INDUSTRY  WATCH

Search

Industry Watch Newsletter

Subscribe Now

North America
 

The Kroger Company has installed a clean energy production system that will convert food that can't be sold or donated into clean energy to power one of its distribution centers.

More than 55,000 tons of food waste will be turned into renewable energy each year using an anaerobic conversion system at the Cincinnati-based grocer's distribution facility for its Ralphs / Food 4 Less stores located in Compton, California.

The 65,000-square-foot center will be partially powered using the process, which will employ the equivalent of 150 tons of food waste per day and reduce truck trips by more than 500,000 miles each year.

"We are committed to finding solutions for food waste and clean energy, and we believe this is a meaningful step forward," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's president and chief operating officer, in a statement."Investing in this project is a good business decision for Kroger and, most importantly, an extraordinary opportunity to benefit the environment."

The Kroger Recovery System uses anaerobic digestion, which occurs naturally, in an enclosed, oxygen-free area to convert the carbon in the waste into a source of methane. The process generates no odors and will provide enough power to offset more than 20 percent of the distribution center's energy demand. The process is designed and operated by Boston-based FEED Resource Recovery Inc.

Sustainable Foods Summit
Tackling food waste was a major focus of the North American edition of the Sustainable Foods Summit. The next edition of this international series of summits takes place in Amsterdam on 6-7 June. More details are on the website

Related Article: Food Waste - Sustainability Implications

Danone has acquired over 90% of US organic baby food firm Happy Family.

The France-based multinational has stated it is in agreement to acquire over 90% shares of the firm. According to Danone, New York-based Happy Family is the fourth-largest player in the US baby food market.

Launched in 2006, Happy Family specialises in organic baby food products. It has over 4% of the US baby food market, generating sales of about US$ 60m.

"We are delighted with this acquisition in an innovative and fast-moving segment of the baby food market," said Felix Martin Garcia, executive VP of Danone's baby nutrition arm. "Building on a business model that has proven its effectiveness, we plan to step up the development of Happy Family and its brands."

The transaction is subject to the approval of the relevant authorities and is expected to be finalised in the next few months.

OM Comment
Baby food is one of the major sectors in the organic food industry. Its popularity is because organic baby food is bought by young mothers, many who would not normally buy organic products. Young mothers have high regard for food safety and are willing to pay a premium for their new born. Danone has acquired Happy Family to get a slice of this lucrative market segment.

Source: News Release / Organic Monitor
 

The Canadian government has entered an agreement with the Costa Rican authorities to recognize each others organic agricultural standards.

According to the Canadian government, the Canada-Costa Rica Organic Equivalency Arrangement is the outcome of an extensive analysis of both countries' production and certification systems. The arrangement will allow for easier import and export of certified organic products between Canada and Costa Rica without the need for additional certification, thus reducing costs and red tape for industry.

"This arrangement with Costa Rica eliminates trade barriers to give Canadian organic producers a competitive edge in the Costa Rican organic market," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Canadian consumers will also benefit by having increased access to organic food options."

Previous Article: New US-EU Trade Arrangement Opens up Global Organic Market

Source: News Release