Opinion

Here we bring you the thoughts of the natural and organic products industry’s leading commentators and opinion formers.

Repetition is key

Keep it clear. Keep it transparent. And no, I’m not just referring to your well-cared-for complexion! That’s the mantra this September when the Soil Association embarks on yet another emboldened Organic Beauty Week, focused this year on the theme, Campaign for Clarity.

To create real change in the world sometimes you have to...

Last week four Soil Association trustees resigned from the charity accusing it of lacking conviction on organic. But to create real change you sometimes just have...

These GM protests were 10,000 years in the making

I'm not sure when the phrase 'reconnecting people with their food' was first coined (it began cropping up in the media around the time...

Confessions of an organic vegetarian

Meat Free Monday (and Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday and…) There is nothing more illogical than an organic vegetarian, but that is what...

How influencer marketing can change the face of the industry

Who is the person who has influenced you the most, if you had to answer, hands down, without thinking? No, do not cheat. Answer right now, out loud. 

MI: still a sensitive issue

“Every cosmetics product on the market in Europe is safe to use,” announces the comforting blurb on the website of cosmetics trade organization Cosmetics...

The rise of vegan fashion

In the last few years, innovations in the vegan food and drink industry have made headlines, but veganism is about far more than what we eat.

Festishistic? No, just enjoying food and having fun

You Aren’t What You Eat takes pot shots at fetishistic ‘foodists’ while eulogising genetic engineeringists. Craig Sams can only despair at its author’s warped...

Will Ye No Come Back Again

You have four different types of customer and it is vitally important to understand the differences. In my seminars across the UK and abroad I repeatedly stress this key business principle using an animal analogy. The four types of customer are butterflies, loyal hounds, ‘dumb asses’ and blind bats.

‘We’re coming together stronger’ says NPE

Rosie Greenaway interviews Carol Dunning and Carsten Holm about how the ‘incredibly difficult’ decision came about to move NPE to new dates.

Where clean meets conscious

H&B invites Rosie Greenaway to discover the revamped Birmingham Bullring concept store, an Aladdin’s cave of beauty where clean meets conscious.

Naturalife Bridport celebrates 20 years

Hannah Bourne, assistant manager at Naturalife Bridport, reflects on the store's history as it marks a significant anniversary. 

75 years of The Vegan Society: a snapshot of vegan health...

On 1 November The Vegan Society celebrates World Vegan Day and its 75th anniversary – what a great opportunity to take stock of vegan health and nutrition.

Brexit or remain: what does it mean for the health industry?

Nelsons’ director of regulatory affairs Steve Mann looks at the possible outcomes of the EU Referendum and what they may mean for the health industry.

Plastic packaging: navigating the minefield

If you have set out to create a product that is good for both people and the planet, then the packaging has to reflect this.

Ecovia Intelligence announces 2019 trend predictions

Specialist research company Ecovia Intelligence has released its trend predictions for 2019, stating that the year ahead is expected to be 'an important one for the sustainable food industry'.

Pop up and listen

In my July Beauty Buzz column Organic beauty retailing – the future is multi-channel I wrote about how high street fashion retailer H&M had become the latest store to relaunch its beauty collection, which included a subsidiary-conscious range of Ecocert-approved sustainable products.

We are all affected by the proposal to ban ‘veggie burger’

When the EU was asked to ban labels such as ‘veggie burger’ many people wondered why such a banal issue was being discussed in the midst of Brexit chaos.

Serious about sustainability, having fun along the way

Dr Julia Wright reports from the recent Biofach event on why organic organisations make good partners for those serious about sustainability. As mainstream agriculture in...

Spreading the (chocolate) love

In 2016, inspired by his great-great-great grandfather – the founder of Cadbury chocolate, which was subject to a hostile takeover in 2010 – James Cadbury started the organic chocolate company Love Cocoa. Here, Jane Wolfe talks to him about how the ethical beliefs of his family have influenced his brand