Nutiva News

Nutiva Addresses Surging Demand for Organic Chia

Despite 500% sales increase, leading organic chia seed brand shifts product mix to alleviate agricultural stress in South America

(Oxnard, Calif. – May 9, 2012) Nutiva®, the world’s leading brand of organic hemp foods, coconut oil, and chia seeds, announced today its response to the worldwide shortage of organic chia due to unexpected weather conditions in South America and increased mainstream market demand. Effective immediately, Nutiva will suspend all sales of its organic bulk 3lb and 10lb chia sizes until further notice, and will focus efforts on its 14 oz size—allowing for continued direct to consumer availability.

Organic chia, an ancient healing ingredient that is the plant world’s number-one source of omega-3, has more antioxidants than blueberries and is a good source of fiber, has seen a dramatic increase in popularity in recent months, spurred by the media’s megaphone touting its health benefits. In the past year alone, demand for Nutiva’s organic chia seed has increased five-fold, making the company America’s fastest-growing chia seed brand and the world’s leading certified-organic chia seed brand.

Said John W. Roulac, Nutiva founder and CEO, “When we added organic chia to our superfood family 18 months ago, I did a lot of educating on its benefits and how it’s consumed, and at the time only a very small market was interested. I don’t think anyone could have predicted the position we are in today. The bottom line is the nascent organic chia industry in South America is quite small, and struggling to meet demand. We have to react in real time to a global problem that’s effecting farmers while continuing to sell a product without sacrificing the integrity of its ingredients.” [click to continue…]

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Demand Soars for Nutiva Coconut Oil & Chia Seed

COCONUT

Coconut oil has experienced a 3X increase in demand over the last 60 days. There is not a shortage of organic coconuts, but rather a bottleneck in receiving enough organic coconut oil supply in North America to meet demand. Nutiva has secured a large number of containers and is expecting to ramp up production. We anticipate that coconut oil will be in tight supply over the next several months. The message of the many healthful benefits of coconut oil is spreading fast.

CHIA

There is currently a worldwide shortage of chia seed and demand has increased 4-5X in the past 180 days. We anticipate that market demand will continue to be red hot. Dr. Oz’s megaphone may be stronger than the many South American countries’ ability to meet this demand.

WEATHER IMPACTS CHIA CROPS

Recent weather has not been favorable to chia. Last year saw a poor crop yield in Paraguay. If that wasn’t enough, this year’s crop in Peru has been flooded by La Niña rains, while Argentinian chia fields are experiencing hot, dry conditions.

Nutiva entered the chia market about 18 months ago and is now the leading supplier of certified organic seed. We are increasing our supply to meet this strong demand. [click to continue…]

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Nutiva at Natural Products Expo West 2012

Nutiva was in attendance at the Natural Products Expo West this year in Anaheim, in the Organic area. We had a lot of fun interfacing with friends, fans, and other like-minded brands. We also took the opportunity to show off Nutiva’s new 100% Organic announcement, and the HEMP Video that we co-produced with Elevate and the Luminaries.

Thanks to all who stopped by to say “hi,” learn about Nutiva’s Mission and Commitments, and of course, to try out the delicious Coconut Manna Truffles being served up by Chef Alex Forsythe. [click to continue…]

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Letter to Governor Brown

September 14, 2011

Governor Jerry Brown Sent via Fax: 916-558-3160
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: SB 676 (Leno) California Industrial Hemp Farming Act – Please Sign

Dear Governor Brown,

I am writing to ask you to sign SB 676 (Leno), which would permit California farmers to grow industrial hemp to produce hemp seed, oil and fiber for sale to manufacturers. All hemp products are legally for sale in the United States and are currently imported from Canada and other nations. Current law prohibiting California farmers from producing these legal products hurts our economy and simply does not make sense

Nutiva is the world’s leading organic food brand, with a 44% annual growth rate since 2005. Inc. Magazine has named Nutiva as one of America’s fastest growing brands for the last three consecutive years (2009 – 2011).

Because of our growth rate, Nutiva has hired 25 workers in the past year at our new 18,500 SQ FT facility in Oxnard, California.

We will process three million pounds of organic hempseeds in factories in Canada in 2011. We would prefer to do this in California and the U.S. This would save us in shipping costs, and further enable us to offer more local jobs. Hemp fiber is among the strongest, natural fibers in the world and it can be used to replace wood pulp, as well as synthetic fibers in numerous applications. Hempseed is nutritionally rich in protein and healthy Omega-3 fats.

The demand for hemp products has been growing rapidly in recent years and California farmers would benefit from this growth. The benefits for farmers are not only financial, the bill is also practical. Industrial hemp is an excellent rotational crop because it naturally reduces nematode populations, while its dense growth smothers out weeds. Therefore, hemp requires less water and agricultural chemicals than all other crops and has deep roots that leave the soil in excellent condition for the next crop.

The environmental benefits of hemp as a replacement for wood pulp and a reduction of pesticide use will help create a cleaner and healthier California. California law should be changed to permit the cultivation of industrial hemp as an agricultural crop. SB 676 would enable California farmers and processors to take advantage of industrial hemp and we strongly urge you to sign the bill into law.

Sincerely,

John W. Roulac
CEO and Founder
Nutiva

You too can make a difference in the fight for Hemp Legalization at the Vote Hemp website. Take action NOW and let our voices heard!

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Nutiva History | Press Release During DEA Attack on Hemp Food Industry

A bit of Nutiva History with its 1999 Press Release during the DEA attack on hemp foods industry.

DEA Seizes Tractor Trailer of Legal Hempseed Products from Canada AUTHOR:
John W. Roulac john@hemptech.com
DATE: Friday, 24 September 1999, at 4:22 p.m.

U.S. Customs is threatening nearly $500,000 in fines against Kenex if their recall of granola bars, oil, animal feed, and other products are not redelivered to Detroit Customs in the next few days. These fines are in addition to the fines and possible criminal charges that may be laid in relation to the bird seed load itself. A 30 day extension request to clarify the situation was denied by U.S. Customs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information: John W. Roulac T: 707-823-2800 ext. *41

DEA Seizes Tractor Trailer of Legal Hempseed Products from Canada.

Agency also demands instant recall of granola bars, horse bedding and other products. Items “clearly exempt” under U.S. Law, say manufacturers.

Sebastopol, California – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has seized a tractor trailer of sterilized Canadian hemp seed on its way to a large U.S. company that has been selling hemp birdseed blends for years. Following the August 9th seizure, U.S. Customs and the DEA demanded that Kenex, Canada’s leading producer and processor of industrial hemp products, recall previous shipments of other hemp products such as oil, granola bars, horse bedding and animal feed. These actions were taken even though all of the products are clearly exempt under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act since 1937 and many have been sold in the U.S. for 60 years. [click to continue…]

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Organic Packaged Foods Brand Takes on Industry Goliaths

Recent coverage by Forbes recognizes Nutiva’s outstanding growth and our role in taking on industry giants. Our Mission is “Nourishing People and Planet” and we continue to do so everyday.

Organic Packaged Foods Brand Takes on Industry Goliaths

Posted by Brandon Gutman

Founded in 1999, the CPG has experienced a 41% annual growth rate since 2006. In 2009 and 2010 Inc.magazine named Nutiva a fastest growing company in America and the company is tracking to win the honor for a third year in a row in 2011. With a projected sales growth of 70% in 2011 (or about $20M), it seems Nutiva is breaking out as the new organic “it” brand.

[Continue reading here]

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Looking for a Way to Eat Right Without Giving Up Flavor?

Many people are becoming more aware of the importance of eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle, but aren't sure exactly how to incorporate this into their own routine. Contrary to popular belief, eating well doesn't have to mean a drastic overhaul of how you cook.

It also doesn't mean that you have to compromise on taste or texture.

With just a few simple additions to your cooking methods and daily diet, you can start eating more healthily while enjoying every last bite. Nutiva is proud to offer an extensive range of healthy, delicious hemp foods and virgin coconut oil products that make it easier than ever to start eating right.

Try Unrefined Coconut Oil for Better Taste and Better Health

For example, Nutiva's extra-virgin coconut oil is not only good for you, but it's an excellent addition to any kitchen. Our virgin coconut oil is unrefined, unbleached and unfermented, giving it a light taste, pleasant aroma and pure white color. Our coconut oil is also unhydrogenated, eliminating the unhealthy fats found in hydrogenated oils. For centuries, people have cherished coconut oil for its beautiful flavor, and it has widely been used in cooking throughout the world.

Looking for Coconut Butter or Coconut Cream?

Coconut Manna™ is creamy whole coconut that will delight people looking for coconut butter, coconut cream, coconut oil butter and coconut body butter. Coconut Manna™ is a delicious whole food, made of pure, dried coconut flesh which will “melt in your mouth.”

Why Choose Nutiva's Unrefined Coconut Oil?

What makes Nutiva's virgin coconut oil so special? Much of the magic lies in the way the oil is processed. Within several hours of the coconuts being chopped, the meat is cold-pressed, unlike other varieties of coconut oil which can be left for more than 10 hours before pressing. Nutiva's approach preserves as much of the oil's natural color, flavor and aroma, giving you the best results for any use.

Why Virgin Coconut Oil is Good for You

Unrefined coconut oil doesn't just taste better, it's better for you. With around 50% lauric acid content (an acid also found in mother's milk), it helps support a healthy metabolism and is being researched for its ability to protect against fungus, bacteria and viruses. The benefits of coconut oil's lauric acid are so strong, it is often added to baby formula to help infants develop strong and healthy systems.

Consider also the fact that Pacific Islanders long used coconut as a staple of their diets. Those who still subscribe to a coconut-rich diet display low incidences of heart disease or obesity. Those who switch to more "Western" ingredients, such as Omega-6 laden vegetable oils, often show a remarkable increase in these illnesses and other health problems.

Experience the Versatility of Virgin Coconut Oil

Of course, coconut oil can be used in other ways as well. Coconut oil is often used in skin creams and lotions for its ability to moisturize and nourish the skin. Whether you want a healthy replacement for vegetable and animal fat for your cooking, or are simply looking for better options in your daily skin care regime, choose Nutiva's unrefined virgin coconut oil.

With its healthy properties, excellent taste and beautiful aroma, unrefined coconut oil from Nutiva is the perfect solution.

Nutiva News

Despite 500% sales increase, leading organic chia seed brand shifts product mix to alleviate agricultural stress in South America

COCONUT

CHIA

WEATHER IMPACTS CHIA CROPS

A bit of Nutiva History with its 1999 Press Release during the DEA attack on hemp foods industry.

Discover 100's of Delicious Recipes