing the amounts used for their product packaging, but rather than reinvesting the saved money on further R&D, many are keeping the money as profit. It is important for longer term profitability and sustainability to take your saved money and reinvest it back into research to find sustainable packaging solutions.”
- Blair Kellison: Everything in life is possible, and we need to focus our resources on sustainable packaging. However, to the extent that ultimately economics is going to be a factor in driving this movement.”
- Ricardo Perdigao: “Reducing waste and solving the current issues in product packaging cannot be corrected with just one solution, but the combination of many solutions across the supply chain. Changing the established manufacturing system and concept is one of the biggest challenges. As business leaders, you believe in something and you go after it. Our beliefs lead us to sustainable packaging.”
- Dave Pirazzini: “Manufacturing lines are full, so it can be difficult to find manufacturers to take the time and work with you on a perfect sustainable solution. Additionally, companies have confusion on the best materials, what is most recyclable, etc. For example, Tetra packaging is a solution, but only 55% of facilities in the U.S. can recycle it.”
Q: How is your company researching and making packaging materials reductions?
- Alyssa Harding: “There are opportunities to use less materials and remove unnecessary parts of your packaging while still being effective and appealing to consumers.”
- Blair Kellison: “Traditional Medicinals has been working on a sustainable packaging overwrap for the past six years. This is still in progress. Once completed, the company will begin using compostable overwrap.”
- Dave Pirazzini: “Control what you can. REBBL reduced the amount of corrugate in its packaging with no negative effects to its product packaging or presentation.”
- Ricardo Perdigao: “If we can make things from plants, and turn them back into plants, that is a promising solution we are exploring.”
Q: What has been a success in your packaging journey?
- Alyssa Harding: “The opportunity through One Step Closer to offer sustainable packaging expertise and counsel tailored to a number of mission-based natural products companies.”
- Blair Kellison: “Recycling aside, let’s just not produce waste to begin with. Last year in 2021, Traditional Medicinals got zero waste certified.”
- Ricardo Perdigao: “First, set an objective, track progress, and work toward that objective. In its bowl products, Sambazon successfully converted its packaging to paper and plant fiber. The company is ahead of schedule on achieving ‘zero waste’, and 70% of its products are recyclable.”
- Dave Pirazzini: “REBBL changed its practice to shipping flattened empty bottles to our manufacturing plant, therefore reducing having to ship amounts of the larger, empty blown bottles. We started blowing the bottles on our own manufacturing lines; blowing bottles is when the plastic bottle shape is formed to be ready to fill.”
Q: What can retailers do to help?
- Alyssa Harding: “Cut out waste in the deli and bulk section, and reduce/eliminate single-sized plastics available in the store. Run an analysis of your store and locate your largest materials of consumption and begin your project right there. Start with your own footprint, and then move to helping the brands that are carried in your retail store.”
Blair Kellison: “If we have lost the business of our co-ops, we have lost our business model. We must work together to make progress on such a significant issue.” – Blair Kellison
- Ricardo Perdigao: “Consult with your business partners, express your objectives, and work together to succeed with sustainable packaging for your brand.”
- Dave Pirazzini: “If we are all truly mission driven and strive for sustainable packaging to better the industry, we should share our successes and help each other to succeed in this movement.”
Q: Closing comments
- Alyssa Harding: “Your company can be philanthropic, while also being profitable.”
- Blair Kellison: “We don’t just talk the talk; we want to walk the sustainable walk. To be a truly responsible business, we manage and measure our environmental impact and strive to minimize our footprint. The old adage ‘You can’t manage what you don’t measure’ is really true in our experience.”
- Ricardo Perdigao: “The most powerful marketing is your people. Hire a staff with similar values. Have your whole company telling people about the importance of sustainable packaging. Word of mouth is important.
- Dave Pirazzini: “As manufacturers, retailers and industry members, this is an important conversation in which we all must engage. I feel like I got as much out of this panel as the audience. It was great for me to learn about what other companies are doing with their sustainability initiatives.”
Resources: Learn more
One Step Closer to Zero Waste: https://osc2.org/zerowaste/
National Co+op Grocers Advocacy Initiatives: https://www.ncg.coop/advocacy-activities-national-coop-grocers
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Peak Performance: Superfoods from the Andes Mountains Power Everyday Active Lifestyles and Elite Sports Nutrition with Plant-based Protein Supplements, Now Available on Amazon from AWÁ Nutrition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Peak Performance: Superfoods from the Andes Mountains Power Everyday Active Lifestyles and Elite Sports Nutrition with Plant-based Protein Supplements, Now Available on Amazon from AWÁ Nutrition
SANTA MONICA, CA (March 21, 2022) — AWÁ Nutrition plant-based smoothie mixes and nutritional supplements featuring ancestral superfoods sourced from the highlands of the Andes Mountains in South America are now available on Amazon.com. Until now, the sustainably sourced products were only available direct-to-consumer on the company’s website, www.awanutrition.com.
AWÁ Nutrition’s soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and non-GMO plant-based smoothie mixes combine ancient wisdom and modern nutrition in uniquely formulated blends – with no added sugar – that meet rising consumer demand for plant-based protein, nutrient-dense superfoods, ancient ingredients and convenient solutions for meals, snacks, post-workout recovery and energy boost in all natural, tasty tropical flavors from Ecuador.
Protein-packed, ancient Andean superfoods including the protein-rich Andean lupine, quinoa and peas in a proprietary blend provide a complete amino acid profile to AWÁ Nutrition’s smoothie mixes and shot packs. The superfoods are mixed with concentrates of tropical super fruits, like naranjilla, golden berry, Wild Andean blueberry, passion fruit, bananas, cacao and coconut, to create delicious products high in antioxidants, minerals and essential micro-nutrients.
Ancient Wisdom Powers Today’s Superfoods
“Ancient Wisdom” is one of the key macro forces driving 2022 food trends in the U.S., according to New Hope Network’s NEXT Data & Insights. “As consumers retreat from the common food system’s over-processed, less-than-satisfying products, innovators look to Ancient Wisdom for guidance…resurrecting the wisdom of ancient cultures.”
“The superfood ingredients AWÁ Nutrition sources from small-scale producers in the Andes have been powering people for over 5,000 years,” said AWÁ Nutrition Founder and CEO Felipe Guevara. “Foods such as the Andean Lupine (also known as chocho, tarwi and pearl lupin), which has the highest amount of protein of any legume, and quinoa have long provided highly digestible, plant-based protein sources for people. Combined with the benefits of super fruits grown in Ecuador and the Andes region, our products match ancestral tradition with today’s consumer’s desire for authentic, plant-based nutrition, fitness and a balanced diet,” he said.
“Further, we specially developed our smoothie blends to appeal to and serve the nutritional needs of everyday active lifestyles, as well as those of elite athletes striving for peak performance,” Guevara added.
Lifestyle Active and High Performance Products for All Fitness and Energy Needs
Ideal for meal replacement, breakfast, snack, post-workout recovery or any time consumers need an energy boost, AWÁ Nutrition supplements are available in two lines, all with healthy protein, carbs, fats (omega 3, 6 and 9) and antioxidants—and no artificial flavors or ingredients.
Lifestyle Active Series: For the everyday, healthy lifestyle consumer
- Available in 6 Andean flavor mixes: Naranjilla (citrusy lemon-pineapple flavor), Andean Blackberry, Andean Wild Blueberry, Coconut, Cocoa and Passionfruit.
- 11 g of plant protein from non-inflammatory sources
- Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants
- Made with real fruit concentrates
- No added sugars
- Soy, gluten, dairy and GMO freeHigh Performance Series: For more serious athletes
- Available in 4 Andean flavor mixes: Andean Berries, Tropical Splash, Ancestral Power and Jungle Shake
- 21 g of plant protein from non-inflammatory sources
- 3 billion CFU probiotics
- Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants
- Made with real fruit concentrates
- KETO friendly
AWÁ Nutrition smoothie mixes are NSF-GMP ANSI 455-2 Dietary Supplements certified, vegan, dairy free, soy free, gluten free and GMO free. A percentage of sales go directly to nutrition and sports projects that help disadvantaged families in rural Ecuador.
About AWÁ Nutrition
Based in Ecuador and with offices in Santa Monica, CA, the mission of AWÁ Nutrition is to promote an active lifestyle and encourage mindfulness of nutrition through unique and natural Andean plant-based nutritional products. We source from local, small-scale producers and cater to consumers who consciously seek out quality products with greater purpose. A direct percentage of sales of AWÁ Nutrition products go toward supporting social responsibility and nutrition and sports programs for disadvantaged communities in Ecuador.
For more information, visit www.awanutrition.com or visit AWÁ Nutrition’s home page on Amazon.com. Also, visit AWÁ Nutrition on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Contact
For retail, wholesale and distribution inquiries: Felipe Guevara, CEO, AWÁ Nutrition, fguevara@awanutrition.com
For media inquiries: Evan Tompros, Compass Natural, evan@compasnaturalmarketing.com
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CHi Foods, a 2022 NEXTY Award Finalist, Launches the World’s First Certified Organic and Regenerative, Plant-based Pork Products at Natural Products Expo West
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHi Foods, a 2022 NEXTY Award Finalist, Launches the World’s First Certified Organic and Regenerative, Plant-based Pork Products at Natural Products Expo West
Made from nutrient-dense Sacha Inchi nuts, NEXTY judges said it could become the “other, other white meat!” Visit CHi Foods at Natural Products Expo West, Hot Products Hall, Booth #N1643.
SANTA BARBARA, CA (March 3, 2022) — CHi Foods, a new brand of organic plant-based proteins, will debut its products at the upcoming Natural Products Expo West, the world’s leading natural and organic products trade show, held March 8 – 12, 2022 in Anaheim, CA. The brand will launch four SKUs, including Original, Italian Herb, Chirizo and Maple Breakfast.
Launched earlier this year, CHi Foods company founders state their new CHi Organic Plant-Based Ground Pork is the world’s first line of Certified Organic plant-based pork. The company’s product was selected as a finalist for the 2022 Natural Products Expo West NEXTY Award for ‘Best New Product Supporting A Plant-Based Lifestyle’. The NEXTY awards recognize the most progressive, impactful and trustworthy products in the natural products industry.
CHi Foods is backed by an impressive slate of CPG industry veterans including Ahmed Rahim (Numi Tea), David Bronner (Dr. Bronner’s) and David Karr and Don Miguel (Guayaki). The company has additional funding from Conservation International and Amazonia Impact Ventures.
CHi meat is made from highly nutritious sacha inchi nuts, also known as CHi nuts. Grown in the tropics, sacha inchi nuts contain eight times the omega-3 content as salmon, and four times as much protein as macadamia nuts and zero net carbohydrates. The product, which tastes delicious and has the look, taste and texture of pork, took nearly a decade of research and development to create, say its founders.
Product Attributes:
USDA Certified Organic
Soy & Gluten Free
Top 9 Allergen Free
Keto & Paleo
Powered by regenerative proteins - CHi Nuts & Protein
Ethically Sourced, Certified Organic and Committed to Regenerative Agriculture
CHi Foods offers a line of plant-based meat products made from ethically sourced organic and regenerative ingredients from BIPOC farmers around the world. Co-founders Philip Matthew and Tucker Garrison created the company to bring integrity to plant-based meat and restore trust with consumers in the category. CHi Foods is an LGBTQ Certified diverse owned business.
Garrison, CHi Foods’ CEO/CFO, is an avid regenerative agriculture practitioner (and surfer), who has managed a 40-acre organic avocado ranch and has lived among indigenous communities in Bali, Guatemala and Peru. Philip Matthew, the brand’s CMO, is a technology integrations and marketing design expert, as well as a devoted cyclist.
A decade ago, the pair launched Imlak’esh Organics, a company and national brand that curates plant-based, keto, paleo and immunity-boosting functional snacks through ethical supply chains that benefit diverse small farmers around the world. Leading natural products distributor KeHE Foods recently selected Imlak’esh Organics to participate in the KeHE CAREtrade Program that recognizes and promotes mission-based brands that “advance a higher purpose, giving back to communities worldwide and working to truly make the world a better place.”
Like Imlak’esh products, CHi Foods products are USDA Certified Organic and made with ingredients grown with regenerative agriculture practices. All CHi Foods products are soy and gluten free, free of the top nine allergens, non-GMO, and keto and paleo. The company supports indigenous communities and working with a diverse supply chain, including BIPOC farmers in Thailand, Ecuador and Peru.
Lauded as the “Other, Other White Meat”
CHi Foods is debuting Four SKUS at Natural Products Expo West 2022, including:
Original - Lightly Seasoned
Chirizo
Italian Herb
Maple Breakfast
“Finally, a product that makes us want to see how the sausage is made,” wrote the NEXTY judges. “This food disruptor proves that technology can work in tandem with organic, regenerative supply chains… We see real potential for this product to become the other, other white meat,” they said in recognizing the most progressive, impactful and trustworthy products in the natural products industry.
Natural products industry experts highlighted CHimeat Organic Plant-Based Ground Pork as a hot product to watch during a recent webinar “Navigating Expo: The Hottest Trends and Products.” Plant-based foods, organic, diverse-owned companies and climate-friendly are among the trends SPINS and New Hope Network identified as driving growth in the natural products industry. CHi Foods products check all of these boxes.
Visit CHi Foods at Natural Products Expo West, Hot Products Hall, Booth #N1643.
For wholesale inquiries and to schedule a meeting at Natural Products Expo West, contact Tucker Garrison, CEO and Co-founder, CHi Foods, tucker@chifoods.us, 805.244.1750
About CHi Foods
We are CHi Foods, a revolutionary crew on a journey to transform plant-based meat from soil to shelf. As modern-day “Plant Hunters,” we journey to the rainforest to bring you nutritious, ethically sourced, whole food ingredients. We craft delicious, Certified Organic plant-based meats with bold heritage flavors to delight you and your community! Learn more at www.chifoods.us/
Media Contact
Evan Tompros, Compass Natural, evan@compasnaturalmarketing.com
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Natural Retailers Share Strategies for Today’s Economic Headwinds
Photo: Pexels
This article originally appeared in Presence Marketing’s March 2022 Industry Newsletter
By Steven Hoffman
As the country and world emerge from the global COVID-19 pandemic, in 2022, the economy is now facing a new set of challenges, including food inflation, supply chain woes and rising energy and transportation prices costs. We asked a few retailers and others in the natural products channel to share some thoughts on how they are dealing with today’s business headwinds, and we are pleased to share their responses, below.
Ben Nauman, Senior Director of Purchasing, National Co+op Grocers (NCG)
National Co+op Grocers (NCG), based in Minneapolis, MN, is a business services cooperative for retail food co-ops located throughout the U.S. The organization represents 149 food co-ops operating over 200 stores in 38 states with combined annual sales of $2.4 billion and serving over 1.3 million consumer-owners.
- How are you retaining and recruiting talent and ensuring shifts are covered in a period where labor has been challenged?
Over the last few years we’ve greatly expanded our efforts to seek out diverse candidates for roles at NCG in alignment with our broader DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives. This has caused us to rethink many of our hiring practices and processes and these efforts are paying off. We’re increasingly sought out, we’re reaching new talent pools that we weren’t tapping into previously, and the mix of experience and skills we’re bringing into the company are both broader and deeper than what we’d seen previously. I’m amazed by the talent that we’ve seen join our team over the last couple of years!
At retail the “operative” has been flexibility. Our co-ops have been called on to be adaptive in the last twenty-four months like never before. They’ve had to shut down entire areas of the store, reconfigure them, introduce new programs, safety protocols, etc. Though it’s absolutely exhausting for our retailers, I’m continually impressed with how the leaders in these independent community-owned businesses have not only taken so much in stride, but also been leaders in keeping their staff and shoppers safe while keeping their community well-nourished. In some instances flexibility has meant reducing operating hours; in others it’s meant more flexibility in scheduling or the number of hours the team members work as they navigate child care, schooling, etc. As is the case across the retail landscape, some co-ops have had to make adjustments to their compensation and benefits packages in order to recruit and retain and job fairs and off-site recruiting events have become more frequent. Because so many co-ops pay a “livable wage” my suspicion is that some of the market forces at play haven’t negatively impacted our co-ops quite as much.
- How are you working with partners to relieve supply chain, transport and distribution issues and ensure the products your customers want are on the shelf?
As with the labor challenges, flexibility has been key and for this challenge I would add “communication.” Our Category Managers are in regular contact with brands about the challenges they are experiencing and our friends at top notch brokerages like Presence/Dynamic Presence are of great help. Our Supplier Programs Managers are meeting a few times each week with our distributors on their challenges, and our retailers are being transparent with their customers about the challenges. When we’re at our best, our retailers are solutions-oriented and reallocating shelf space, identifying new sources, and offering up alternatives to popular products that are out-of-stock. The biggest challenge has been in distribution, where we saw greatly diminished capacity in the fall of 2021 and this is especially tough because it hits so many product segments all at once. It has helped us immensely over the last year to have established a relationship with KeHE as a secondary supplier and our purchases from them have grown a few hundred percent in under a year.
- Are you noticing that severe weather and/or climate change is affecting your business in any way?
Aside from pricing volatility, especially in fresh Produce, we’ve seen mostly short-term impacts so far. We’ve seen severe weather (not sure that we can directly correlate climate change to these instances yet) knock out a supply chain or set back a manufacturer for periods of weeks to months, and also negatively impact the logistics network of the distributors we rely on.
- How do you see things improving on the horizon? How can the industry be proactive in the future?
Very slowly! I think we’re going to see elevated rates of out-of-stocks and a greater degree of volatility in the availability of resources, be they raw materials, packaging, transportation, etc. for quite a while. Though we saw some recovery in the late spring/early 2021, to even think of it as recovery was only relative to what we’d experienced over the course of the prior twelve months. And service levels were already a challenge for our industry before the start of the pandemic. What I think we can say with confidence after what we’ve seen over the last two years is that consumer interest in natural, organic, and “better for you” products is only going to continue growing. We saw a lot of conventional/mass market retailers jump off the bus in 2008 with the downturn in the economy, which was good for our business. Nearly two years in now demand remains at sustained elevated levels and the industry can’t keep up.
Fairly early in the pandemic, when it seemed obvious that available historical data was of limited utility, I saw a lot of organizations try to leverage available “intelligence” from field experts on what they were seeing. This seemed to be a real positive and I think was critical to helping many in our industry adapt to the shifts in demand and consumer behavior we were seeing. Where I think we’ve stumbled is to create any sort of enduring roundtable or dialogue among industry leaders about how we can address some of the more intractable or systemic issues we’ve seen as it seems like we’ve largely shifted our focus back to what we needed to do to ride out this storm in our own businesses. It’s also surprising to me that we’ve not been quick to adopt more technology given all the uncertainty. How is it possible that I can order a pair of swim-trunks and know where that shipment is at nearly every stop en route to me, but when it comes to a $20K multi-pallet order from the largest food distributors in the country I’m in the dark until it hits my dock?! This has to change.
- Are you there any other comments, observations or thoughts you would like to share?
The one thing that you didn’t ask about but might have, considering what is occupying the focus and attention of so many in our industry right now, is food inflation. Though inflation made headlines for nearly 2/3 of the year last year without really hitting supplier’s invoices (outside of animal proteins), over the last few months we’re seeing price increases like nothing we’ve seen in my time in the industry. This has meant that not only do merchants need to adapt to ever-changing public health guidelines, supply conditions, and a challenging market for talent, but they’ve also got to be on top of their pricing game like never before. We understand entirely the need for many manufacturers to increase their prices to us given the increased costs many have seen, but what has really impressed me over the last few months is the number of manufacturers who have not just increased their prices, but who are also working with us to mitigate some of the cost increases through strategic pricing investments tied to improved distribution of their products. I think the brands that are not just thinking “cost recovery” but are playing the long game in partnership with retailers will prove themselves to be the winners.
Alan Lewis, Director of Government & Industry Affairs, Natural Grocers
Founded in 1955 as a door-to-door sales operation by Margaret and Philip Isely, Natural Grocers, based in Lakewood, CO, today a publicly traded company with 162 stores in 20 states.
- How are you retaining and recruiting talent and ensuring shifts are covered in a period where labor has been challenged?
Even though we operate on slim retail margins, we keep our wages and benefits competitive. We also want full time employees with health insurance and other benefits. In the midst of the fragile gig economy, having a real job with a supportive employer is very appealing.
- How are you working with partners to relieve supply chain, transport and distribution issues and ensure the products your customers want are on the shelf?
We are in constant communication with vendors and distributors to balance incoming deliveries to keep shelves filled. If a store is demanding one exact SKU and only that SKU, they may end up with empty shelf slots for extended periods. Being flexible with short term substitutes keeps customers content, and we can use it to test new products or versions until regular deliveries resume.
- Are you noticing that severe weather and/or climate change is affecting your business in any way?
Weather has always been a challenge in global logistics, and the industry continues to adapt to increasingly severe events. For growers, we hear that unexpected crop failures due to wind, fire, flood hail and drought are happening more often than in the past. Many times, organic farms fair better during these events than conventional industrial monoculture. That's reassuring. It has seemed to get harder to source substitute ingredients to cover random shortages. However, everyone is wide awake to climate change mitigation at this point.
- How do you see things improving on the horizon? How can the industry be proactive in the future?
We know farmers who manage ten thousand acres, but those acres are never contiguous or planted with the same crop. To hedge against climate and the market, they are all about diversifying on all levels to lower their overall risk. In the same way, natural products retailers need to become agile: know what alternatives are available and nurture relationships with multiple sources. Emphasize products that are less likely to be harmed by logistical, political, weather, and disaster events. Begin educating customers that some once-reliable offerings may become available only occasionally.
- Are you there any other comments, observations or thoughts you would like to share?
Our customers are well aware of all the challenges we face. The more we communicate transparently with them, the greater understanding and patience people have. It also motivates them to change their purchase choices to support resilience and food security. It's not someone else's problem any more -- it's all of ours.
Justin Jackson, COO, Jimbo’s Natural Foods Grocer
With four stores and strong ties with local organic farmers and natural food vendors, Jimbo’s is the leading independent natural foods retailer in San Diego County, CA.
- How are you retaining and recruiting talent and ensuring shifts are covered in a period where labor has been challenged?
In all honesty, it hasn’t been possible to fully address some of the staffing needs. It has gradually improved over time as more and more people appear to have decided to rejoin the workforce. With that said, we have taken steps to show our staff how much we value them by increasing their wages, continually showing our appreciation for the work they do, increasing their bonus potential, having food truck lunches at least once a quarter and thanking them every day for all that they do and have done each day to make Jimbo’s a place where our community wants to come and spend their time.
- How are you working with partners to relieve supply chain, transport and distribution issues and ensure the products your customers want are on the shelf?
Biggest thing here is communication and a continuing commitment to our producer and vendor partners. Our Merchant Team spends a great deal of time trying to get ahead of issues so that we can mitigate problems as much as possible when they arise. We have also fully encouraged our folks to get products from whomever we can if our primary is out of stock. If it isn’t on the shelf we can’t sell it. The best plan is to have a plan B!
- Are you noticing that severe weather and/or climate change is affecting your business in any way?
What severe weather—we are in Southern California---it is about 75 degrees today 😊. This has not been a significant issue as of yet. There have been some shorts here or there and seasonality has moved in a few cases. But where this ends up will likely come into a much clearer focus in the years ahead. We recognize that this is a critical national issue.
- How do you see things improving on the horizon? How can the industry be proactive in the future?
We believe very much in what we do and remain committed to continuing to drive a conversation on how what we do impacts the environment around us. When I say the environment, that truly means the ecological environment.
- Are you there any other comments, observations or thoughts you would like to share?
We remain committed to Natural and Organic and we are now putting an emphasis on Regenerative Organic: taking our commitment to sustainability a step further! Our ask would be for the industry to continue to move in the same vein.
Gabe Nabors, CEO, Mustard Seed Market
Founded in 1981 by Philip and Margaret Nabors, Mustard Seed Market is the largest locally owned natural products retailer in Ohio. With the company since 2001, Gabe Nabors serves as CEO for the family-owned business.
- How are you retaining and recruiting talent and ensuring shifts are covered in a period where labor has been challenged?
You have to start with the basics: treat people well and be competitive on pay rates. After that it’s all about building a team environment. Cross train, update your team on sales but especially when they are doing well. It’s about creating a positive environment when we all know we are down people. We buy random lunches for all staff at our stores on big sales days or after holidays, for example.
- How are you working with partners to relieve supply chain, transport and distribution issues and ensure the products your customers want are on the shelf?
You have to be diligent on checking multiple suppliers and eat margin sometimes and order from the higher cost distributor or make the tough call to replace the item with another one that is in stock. The worst thing you can do is leave a tag up and it’s continuously empty.
- Are you noticing that severe weather and/or climate change is affecting your business in any way?
Yes, the key is to order extra heavy on key items before the storm hits.
- How do you see things improving on the horizon? How can the industry be proactive in the future?
I expect things to get better with supply chain but our cost increases are skyrocketing and that’s my biggest concern. I am personally getting more involved on the buying side with my team which is an area I typically had little involvement in.
- Are you there any other comments, observations or thoughts you would like to share?
Stay positive and remember, as a leader you are always on stage. Instill positivity and be solution oriented with your team.
Debra Short, Executive Director, SENPA, and Mari Geier, Co-owner, Nuts and Berries Healthy Market (SENPA Member)
SENPA, the Natural Industry Alliance, is a non-profit organization based in New Port Richey, FL, with a focus on strengthening the success of independent natural retailers and aligned manufacturers, and a leading voice, supporter and advocate for the natural-products industry. With two stores, Nuts and Berries Healthy Market has served the Atlanta, GA, area since 1980.
“We shared your questions with our retail board and they were in agreement that it is a challenging environment in the independent natural products retail store these days. For the most part, our retail membership is experiencing staffing issues across the board. The baby boomers of our industry are finding an extended work schedule at their stores, and with companies embracing the opportunity to visit stores once again, to continue product education there is still a gap to recruit and educate any new staff member. We see a strong need for our membership to network with their peers, and based on recent surveys, our retail membership is asking for more business seminars and tools to help with the trying times. The SENPA Business Summit at SOHO Expo and SOHO Healthfest focus on addressing those needs with our retailers.”
- How are you retaining and recruiting talent and ensuring shifts are covered in a period where labor has been challenged?
This is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? First, we pay a livable wage. We are a small enough business to understand how increase one employees base pay by $2-4 per hour would impact our bottom line and so we strategically raised prices on a few of our highest moving items by $0.50 to $1.00 to fund the increase. Then we treat our employees well. That seems like common sense, but we don’t look at our employees as assets, but rather like family. So, when they need help with something in their life, we use any and all resources we have to help them. From helping them get new tires on their car to supporting them when they are sick. And beyond this, we are always hiring because as good as we are, the younger generation is always looking for their next job.
- How are you working with partners to relieve supply chain, transport and distribution issues and ensure the products your customers want are on the shelf?
We start by stocking manufacturers that support independent stores. That helps us to develop relationships with the people running those companies. Those open lines of communication are key during these ever-changing times. We also make sure to keep several companies for each of the top movers so that if one company runs out of stock, we have a backup. Also, we sell a lot of local products (over 1000 between over 100 vendors). This allows us to circumvent many of the supply chain issues.
- Are you noticing that severe weather and/or climate change is affecting your business in any way?
We are in the Southeast, so not as much as some other parts of the country. But when there are delays due to weather in the northeast, that often impacts shipping times, and our products are delayed. We have overcome this by knowing where our vendors are located and paying attention to what’s happening in their neck of the woods. If there is a big storm in the pacific northwest, then we stock up for 3 weeks instead of 1 week worth of inventory.
- How do you see things improving on the horizon? How can the industry be proactive in the future?
I think the silver lining of these supply chain issues are the improved relationships we have developed with our key suppliers. Things will improve, but that may take a while. Many of our vendors have developed streamlined ways to communicate products as they come back in stock, so our buyers know to order. But most importantly, manufacturers need to remember that it is the independent retailers that often drive trends and supporting independents by giving them equal access to product and sometimes priority over big box stores will keep the roots of the natural products industry fueled.
- Are you there any other comments, observations or thoughts you would like to share?
As independent retailers, we have to support the suppliers that have been there for us through the past several years. Those that made getting us product their priority. Many have not and we can reward those that did support us with our loyalty.
Jan Chernus, SVP of Sales, Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods
Employee-owned Bob’s Red Mill, based in Milwaukie, OR, is a leading provider of natural and organic cereals, grains, baking mixes and related products. The company was founded in 1978 by Bob and Charlee Moore.
- How are you retaining and recruiting talent and ensuring shifts are covered in a period where labor has been challenged?
We work hard to attract and maintain great employees. Not only do we offer very generous compensation and benefits, but we also operate as an ESOP – Employee Stock Ownership Plan. That allows all eligible employees to have additional retirement benefits above their 401k plan. We promote recognition for great work, a greener work environment, a cause that matters – the manufacture and sale of healthy, natural foods, healthy lifestyles and lifelong friendships.
- How are you working with partners to relieve supply chain, transport and distribution issues and ensure the products your customers want are on the shelf?
Constant communication with suppliers and customers is important to keep the business moving forward during challenging times.
- Are you noticing that severe weather and/or climate change is affecting your business in any way?
Yes, many commodities have been impacted by drought, especially oats. Last year’s oat crop came in much lower than expected.
Compass Coffee Talk Episode 22 - The Future of Hemp
The Future of Hemp
Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg, Hemp Activist and Educator Saba Tesfay, and NoCo Hemp Expo Producer Morris Beegle Discuss the Future of Hemp.
Wednesday, March 16, 11:30 am – Noon EST
Zoom, Admission is Free
(L) Kate Greenberg, (C) Saba Tesfay, (R) Morris Beegle
Compass Coffee Talk and influential panel guests will discuss the opportunities and challenges generated by the resurgence of industrial hemp – sharing insight and innovation on March 16, 2022, ahead of Denver’s 8th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo.
"As we approach the 8th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo in Denver, I can’t be more delighted to hear the ‘big picture’ on the hemp resurgence from this panel of industry experts,” said Steven Hoffman, Managing Director of Compass Natural and co-host of Compass Coffee Talk. “Hemp is an amazing new-but-ancient resource that can generate a sustainable revolution in green products, superfoods and regenerative agriculture. Hemp holds the answer to so many contemporary problems, including our overreliance on petrochemicals,” he added.
About Kate Greenberg
Kate Greenberg has served as Colorado’s Commissioner of Agriculture since 2018. Prior to her appointment, Greenberg was the Western Program Director for National Young Farmers Coalition, where she established and grew the organization’s presence and membership across the West. Greenberg has farmed on operations across the West, managed Western policy field programs through Whitman College, and worked in natural resource education and restoration from eastern Washington to Mexico’s Colorado River Delta. She was involved in the development of the Colorado Water Plan and Colorado River Basin water policy and is a graduate of Water Education Colorado’s Water Leaders flagship course. While she currently spends much of her time traveling the state, Durango, Colorado is home.
About Morris Beegle
Morris Beegle is Co-founder and President of the We Are For Better Alternatives (WAFBA) family of brands. Spanning education, advocacy and entertainment, Beegle engages audiences around the world through podcasts, virtual conferences and webinars, digital and print media, radio, and live events. He is an entrepreneur, business leader, and respected industry thought leader. Under the WAFBA umbrella, Beegle produces hemp-centric events including the NoCo Hemp Expo, the Southern Hemp Expo, and the Winter Hemp Summit. He also publishes the LetsTalkHemp.com media platform. WAFBA has a products division which includes Silver Mountain Hemp Guitars, maker of hand-crafted hemp guitars, cabinets and components; Tree Free Hemp Paper and Printing; and One Planet Hemp, an online merchandise store including apparel, posters and accessories.
About Saba Tesfay
Saba Tesfay is an emerging player within the hemp building sector connecting experts and citing trends. With a focus on environmental sustainability and social welfare, Saba shares our vision to fundamentally shift the attitudes and relationship towards the hemp plant to address the many issues society faces today. Saba’s direct experience and knowledge in the US and Africa evolved around applying practical solutions regarding natural resource management and education through outreach and television production. With a focus on new and emerging hemp technologies for regenerative systems, Saba served as Vice President of the US Hemp Building Association to encourage the advancement of their mission.
About Compass Coffee Talk™
Take a 30-minute virtual coffee break with Compass Coffee Talk™. Hosted by natural industry veterans Bill Capsalis and Steve Hoffman, Coffee Talk features lively interactive conversations with industry leaders and experts designed to help guide entrepreneurs and businesses of any size succeed in the market for natural, organic, regenerative, hemp-derived and other eco-friendly products.
Compass Coffee Talk™ is produced by Compass Natural Marketing, a leading PR, branding and business development agency serving the natural and organic products industry. Learn more.
View our past Compass Coffee Talk Episodes on YouTube.
Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree Introduces Hemp Advancement Act of 2022 to “Unburden the Hemp Industry”
This article originally appeared on LetsTalkHemp.com
By Steven Hoffman
U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) on February 8 introduced the Hemp Advancement Act of 2022 to improve the 2018 Farm Bill’s hemp provisions and provide greater clarity and flexibility to hemp growers and processors. While hemp production was federally legalized by the 2018 Farm Bill, red tape and regulatory uncertainty has hindered industry growth, the Congresswoman said in a statement.
“The 2018 Farm Bill laid a legal pathway for hemp production but created overly complicated regulations and hardship for farmers and small businesses in the process. I am introducing the Hemp Advancement Act of 2022 to eliminate unworkable testing requirements, set reasonable THC thresholds for producers and processors while protecting consumers, and end the discriminatory policy that bans people with drug convictions from growing legal hemp,” said Rep. Pingree.
“My bill takes a commonsense, straightforward approach to correct these unintended implementation problems and works to make the hemp industry more profitable and more equitable. My bill also provides a clear path forward for this industry and will support a thriving hemp economy,” she added.
Congresswoman Pingree released a short YouTube video clip about the Hemp Advancement Act here.
According to Rep. Pingree’s office, the Hemp Advancement Act of 2022 would:
Raise the allowable THC threshold for hemp and in-process hemp extract to make the rules more workable for growers and processors while ensuring that final hemp products sold to consumers aren’t intoxicating
Remove the requirement that hemp testing occur in DEA-registered laboratories, which is a particular challenge in Maine where there currently aren’t any of these facilities
End the 10-year ban on people with drug-related felony convictions receiving a hemp license, which disproportionately excludes communities of color from participating in this emerging market
“We are deeply grateful to Congresswoman Chellie Pingree for her strong leadership in spearheading this legislation on behalf of hemp growers, processors, and consumers nationwide. The U.S. Hemp Roundtable is proud to have led a broad-based industry effort to propose the policies that underlie this legislation and to have worked closely with Rep. Pingree’s excellent staff throughout the drafting process to ensure our concerns were taken into consideration. Rep. Pingree’s vision and tenacity will make a significant and meaningful difference for our emerging industry,” U.S. Hemp Roundtable said in a statement.
According to Rep. Pingree’s office, the Congresswoman has long supported the nation’s hemp farmers and hemp-derived CBD businesses, which have been at the mercy of unclear federal regulations. In February 2021, Rep. Pingree joined 18 members of Congress in reintroducing the bipartisan Hemp and Hemp-Derived CBD Consumer Protection and Market Stabilization Act, legislation to provide a regulatory pathway for the legal sale of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD), as dietary supplements.
In September 2019, Rep. Pingree led a bipartisan effort urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish a regulatory pathway for food products containing hemp-derived CBD. She also voted to pass the MORE Act in December 2020, which would decriminalize marijuana and remove federal obstacles for Maine’s burgeoning legal marijuana industry.
The Hemp Advancement Act of 2022 is supported by the American Herbal Products Association, Americans for Safe Access, Association of Western Hemp Professionals, Friends of Hemp, Hemp Alliance of Tennessee, Hemp Industries Association, iHemp Michigan, Realm of Caring Foundation, Inc., U.S. Hemp Authority, U.S. Hemp Building Association, U.S. Hemp Roundtable, Veterinary Cannabis Society, Virginia Hemp Coalition and the Wisconsin Hemp Alliance.
Hemp Industry Shifts from CBD to Food and Fiber, According to New Report
Photo: Pexels
This article originally appeared in Presence Marketing’s February 2022 Industry Newsletter
By Steve Hoffman
Look for the industrial hemp market to continue to grow in 2022, in spite of a few handicaps caused by continued regulatory uncertainty from the FDA and supply chain bottlenecks, according to the new Hemp Industry 2022 Opportunities Report published by Let’s Talk Hemp Media. The executive-level report provides an overview of the trends and potential strategies ahead in the growing industrial hemp sector, after hemp has been legalized in more than 65 countries this year.
Two things holding the hemp industry back in the U.S. are supply-chain bottlenecks and regulatory uncertainty, said report contributor Beau Whitney of Portland, OR-based Whitney Economics. “Once the market begins to mature, the future looks bright for the hemp industry,” Whitney noted.
The pandemic and a glut in biomass supply saw farmers turn away from hemp last year. Licensed acreage in 2021 dropped by 55% year-over-year to levels seen before the 2018 Farm Bill, according to the report. CBD market prices fell below production costs, due to a glut of product, as well.
However, a “bright spot was the supply and demand for fibers and grain,” the report said. Expect a “pivot” in the hemp industry as more farmers see the potential (albeit less profitable) of hemp fibers and grains, which are predicted to exceed acreage planted for CBD by 2024-25, Whitney projected.
Regulatory uncertainty in the U.S. has hampered the cannabinoid hemp industry because the FDA to date has refused to approve CBD as an ingredient for food and beverage or dietary supplements. However, CBD remains popular with consumers, and recently passed legislation in California sets health guidelines for hemp-derived CBD in food, beverages and cosmetics. That could be the green light for large multinational food companies waiting for FDA approval to add CBD to consumer products, experts believe.
In addition, hemp seed is viewed today as a superfood containing complete protein and omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. Hemp protein is poised to become a staple ingredient in new plant-protein foods and is expected to grow to $109 billion by 2050, the report predicts.
The Hemp Industry 2022 Opportunities Report is available at LetsTalkHemp.com. The report is published by the producer of the 8th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo, the hemp industry’s most comprehensive trade show and conference, scheduled for March 23-25, 2022, in Denver, CO.