By Carol McCracken (Post # 377)

Portland foodies may be interested to learn that last year the number of organic foods and beverages launched declined from the 2008 figures. Last year’s decline was nearly 30% over 2008; the poor economcy was the reason given for the downturn. This news was reported yesterday in the daily online Sustainable Food News publication.

The article also went on to say that small companies that often introduce many products just haven’t introduced as many products because of the downturn in the economy. Also, some product lines are simply so full that no more products can be added.

There was an exception to the decline, however. Products with “ethical and environmental” claims actually rose 17% last year over 2008. Food packaging with environmentally friendly packaging saw an increase last year over 2008; from 3 percent to 9 percent last year as well.

The Sustainable Food News is a daily newsletter distributed to the food industry all over the country. It’s publisher is Hill resident, Dan McGovern, who was profiled last year herein. The profile appeared on December 7th as post # 345.