Natural Grocers, a large U.S. organic and natural grocery retailer, has released its 2024 top trends predictions in health and wellness, body care and beauty, food and beverage, and ecologically thoughtful categories. The trends were identified by the company's Nutrition Education team, alongside purchasing, marketing, and analytics teams, and include heat adaptation, blood sugar balance, menopause awareness, skin barrier repair, skinimalism, hydroxyapatite toothpaste, wildfire smoke health hazards, rejection of lab-grown meat, defining regenerative agriculture, the Mediterranean diet, replacing high omega-6 oils, and being a regenivore. The article features product recommendations for consumers to explore these trends.

HowGood, a sustainability intelligence platform, has partnered with Majid Al Futtaim, which operates Carrefour in the UAE, to display climate impact labels on food products at COP28. The labels, which will be featured in Carrefour stores, aim to highlight sustainable choices and promote product impact transparency. HowGood's database provides sustainability insights on over 33,000 food ingredients, aiding retailers and brands in sustainability storytelling. SES-imagotag's digital shelf edge tags will be used for displaying the labels, which include product carbon footprints and comprehensive sustainability ratings. The initiative is part of Carrefour's 'Choose Better' program and is expected to guide shoppers towards more sustainable offerings, as evidenced by a previous engagement in London where sales increased significantly. The labels will be displayed starting November 28 and will be live for three months at Carrefour's COP28 store locations and select stores throughout the UAE.

The natural and organic beauty care market is experiencing significant growth, with New Hope Network at the forefront of identifying emerging trends. The top five trends for 2024 include biodiversity in beauty, sustainable skinimalism, plastic and water reduction, products that promote a beautiful mind, and personalized pathways through AI and Ayurveda. These trends are characterized by sustainable supply chains, multipurpose products, plastic-free and waterless innovations, wellness-focused beauty items, and personalized care based on ancient practices and modern technology. Standout products from various brands exemplify these trends, showcasing the industry's move towards sustainability and personalization.

Maria Covarrubias, a professionally trained chef, co-founded Cien Chiles with her husband Felipe Cross, creating a line of vibrant, natural, and sustainably sourced hot sauces. The San Diego-based brand quickly gained traction, with retailers like Whole Foods Market eager to stock their products. Covarrubias, inspired by her Mexican heritage, launched the company during the pandemic after her husband's business was affected. Cien Chiles stands out for its unique flavors and natural ingredients, and Covarrubias has left her corporate job to focus on the brand full-time.

The article discusses the concept of 'food disconnect' where consumers are unaware of the origins and production methods of their food, leading to a demand for transparency in the food industry. It highlights the importance of direct trade, regenerative organic agriculture, and community empowerment as paths for brands to innovate and maintain integrity. Direct trade eliminates intermediaries, allowing farmers to earn more and companies to ensure responsible sourcing. Regenerative agriculture restores land and increases crop yield, while community empowerment involves supporting local and global communities through various initiatives. The article also mentions organizations like Fairtrade America and B Corporation that hold companies accountable for their social and environmental impact.

The natural products industry has seen several significant investment activities this autumn. Citation Capital acquired a majority stake in Cibo Vita, known for its Nature's Garden brand. Wonder Group is set to acquire meal-kit maker Blue Apron in an all-stock deal. Silver Ventures sold NatureSweet to Blue Road Capital, while Nurture Brands acquired The Juice Executive, expanding into manufacturing. Solo Coffee sold a minority stake to Kliro Capital Partners to support U.S. expansion. Oddlygood acquired the Nordic brand Planti, and VFC Foods purchased Clive's Purely Plants, marking its entry into primary manufacturing.

The Global Supplement Business Report indicates a global supplement market size just shy of $183 billion, with a 4.7% growth in 2023, outpacing the U.S. growth of 2.6%. Mexico and Latin America are highlighted as regions with significant growth, with Mexico maintaining a 10.8% growth and Latin America growing at 9.6% in 2023. The report forecasts continued strong performance in these regions, driven by vitamin and mineral sales and growth in sports nutrition, meal supplements, homeopathy, and specialty ingredients.

Gruff Ancient Grain Grits, recognized with the NEXTY Award for Best Certified Regenerative Organic Product, offers farro-based grits as a nutritious alternative to traditional corn grits. The company, co-founded by Brei Larmoyeux, Jody, and Crystal Manuel of Prairie Grass Ranch, emphasizes the importance of regenerative organic farming practices. The ranch, organic since 2007 and Silver Regenerative Organic Certified, is now expanding its reach by engaging with distributors. Larmoyeux, a former Whole Foods Market buyer, underscores the health benefits of ancient grains and the positive environmental impact of regenerative farming.

The No Toxics in Food Packaging Act of 2023, designated as H.R. 6105, was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives on October 26, 2023, by Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Rosa DeLauro, and Debbie Dingell. The bill aims to ban several toxic chemicals used in food packaging, including ortho-phthalates, PFAS, bisphenol compounds, styrene, and antimony trioxide. Companies will have two years to comply if the bill is enacted. The legislators advocate for the bill as a measure to ensure food safety and protect consumers from adverse health effects.

Earth Fare, known for its health and wellness focus, bans over 200 ingredients through its Boot List, ensuring clean food for customers. The company values education, unique brands, and aligning with small family producers. In a recent Buyerside Chat at Natural Products Expo East, Earth Fare's Justin Betson and Mitch Orland discussed how brands can successfully partner with them, emphasizing the importance of the Boot List, the company's agility, and the need for brands to understand their place in the store. Earth Fare is also interested in unique food-service offerings, creative giveaways, and products supporting regenerative agriculture. They have educational initiatives like the Fresh Forum webinar series and the Learn & Earn program through the Merryfield Rewards app.

Fresh Thyme Market, a grocer focused on fresh food, vitamins, and body care, has released its first trends report highlighting Midwest shopping behaviors and brands. The report identifies ten emerging trends, including sustainability solutions like upcycled and regenerative organic products, animal welfare-approved products, local and diverse brands, natural beauty products, alternative protein sources, social media-influenced food trends, allergy-conscious choices, functional beverages, exotic mushroom varieties, and the rising popularity of crab. Fresh Thyme is committed to supporting local communities, prioritizing animal welfare, and fostering an inclusive shopping experience.

Anthea Kelsick, Co-CEO of B Lab U.S. and Canada, discusses the challenges of being a Black woman in predominantly white workspaces and the importance of diversity and anti-racism in business. She emphasizes the need for businesses to become vocal, visible anti-racist leaders and to consider the impact of their decisions on Black people and people of color. Kelsick suggests businesses ask themselves how they support people of color, hold public leaders accountable, and create equitable opportunities. She highlights the practices of Greyston Bakery, a certified B Corp known for its open hiring policy, which does not require background checks or interviews, and partners with Westchester Jewish Community Services to support employees. Kelsick also stresses the importance of on-the-job training, mentoring, and especially sponsorship for the advancement of Black employees in the workplace.

Dawn is a versatile and experienced multimedia journalist based in Chicago, with a career spanning two decades. She has contributed to over 40 media outlets, including prestigious names like The Washington Post and The New York Times. Dawn's work ranges from breaking news and travel writing to in-depth features and business profiles. She has covered diverse topics such as dog sledding in Alaska, identity theft, and the trial of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich. Her reporting has been recognized with awards, and she has held significant roles such as the president of the Chicago Headline Club. Dawn also has a background in teaching and has been involved in various fellowships, highlighting her commitment to journalism and education.

The article discusses the issue of femicide in Mexico, highlighting the protests that took place on International Women's Day, March 8, 2020. It describes the courage of thousands of women who marched in Mexico City to protest against gender-based violence and the murder of women. The article provides statistics on femicide in Mexico and Latin America, citing a report from the Small Arms Survey and data from Mexico's SESNSP. It also covers the stories of individual protesters and activists, the cultural context of machismo, and the government's response to the issue. The article suggests that public policy, healthcare provider awareness, and safety technology like the UrSafe app could be part of the solution to address violence against women. The journalist, Dawn Reiss, has written for various reputable outlets and shares her insights on the topic.

Kim Greenberg, a mother from the Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago, struggled with the challenges of parenting three young children, including twins. Noticing her difficulties, her parents suggested she seek help. Initially resistant, Greenberg eventually reached out to her gynecologist, who referred her to the NorthShore University HealthSystem's Perinatal Depression Program's MOMS line. This hotline offers support for postpartum depression and related issues. Greenberg contacted Beyond the Baby Blues, a nonprofit offering free therapeutic support groups, and found solace and support there. The article also highlights other support options available to new parents in Chicago, such as the new moms support group at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and the Cradle Talk and Nurturing Moms groups at Edward-Elmhurst Health. These resources provide a space for parents to share experiences and receive guidance on various parenting challenges.

The article discusses the trial of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, who was found guilty of lying to the FBI but not on other serious charges like racketeering. The defense attorney, Sam Adam Jr., and the prosecution, led by U.S. attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, are highlighted for their roles in the trial. Fitzgerald, known for his successful legal career, had previously prosecuted another Illinois governor and was involved in the Valerie Plame case. Despite the prosecution's efforts, the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict on 23 of the 24 counts, leading to a mistrial on those charges. The prosecution plans to retry the case, while the defense criticizes the cost of a retrial. The article draws parallels between the trial's intensity and the famous Ali-Frazier boxing matches, suggesting that the legal battle is far from over.