Imbibe will be closed on October 3, 4, 17, 18, 25, and 26. Please expect delays in responses during this time.

The fundamentals of organic certification

Photo: Business Wire
Photo: Business Wire

Organic food and beverage sales surpassed $45bn in 2015, which represents a 72% increase in less than a decade. US organic food and beverages currently make up 5% of all food and beverage sales in the US and this category is expected to grow approximately 3% annually through 2018.

In the US, organic certification means that products were grown, produced, inspected, and certified to be in compliance with the organic standards of the National Organic Program (NOP), a programme of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Many consumers have a basic understanding of what organic means, but it carries practical implications to product developers and brand owners, especially compared to other characterisations of healthful products. I’m not a regulatory expert, but I hope that these explanations of the basic tenets of organic certification from both the technical and business perspectives help clarify this new standard of natural product positioning.

Read more

Keep Reading:

How Much Hype Can You Fit in a Bottle?

Functional beverages promise energy, gut health, and more—but do they work? Emmy-winner David Page explores the real science, myths, and hype behind today’s hottest drinks with insights from Imbibe’s experts.
READ MORE

Optimize R&D with Sensory Insights from Imbibe

Sensory evaluation is a powerful tool for creating products that resonate with consumers. Learn how to integrate sensory testing into your R&D pipeline—from concept screening to market readiness—to drive data-backed innovation, reduce risk, and build products that succeed on shelf.
READ MORE

What’s Driving Beverage Innovation in 2025

What’s driving today’s beverage choices? Mood, occasion, and function top the list. Gen Z and Millennials lead the charge, with 72% of Gen Z trying new drinks monthly. Trending: low-sugar sodas and functional beverages with fiber or adaptogens.
READ MORE
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.