GOURMET NEWS
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FEBRUARY 2023
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Star Olive Oils Certified by American Heart Association Heart-Check Program The Star line of olive oils, a Borges brand, have been certified by the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check Food Certification Program. The Heart-Check mark on food packaging helps take the guesswork out when reading Nutrition Facts and label information, signaling to consumers the product meets the nutritional requirements of the American Heart Association’s long-standing program and can be included as part of an overall healthy eating pattern. The Heart-Check mark will be prominently displayed on Star Olive Oil packages as of December. Star Olive Oils also feature the North American Olive Oil Association seal and validation of authentic olive oil content. Star line of olive oils includes Extra Virgin Olive Oil, EVOO Robust,
EVOO First Harvest, EVOO Organic and Light and Original testing olive oils. All STAR Extra Virgin olive oils are made 100 percent cold extracted olive oil from premium olives. Extra Virgin and Robust oils yield rich olive flavors, while Original and Light are ideal for those who desire the healthy benefits of olive oil without a pronounced olive taste. “By participating with such prestigious and well-respected associations such as the American Heart Association and NAOOA, we at Borges strive to guarantee the kind authenticity and quality of our olive oil products that consumers have come to expect,” said Francisco Cuenca, chief operating officer at Borges USA. The American Heart Association recommends replacing saturated and trans fats
with healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats as part of an overall heart-healthy diet to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fat that if consumed daily can help lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol levels – keeping LDL cholesterol low may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration has determined that there is credible evidence to support a qualified health claim that consuming oleic acid in edible oils, such as olive oil, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Borges USA is a leading importer and marketer of Mediterranean specialty food products. The company is a member of the Borges International Group, a 125-year-old
Spanish food company with distribution in more than 116 countries. The NAOOA is a not-for-profit trade group of olive oil marketers in North America. The North American Olive Oil Association conducts the nation’s largest and most complete olive oil testing and certification program from oils. GN
Global Specialty Foods Market Estimated To $224.88B in 2026, New Report Shows The global specialty foods market is expected to grow from $158.87 billion in 2021 to $170.21 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate of 7.1 percent, according to a new report from Research and Markets. The market is expected to grow to $224.88 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate of 7.2 percent. The market for specialty foods consists of sales of specialty foods and their related services, according to the report. Specialty foods are made from high quality ingredients and have limited distribution with unique or beautiful packaging. The specialty foods consist of cheese and plant-based cheese, non-RTD cocoa and coffee, refrigerated and frozen poultry/seafood/meat, yogurt, candy, pretzels/snacks/chips, bread &
baked goods and others. The main product types are cheese and plant-based cheese, frozen or refrigerated meat, poultry and seafood, chips, pretzels and snacks, bread and baked goods, chocolate and other confectionery and others. Asia Pacific was the largest region in the specialty foods market in 2021, according to the report. Western Europe was the second-largest region in the specialty foods market. The regions covered in the specialty food market are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The growth in the number of millennials preferring at-home and healthy meals coupled with growing interest in having nutritious food for a healthy lifestyle is
increasing the demand for specialty foods. According to the Specialty Foods Association, millennials are twice as likely to plan at-home meals and have high preferences for specialty products to create interesting and healthy eating experiences. According to the research from the NDP Group in 2019, millennials, gen X and baby boomers are expected to eat more meals at home. Thus, growth in at-home cooking activities of millennials and preferences for healthy foods is anticipated to boost the revenue for specialty foods market over the forthcoming years, according to the report. The high cost of specialty food is likely to hinder the growth of the specialty foods market during the period, the report states. Specialty foods are made from high-quality
ingredients such as gluten free, non-GMO and ingredients rich in vitamins and minerals, which results in a higher cost of raw materials. According to the SFA, the high cost of ingredients, certifications and production is increasing the prices of specialty foods, making it unaffordable for many consumers. The high cost of specialty foods is predicted to hinder the growth of the specialty foods market. The launch of high-quality and innovative products such as plant-based, convenience, better-for-you, non-GMO products with authenticity and products with attributes such as low fat, low calorie, low sodium, high protein, no dairy and organic is a major trend shaping the growth of the specialty foods industry. GN
Clean Water Volunteer Program Wine To Water Resumes Operations After Pandemic Pause More than two years ago, global clean water nonprofit, Wine To Water was forced to put a growing volunteer program on pause due to the global pandemic. The program is open again with an expanded reach, bringing water filtration and well construction, thereby reducing bottled water dependence or a complete lack of clean water. The program is led by Texas A&M educator and anthropologist Judy Nunez. “The Wine To Water team springs into action whenever there is a need for clean water, but the pandemic made it challenging for many nonprofits to recruit and support volunteers outside of their own communities,” said Doc Hendley, a CNN Hero and the founder and international president of W|W. “Volunteers are critically
important to the work of nonprofits because the donation of services allows other donations to go further and be applied to the cause served.” W|W went to the Dominican Republic in December, where volunteers built filters in the local factory. They also delivered a filter to a home and shared in the experience of the family taking their first sip of clean water. On a recent trip to Nepal, the mission included rehabilitating a well, painting a water tank and visiting with school children. These experiences are designed to immerse volunteers in the community and culture in a way that is enriching for both the volunteer and those receiving the services. A water emergency is occurring somewhere in the world at this moment, so there
are ongoing relief efforts in the United States and around the world requiring volunteers. Wine To Water’s volunteer program involves students in a broader way. Nunez is working to grow student programs in colleges across the country, especially for domestic relief projects. W|W leads emergency response to water crises. Part of their ongoing mission is the Filter Build program, which provides another volunteer experience. These filters have increased the capacity of W|W to provide clean water to those in immediate need. Wine To Water is a nonprofit global clean water organization committed to preserving life and dignity through the power of clean water. It has helped over 1.4 million people in 51 countries gain access to
safe and clean water. Founded in 2004, W|W seeks an end to the root cause of global poverty by providing sustainable water solutions in communities around the world. To accomplish their mission and vision, it developed WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) solutions in direct partnership with local leaders through water access, water filtration, hygiene education and sanitation. W|W programs are active in Nepal, the Dominican Republic, the Amazon and Tanzania. Disaster response efforts by W|W are ongoing in the United States and around the world. Its clean water projects and filter builds are catalysts for environmental sustainability, education, women’s empowerment, healthcare and economic growth. GN