They say healthy things grow naturally. So it’s no stretch to point to the natural and organic products sector as a healthy example of retail growth. According to SPINS, natural and organic industry sales (all categories, all channels) tripled and grew from $97 billion in 2007 to $302 billion at the end of 2023.

In this exclusive podcast, Kristine Carey, executive director at Naturally Colorado, says rising natural and organic sales reflect consumers’ growing demand for better-for-you, healthy products with recognizable ingredients, functional benefits and ethical sourcing (better for planet, better for animals).

Want more proof of a growing market? Naturally Colorado celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and it debuted as Naturally Boulder in 2005. Eventually, its model of a tight-knit entrepreneurial community led to the 2020 launch of The Naturally Network. And in just five years, that umbrella organization has grown to 11 city, state and regional chapters from coast to coast.

She notes that the organization actually started 2024 as Naturally Boulder—but officially changed its name last year to more accurately reflect its broader statewide mission. Last year also saw Naturally Colorado merge with and assimilate Colorado Food Works, a smaller Denver-based group focused on start-ups with less than $1 million in annual sales.

In this podcast, Carey discusses… 

… Naturally Colorado’s Recent Growth: Carey says it was just last year that Naturally Boulder officially changed its name to more accurately reflect its broader statewide mission. It also was in 2024 that Naturally Colorado merged with and incorporated Colorado Food Works, a smaller Denver-based group focused on start-ups with less than $1 million in annual sales.

… Naturally Colorado’s Members: Naturally Colorado serves more than 1,000 companies in the better-for-you natural and organic categories. Nearly half of its members are manufacturer brand owners (including entrepreneurs) and there are 130 related industry service providers.

… Naturally Colorado’s Mission: Carey says Naturally Colorado’s mission and five goals are to (1) cultivate a statewide ecosystem to inspire and support the next generation of natural and organic brands with the economic impact to match; (2) provide enhanced resources and support; (3) provide expanded connection and collaboration opportunities; (4) promote improved diversity and inclusion; and (5) promote “purpose-driven” leadership and conscious business practices.

 … How Naturally Colorado Aids Innovation: Naturally Colorado hosts online platforms and events to help entrepreneurial start-ups and fast-growing companies network with peers, potential suppliers, mentors and customers. It also has a working relationship with Colorado State University’s SPUR Food Innovation Center in Denver. That facility offers a wide range of labs, offices and services for bench-top product design and development. Features include a USDA inspected meat lab, dairy innovation lab, produce food safety and processing lab, and culinary development kitchen. It also offers sensory research spaces and a full sensory tasting center; focus groups; shelf life evaluation; food safety and food composition analysis; and labeling, claims and regulation support.

Looking forward, Carey says Naturally Colorado will direct more efforts to support sustainability—including its members’ interests in upcycled and/or regenerative agriculture sourced ingredients.

… How Naturally Colorado Promotes Innovation: The organization sponsors three key annual events. They include the Naturally Rising Conscious Business Pitch Competition; a new “Fall Fling” exposition event; and the organization’s Annual Awards. The pitch competition is for start-ups with $100,000 to $2 million in annual sales and they vie for a prize package that includes a booth at Newtopia Now, access to mentors and retailers, and a direct path into Naturally Network’s national competition. Interestingly, Naturally Colorado member Ben Bacon, founder of Lentiful, took first place at the Naturally Network National Pitch Slam last August.

The Fall Fling includes a mini expo (25-30 exhibitors) where members can sample product, hold one-on-one meetings and network with potential suppliers and investors. Naturally Colorado’s Annual Awards acknowledge certain members for stand-out growth and achievement. Last year’s winners included the following food and beverage processors: Simply Delicious Inc. (dba Bobo’s Oat Bars) was Brand of the Year. Naturally Colorado also recognized Hooch Booch Founder & CEO Anna Zesbaugh as Emerging Brand of the Year. The company also introduced Corpse Reviver, a line of botanical-based hydration drinks. Mad Agriculture, a regenerative agriculture specialist, earned the “Lance Gentry Innovator of the Year” award.

Natural Appeal

Prepared Foods explores natural and organic product trends with Kristine Carey, executive director at Naturally Colorado, part of The Naturally Network.

Listen to more from The Prepared Foods Podcasts.