Joyce and Phillip Lowyim - success in organics.

The increasing awareness and use of organic products is resulting in more organic growers and retailers making efforts to sell ‘certified organic’ products as a mark of reliability and genuineness.

A range of organic certification options are available in New Zealand from various certifying agencies, including some low-cost ones for smaller growers and businesses.

IE Produce in Auckland claims to be the first Bio-Gro Certified, organicfresh retailer, selling more than 7,000 organic products (both fresh and dry goods) and in excess of 2,000 wheat and gluten free products, as well as the conventionally grown fruits and vegetables.

Bio-Gro certification of retailers involves audited documentation and strict procedures to be complied with for the complete supply chain- from the grower right to the customer.

Joyce & Phillip Lowyim, who run the business together, have been in the fresh produce industry for many years. “We were selling only conventional produce initially. A lot of research went into studying the organic products, before we started retailing them about eight years ago,” Joyce told Rural Living.

“Food and health products are big issues with everyone. More and more people are making healthier choices and that’s why organics is getting popular. With allergies and other problems, mothers are more careful now as they know whatever they feed themselves affects their babies,” she commented, looking passionate about the issue.

Phillip added that there are a lot of dodgy retailers and growers who are selling non-organic products labelled as ‘organic’. “Customers need to be aware when shopping for organics that only ‘certified organic’ products can be considered genuinely organic.”

That’s where, he believes, certification by retailers can help customers to make wise choices.

 Reflecting on the cost factor, Joyce said, “Since it involves manual cultivation methods and sorting by hand, organics comes out slightly expensive. Another reason is the global shortage of certified organic ingredients, due to increasing demand.”

“But for people with low budgets, the best way out is to start with simple basics. Food is a good place to start, and can be followed by household products.