EHL Ingredients Reports Organic Growth Ahead of Organic September

26 Aug 2013 --- With Organic September approaching, EHL Ingredients, a leading importer, blender and packer of food ingredients from around the world, has reported a surge in sales of its organic ingredients for the second year running.

Last year, EHL reported a sharp increase in sales of organic products for the first time since 2007, with this trend continuing into 2013.

EHL stocks around 200 organic ingredients, with a range that includes spices and seasonings, beans, lentils and peas, herbs, nuts and dried fruits, seeds and flakes grains andrice, oils, vinegars, salts, sugars and syrups, as well as other ingredientssuch as flour, honey and fruit concentrates.
 
The most significant increase can be seen in the sale of organic herbs and spices, such as turmeric, coriander and cinnamon powders experiencing growth, and the sale of dehydrated vegetables such as organic onion powder and kibbled onions – all of which have experienced an increase of between 5% and 10%.
 
Given the growing demand for such products, EHL predicts that sales across its range of organic ingredients will rise by 10% over the course of the next year. 
 
Market research has shown that the organic market is strengthening with organic sales in the restaurant and catering sector rising by 1.6% in 2012 , thanks to an increase in schools, nurseries and universities offering organic foods with the Soil Association’s Food for Life Catering Mark.
 
Over 140 million Catering Mark-accredited meals were served last year, a 40% increase on 2011, with 20% of England’s schools now involved in the scheme.
 
Figures released also show that in February 2013, total supermarket organic sales increased to their highest level in nine months, with an 8.4% increase between January and February, as more consumers sought out organic products as a guarantee of integrity following the horsemeat scandal.
 
Tasneem Backhouse, sales director at EHL Ingredients, says: “Organic ingredients continue to be a key area of growth for us, with sales increasing year-on-year. For the second year running, we have seen a notable increase in the sales of our organic products following a dip in sales as a result of the recession, with herbs and spices doing particularly well.
 
“This is not just great news for us, but offers a really positive outlook for the organic food market as a whole. During the past 18 years, we have endeavored to expand upon our range in line with the demands of our clients in the food manufacturingsector, and we have noticed that food manufacturers are increasingly offering organic alternatives which sit alongside their conventional products.
 
“With Organic September boosting awareness of the benefits and availability of these products, and with the Soil Association predicting opportunities for growth in the coming year, we look forward to strengthening our position in this burgeoning marketplace.”
 
In order to ensure that all organic ingredients are 100% organic, EHL Ingredients carries out a rigorous auditing process for all of its suppliers. Additionally, at its headquarters in Stockport, Cheshire, it follows strict hygiene procedures to ensure that there is no cross-contamination, and providing the very best inquality for its customers. 
 
EHL Ingredients has been sourcing the finest natural and organic ingredients from around the world for over 18 years in order to produce quality blends for the food manufacturing industry. The company has also achieved a grade a certification in its BRC accreditation following a rigorous audit process.  Customers can rest assured that EHL Ingredients adheres to the most stringent quality and safety management processes.
 
Products from EHL Ingredients are used by food manufacturing companies, in the manufacture offood items such as soups and sauces, ready meals and baked goods including breads, cereals and snack bars. It also offers bespoke herb and spice blends which can be sold as a ready-made mix or marinade for meat and vegetables. Its products are also available to wholesalers, co-packers, health food stores and large co-operatives.
 
EHL Ingredients’ organic products are available in various packaging formats and quantities from 1 to 25kgs and in poly pots of 250 and 500g.