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Canadian consumers increasingly look beyond the grocery aisle for organic products, and there is a growing demand for organic sugar and coconut sugars.istock

When Canadians go shopping, they increasingly bring their personal values to bear on purchasing decisions, and a growing interest in organic products is felt beyond the produce aisle. Consumers are paying careful attention to all ingredients, says Jinny Lok, director of marketing at Lantic Inc., a manufacturer and supplier of sugars, including organic and Fairtrade certified sugar and sweeteners.

"With an expanding range of organic products available in the Canadian marketplace, there is also a growing demand for organic sugar and coconut sugars," says Ms. Lok. She explains that this trend is, in part, driven by the number of millennials who are entering the workforce, starting a family and choosing to frequently cook at home. They represent a demographic group that often researches factors like socio-economic and environmental factors prior to making purchases.

Beyond the desire to support fairly produced goods with low environmental impact, more and more Canadians opt for "back-to-basics and natural sweeteners," says Ms. Lok. "They know that organic products meet strict national standards. The Canada Organic logo is the public's assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures and rules."

Ms. Lok explains that all Lantic & Rogers organic products can be traced back to their agricultural roots. "We believe in the principles of health, ecology, fairness and care that go into organic foods production and certify our facilities to the highest standards."

In the example of organic coconut sugar, Lantic & Rogers and its supply chain partner with farms in Indonesia to ensure sustainable farming practices, says Ms. Lok. "We use the simplest process of tapping coconut flowers for sap. Once sap is collected and filtered, we evaporate the moisture to form crystals. That's it."

For organic fair-trade sugar envelopes, Lantic partners with Fairtrade Canada, says Ms. Lok. "For every ounce of sugar purchased [for this product], a Fairtrade premium goes towards agricultural inputs, credit services, in-kind support and cash payments to help farmers with living costs and needs. It allows them to operate their business with dignity."

Ms. Lok adds, "We're proud to bring high-quality products and more choices of sweeteners to Canadians."


BY THE NUMBERS

2 in 3 Canadians are spending at least some of their weekly grocery budget on organic items

Average weekly household spending on groceries is $130.70 (Fruits and vegetables remain the most commonly bought organic food)

More Canadians now buy organic fruits and veggies (41%) and organic dairy products (24%) on a frequent basis

Source: 2017 COTA/Ipsos consumer survey


This content was produced by Randall Anthony Communications, in partnership with The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.

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