Organic Category Evolves with Diversity, Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation

Fifty-two companies selling almost $3 million worth of organic products are participating in the Organic Trade Association's Diversity and Entrepreneurship Program

Organic Trade Association wins 2023 Power of Associations Silver award for its Diversity and Entrepreneurship Program

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) announced it has received a Power of Associations Silver Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for its successful and impactful Diversity and Entrepreneurship Program.

The OTA Diversity and Entrepreneurship Program is an integral part of the trade association’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Initiative, established in 2021, with the mission to ensure that social inequalities are not unintentionally perpetuated as the association works to expand organic.

“We are incredibly proud of our Diversity and Entrepreneurship Program, and we are honored to receive this recognition from the ASAE,” said Tom Chapman, CEO of the Organic Trade Association. “We have a responsibility to help shape a more inclusive agricultural future for the good of the organic market and our communities, and through the JEDI initiative and the Diversity & Entrepreneurship Program, we are striving to diversify the organic space by providing resources to historically underserved business owners, which will ultimately make organic products more accessible.”

“Congratulations to the Organic Trade Association for exemplifying the impact associations have on the industries and professions they represent, and on society at large,” said ASAE president and CEO Michelle Mason. “It’s always so incredibly satisfying to see associations going above and beyond their everyday mission to change the world. We’re very proud to spotlight this award-winning initiative.”

Recognizing there are many barriers to organic certification that have historically prevented minority-owned businesses from entering the organic industry, OTA’s JEDI Initiative promotes diversity and inclusivity across the supply chain and industry sectors. The Diversity and Entrepreneurship Program helps BIPOC and women-owned businesses overcome the barriers to entering the organic market, and thereby create a thriving and inclusive organic industry.

Fifty-two companies selling almost $3 million worth of organic products are participating in the Diversity and Entrepreneurship Program. The program offers a 2-year membership to OTA, and helps the diverse businesses become certified organic, receive the premium on their product, and be successful in their business. It enables valuable connections to other organic stakeholders and experts and provides access to critical technical and market resources.

Cedar’s Foods Organic Pumpkin Hommus

With a festive blend of organic pumpkin, creamy tahini and spiced cinnamon, the Organic Pumpkin Hommus puts an authentic twist on a classic flavor, made using only the freshest ingredients and is certified vegan, non-GMO and gluten free. The limited edition hommus flavor is for pairing with foods like cinnamon pita chips, in addition to incorporating in sweet and savory recipes such as Roasted Pumpkin Soup, Protein-Packed Pumpkin Waffles and more.

The limited-edition fall-favorite dip rolled out in retailers nationwide, including Whole Foods, Kroger, Shoprite, and Sprouts.

Amy's Organic Multipack Burritos

Amy’s Kitchen launched a new way to enjoy its burritos with the nationwide launch of Multipack Burritos.

The Multipacks will be available in two popular options: the Bean, Rice & Cheese Burrito (made with cheddar cheese) and the Non-Dairy Bean & Rice Burrito. According to the company, the burritos are made with high-quality, organic, and non-GMO ingredients, making them suitable for a snack or light meal.

Amy's Kitchen reports its burritos are prepared using organic pinto beans, organic brown rice, and wheat tortillas, combined with a slow-cooked, mild, Mexican-style sauce. Intended to evoke the essence of a restaurant-style burrito, Amy's Multipack Burritos reportedly offer great taste as well as convenience, requiring only minutes to heat up and virtually no clean-up.

Amy's Multipack Burritos are available starting September at retailers nationwide such as Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and Kroger for MSRP $12.99.

Novo Fogo Brazilian Organic Cocktails

Novo Fogo Cachaça announced reformulating and redesigning its popular line of award-winning Brazilian canned cocktails, offering consumers a fresh way to experience a carbonated twist on Brazil’s national cocktail: the Caipirinha.

These ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails feature USDA certified organic cachaça.

The Brazilian Organic Cocktails highlight three traditional Brazilian flavors — Lime, Passion Fruit and Mango — that complement the base spirit of Novo Fogo Silver Cachaça.

Novo Fogo Brazilian Organic Cocktails feature new recipes that are full-flavored and not too sweet, each at 9% ABV with 150 calories and 12g of carbohydrates a serving.