Posted by Rachel Symonds on April 7, 2026 · Leave a Comment
Government has announced it has cut red tape to help the UK’s food producers access Asia’s fastest-growing organic markets in Japan.
Food Security Minister, Dame Angela Eagle, has announced British organic food producers will see red tape slashed and the doors opened to Asia’s second largest organic market, worth £1.4 billion and growing fast.
Coming into effect last week, the UK and Japan have formally recognised the equivalency of each other’s organic livestock standards. This will create significant market access for British exporters to meet growing consumer demand for organic products in Japan, from organic bacon and sausages to cheese and butter. This means British businesses will need only a single UK organic certification to sell their organic livestock products in both countries, cutting costs and bureaucracy and breaking down a major trade barrier. The Government says it has identified removal of this trade barrier as one of its market access priorities, with the potential to boost British export sales and generate millions in additional trade each year according to industry estimates.
Eagle commented: “From Welsh organic cheese to world-class organic British beef, our farmers and producers set the gold standard for quality. This arrangement tears down barriers and gives them access to Japanese consumers who are increasingly seeking out the very best organic products the world has to offer.”
Stuart McNally, Business Development and Sales Manager for Welsh organic dairy producer, Calon Wen, which is now looking to establish a foothold in Japan, described it as a “very welcome breakthrough”.
“This equivalency with Japan allows us to pursue opportunities previously out of reach. This includes organic business tenders worth substantial trade annually. It’s a positive step that supports our family farms and strengthens the reputation of Welsh organic dairy in premium export markets such as Japan,” he added.
In a statement, Defra explained that the UK-Japan organics market already enjoys a thriving trade partnership, where British organic produce including tea, fruit and vegetable juices, cereals, sauces, and syrups are already winning over Japanese consumers, who in return export popular staples like organic soy sauce, noodles, and green tea enjoyed by British consumers.
Posted by Rachel Symonds on March 26, 2026 · Leave a Comment
NATRUE has announced the inaugural Natural Cosmetics Industry Forum.
The leading global association for natural and organic cosmetics is hosting the first ever Natural Cosmetics Industry Forum on May 20 at the Humboldt Carré in Berlin.
A day dedicated to the future of natural and organic cosmetics, the forum brings together professionals from across the sector for exchange, learning, and collaboration, and is free to attend. Designed specifically for industry stakeholders, the in-person conference will feature expert-led sessions and provide a platform to discuss the latest developments, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the natural cosmetics industry.
This year’s central theme – The Modernising of Natural & Organic Cosmetics – will explore how the cosmetics industry can evolve while staying true to its core values of sustainability, transparency, and authenticity. The conference programme will cover key topics influencing the sector including innovation, scientific developments, regulatory challenges, and market trends.
The forum is open to professionals across the natural and organic cosmetics value chain, including cosmetic brands and manufacturers, retailers and distributors, ingredient and raw material suppliers, certification bodies and standard setters, regulatory and policy experts, researchers, scientists and formulators, industry associations, as well as journalists and media representatives.
Posted by Rachel Symonds on March 25, 2026 · Leave a Comment
Natracare has announced a significant new chapter as it comes an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), as a new CEO comes on board.
The pioneering brand behind the world’s first organic cotton tampon and compostable pads and panty liners has announced its parent company, Bodywise UK, has transitioned to an EOT as the founders take a step back. This ownership structure strengthens and safeguards the company’s long-term mission to care for people and the planet. Alongside this transition, Natracare says it is pleased to announce the appointment of Nina Davies as its new CEO, who joins with 25 years’ of leadership experience, and in recent years, has focused on the intersection of brand, culture and impact, creating campaigns and communities that inspire shared values and collective action.
Susie Hewson MBE, who founded Natracare in 1989 (pictured right, with Nina), commented: “From the beginning, Natracare was built to show that the personal care industry could be better for our bodies, communities and the planet. Transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust ensures that these values remain protected and championed by the people who live them every day.”
Nina added: “The transition to employee ownership is particularly meaningful. It signals the shift from founder-led to future-led. A future where responsibility, contribution and reward are more widely shared. It enables us to foster a unique culture built on trust and commitment to care – seeing this come to life to deliver tangible and meaningful value for everyone will be the first signs of success.
“I’m incredibly proud to be stepping into the role of CEO at such an important moment in the company’s journey. This next chapter is about honouring the company’s founding values while building a business that grows responsibly and empowers people, both inside and outside the organisation, to be part of meaningful change. I believe that brands can play a critical role in shaping behaviour change and redefining a better future, and as the original pioneers of the organic period care category, Natracare is a shining example of this. I feel very privileged to be learning from two incredibly visionary founders, and to continue their campaign with such a strong and talented team. I’m thrilled to see the impact we can achieve together.”
As the founders begin to gradually step back from day-to-day leadership, choosing an EOT over private equity was an ethical decision as much as a strategic one. They wanted Natracare’s future to stay true to the values on which it was built, prioritising environmental responsibility, integrity and care for its people. EOT ownership keeps the company’s values in the hands of those who live them every day, rather than potential external investors driven by short-term returns. For Natracare employees, this means employees will collectively share in the company’s long-term value and achievements, while the model strengthens Natracare’s purpose, ensuring decisions are grounded in long-term benefits, not short-term financial gains. Employee ownership strengthens the connection between each person’s work and the brand’s commitment to ethical, sustainable care.
Posted by Rachel Symonds on March 24, 2026 · Leave a Comment
A new podcast has been announced by Suma designed to connect independent retailers to the people behind the products.
Suma Wholefoods has developed the new podcast, Altogether Better, designed to bring retailers closer to the people, values and innovation behind the products on their shelves. Each short episode offers direct access to the brands and experts shaping the world of wholefoods, ethical sourcing and sustainability. The podcast provides a fresh, convenient way to stay informed, inspired and connected, whether listening on the shop floor, on the move, or while planning product ranges.
In the first two episodes, Suma dives straight into what matters most to retailers and their customers:
- A conversation with sustainable cleaning brand, Seep, exploring how eco-conscious design and materials are redefining everyday household products.
- Insights from the product developer behind Ecoleaf by Suma, revealing the thinking, innovation and sustainability credentials behind one of Suma’s most trusted ranges.
The podcast is designed to offer listeners the inside story behind the products you stock, to discover new selling points and customer talking points, stay ahead of trends in sustainability and wholefoods, and hear directly from the brands your customers care about. Each episode is designed to be short, engaging and practical, making it easier than ever for retailers to deepen product knowledge and bring those stories to life in-store.
Posted by Rachel Symonds on March 19, 2026 · Leave a Comment
Weleda is celebrating 100 years of its Skin Food brand with the launch of a new larger pack size, along with a new partnership with acclaimed fashion designer, Stella McCartney.
Introduced in 1926, today, a tube of Skin Food Original sells every six seconds worldwide, with 30 million units sold in the last decade alone. To mark the 100-year anniversary, a new larger 100ml tube of Skin Food will launch this spring, retailing at a celebratory £19.26, and a centenary campaign joining legendary icons will be launched, with Skin Food partnering with the most visionary global voice in sustainable fashion – Stella McCartney – as well as international make-up artist and star of the BBC’s Glow Up, Val Garland.
Jayn Sterland, Country Manager at Weleda UK, commented: “We’re thrilled to see our cult-favourite Skin Food take centre stage at Stella McCartney’s Paris Fashion Week show, lighting up the runway with that unmistakable Skin Food Glow. As we celebrate 100 years of Skin Food, this beauty icon proves it’s more relevant than ever, a backstage beauty essential and make-up artist must-have that continues to fly off shelves worldwide with one sold every 2.5 seconds. Partnering with a true trailblazer like Stella McCartney is a dream come true, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate our hero product together.”
Stella added: “Weleda is such a great brand that has always stayed committed to natural, ethical and sustainable values without chasing trends – I really respect that, and I love Skin Food. My brand has never wavered from our core principles – we’ve been free from leather, feathers, fur and exotic skins since day one. So, to align with another company that proves integrity can last is truly meaningful.”
The Skin Food 100 Years campaign – spanning February to October – will amplify Skin Food’s credibility as the beauty essential VIPs cannot do without, celebrating Skin Food’s superfans and highlighting the many uses of this multi-tasking hero. Additionally, Skin Food will support the make-up teams and models for top fashion designers at London Fashion Week this February. Weleda also hosted the Weleda Model Lounge at London Fashion Week and a two-day pop-up for make-up artists.
Organic & Natural Business magazine
