Increased consumer health consciousness, among other variables, is driving competition in the organic foods market.

A recent report from Technavio has revealed the top vendors in the organic packaged food market. The report, Organic Packaged Food Market in the U.S., lists the six leading vendors in the market, as well as 12 vendors that are expected to impact the market in the forecast period.

Competitive Vendor Landscape
According to the report, the organic packaged food market in the U.S. is subject to rapidly changing consumer demands and increased health consciousness. It is also affected by local consumer tastes and demographic trends. Economic wellbeing in the U.S. will also bring about improved living standards, increased disposable incomes and altered consumer lifestyles. Vendor performance in the market may benefit from this overall economic development as consumer spending on organic packaged food will increase during the forecast period owing to the nutritional benefits associated with organic food.

“Vendors in the market often indulge in price wars by offering promotional offers or simply reducing their product prices to sustain their existing position in the market. This could negatively affect vendors’ profit margins and, consequently, overall market growth. Therefore, to survive and succeed in a stiff competitive environment, it becomes imperative for vendors to distinguish their product offerings through a clear and unique value proposition,” said Vijay Sarathi, lead analyst for food research at Technavio.

Top Six Organic Packaged Food Vendors in the U.S.

• Amy’s Kitchen

Amy’s Kitchen was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Petaluma, Calif. The company manufactures non-organic, non-GMO convenience and organic food products. The company operates in the organic packaged food market through its offerings in different categories such as breakfast, candy, desserts, meals, etc.
These organic products are sold in the market through superstores, natural stores (offering organic food) and warehouse stores. The company uses certified organic ingredients from organic farms, which are located in Oregon and California. These ingredients are produced with pasteurized rBST hormone-free milk and do not contain animal rennet.

• Nature’s Path Foods

The company was established in 1985 and is headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. It manufactures organic foods products, which are sold in grocery and organic-only stores. Its products are certified organic, vegetarian and non-GMO.

The company operates in the organic packaged food market in the U.S. under various brands such as Qi’a, Sunrise, Heritage, Optimum, Love Crunch, Chia Plus, Flax Plus, EnviroKidz and Hemp Plus. The company offers a wide range of products such as breads, cold cereals, cookies, granola, bars, wafers, hot cereals and toaster pastries. The ingredients used in the production of these products are hemp, flax, chia and ancient grains.

• Newman’s Own

Newman’s Own is headquartered in Westport, Conn. The company was founded in 1982. The company offers foods and beverages, which include frozen skillet meals, salad dressings, pasta sauces, frozen pizza, refrigerated lemonade, cookies snacks and pet food.

The company has partnerships with other organizations to enhance its product portfolio and geographical presence. These organizations are McDonald’s, Costco Wholesale, Trinchero Family Estates and Keurig Green Mountain.

• Organic Valley of Farmers (Organic Valley)

Organic Valley of Farmers was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in La Farge, Wis. It is an organic-farmer-owned cooperative in North America. It is one of the largest co-operatives of organic farmers in the U.S., representing 1,800 farmers in 36 states.

Its products include organic dairy products, eggs, juice, meat and soy. The company’s partners include Bioneers, Chefs Collaborative, Ecotrust, Farm Aid, Green America, the Organic Center, Slow Food USA and Waterkeeper Alliance. Organic Valley is a part of CROPP Cooperative.

• The Hain Celestial Group

The Hain Celestial Group was incorporated in 1993 and is headquartered in New York. The company offers organic and natural food and personal care products through its brands Health Valley, Earth’s Seasoning, Terra, Imagine Foods, FreeBird, Hain Pure Foods and Soy Dream.

The company’s products are sold to various specialty and natural food distributors, supermarkets, natural food stores and other retail classes of trade such as drug store chains, mass-market retailers, food service channels and club stores.

• WhiteWave Foods

WhiteWave Foods is the leading consumer packaged beverages and food company that produces and trades branded plant-based food and beverages. The company offers plant-based food and beverages, premium dairy, organic salads, fruits and vegetables and coffee creamers.

The company sells its products throughout Europe and North America. The company’s headquarters are in Denver, Colo. The company operates through the following segments: The Americas food and beverages and Europe food and beverages