Shoppers Vote for Healthier Choices Attendees at this year’s mega Natural Products Expo West, in Anaheim, California, saw everything from organic burritos and glass baby bottles to bags that extend the life of produce. “The 30th anniversary of the event mirrors major business and consumer shifts to values of health and sustainability,” observed Fred Linder, president of New Hope Natural Media. Organic products and green packaging are in—genetically modified foods are out.

Accordingly, The Fresh Ideas Group, which monitors new-product trends, has forecasted lower prices for private label organic food in 2010 and an increase in foods with fewer processed ingredients and more whole grains. While organic still accounts for less than 5 percent of national food sales, overall sales of organic foods and other products was up 5 percent in 2009, more than double the growth of conventional wares.