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Information Graphics
Organic Industry Structure
Jan08

Most acquisitions of organic processors occurred between December, 1997
when the draft USDA standard was released,
and its implementation in October, 2002. Few companies identify these
ownership ties on product labels.
PDF version of Organic Industry Structure: Top 30 Acquisitions
http://www.msu.edu/%7Ehowardp/OrganicT30AcqJan08.pdf


Most introductions of organic versions of well-known brands occurred after
the USDA standard was implemented in October, 2002.
Some, such as Dove Organic, have been developed specifically for Wal-Mart. 
PDF version of Organic Industry Structure: Top 30 Introductions
http://www.msu.edu/%7Ehowardp/OrganicT30IntJan08.pdf


Venture capitalists currently describe organic processing as "fragmented."
They are acquiring brands within the same sector
 (bread, meat, etc.) with plans to sell them for significant gain at a
later date.
PDF version of Organic Industry Structure: Significant Acquistions and
Introductions
http://www.msu.edu/%7Ehowardp/OrganicSigAcqJan08.pdf


Most remaining independent organic processors have resisted substantial
buyout offers (typically 2 times annual sales; Ben & Jerry's
was acquired by Unilever for 1.1 times annual sales). 
PDF version of Organic Industry Structure: Major Independents and Their
Brands
http://www.msu.edu/%7Ehowardp/OrganicIndJan08.pdf


Mass market channels accounted for 46% of all organic foods sold in the US
in 2005. An increasing number of supermarkets, wholesale
clubs and distributors are introducing organic private label products, as
well as chains that specialize in organic and natural foods. 
PDF version of Organic Industry Structure: Private Label Brands
http://www.msu.edu/%7Ehowardp/OrganicPLabelJul07.pdf


Natural food chains including Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Wild Oats sold
23% of organic food in the US in 2005.
Whole Foods has more than 80 new stores currently in development.
PDF Version of Organic Industry Structure: Retail Acquisitions and Mergers
http://www.msu.edu/%7Ehowardp/retail.pdf


Distribution, particularly of processed organic foods, is dominated by
United Natural Foods and Tree of Life. In
1982 there were 28 consumer cooperative distributors. Today there are just
3.
PDF Version of Organic Industry Structure: Distributor Acquisitions and
Mergers
http://www.msu.edu/%7Ehowardp/distributors.pdf