Specialized organic retailers face many challenges that stores will have to overcome to adapt to a rapidly changing market.
Specialty stores remain the main distribution channels for organic products and are diversifying with new sales formats: zero-waste stores, local grocery stores, the development of bulk products, etc. Like new applications such as MyLabel, which evaluate products based on buyer selection criteria (planet, health, society, etc.), organic enthusiasts will gradually refine their requirements and guide their purchases in the future based on these trends. Distribution channels will have to be ready to meet these expectations, by emphasizing these criteria. All while developing their digital commerce, another challenge for the years to come.
Faced with these significant developments, the Natexpo trade fair offers concrete answers to distribution players, through its conferences and its speed dating space Retail Expert which will be attended by distribution experts.
The evolution of the organic consumer and the transformation of distribution
At Natexpo, 1100 suppliers will be present, highlighting the major developments in organic farming through their products and communications.
The first to be affected by market developments are distribution professionals. will be there to understand, sense and adapt to consumer expectations. They will find many answers at Natexpo. Sauveur Fernandez Econovateur will take stock at a conference " Distribution transformation: what are the consequences for organic? ? » on Sunday, October 20 at 14 p.m., Monday 21 at 17:30 p.m. and Tuesday 22 at 15 p.m. on the Bio-Trends Forum.
Where do these changes come from? The increasingly informed organic consumer is clarifying his or her beliefs. Are they more sensitive to the origin of products, by favoring local products, to their health, through preferred ingredients, to the well-being of manufacturers, then turning to fair trade, to reducing waste through bulk purchases, etc.? The conference on Sunday, October 20, at the Natexbio Forum " The consumer of organic stores, the benchmarks of his expectations, GOOD comes into play " as well as the conference on Monday 21st " The organic store consumer, the changes underway » by François Labbaye, president of Bio Développement, will provide some answers. His other conference on Tuesday, October 22 at 10 a.m. will complete the analysis: " The organic store consumer: ways to move forward with and towards them »! The sourcing angle will be addressed during the conference given on Sunday, October 20 at 14 p.m. and Monday, October 21 at 14 p.m. by Biopartenaire and Synadis Bio “Fair trade: the future of organic?”.
Another topical issue on which organic stores must make progress, the use of digital for communication and sales. Alice Roznowiev, journalist and communications consultant, will explain " the use of social networks by a specialist organic distributor » Sunday, October 20 at 15 p.m. and Monday, October 21 at 15 p.m. during the Natexbio Forum. Tancrède du Réau from Open Digital will enlighten distributors on " data at the service of the organic store » Sunday October 20 and Monday 21 at 11 a.m. in the same space.
Bulk in high demand
While various foodstuffs such as cereals, rice, pasta, etc. have been available in bulk for several years in specialist organic stores, we are seeing this offer grow in supermarkets to meet a sharply increasing demand.
But it's important to understand that the problems are real. On the one hand, consumers regularly face stockouts in both supermarkets and specialty stores. This can be demotivating for those who want to get involved.
On the other hand, the organic bulk offering is currently not sufficient to open a 100% bulk and organic store. This is why stores of this type have a mixed offering between organic and conventional (or sustainable agriculture).
To comment on these issues, Célia Rennesson of Réseau Vrac will give a conference at the Bio-Trends Forum on Sunday, October 20 at 16 p.m., Monday, October 21 at 14:30 p.m. and Tuesday, October 22 at 14 p.m.: “ Bulk and organic ».
In addition, Retail Expert, a speed dating space will allow existing or planned distributors to explore the issue of bulk sales in greater depth with several distribution experts.
HL Display France will present innovative or responsible merchandising solutions for bulk products.
The Belgian company Zero Waste Dispenser will explain its many bulk distribution solutions in stainless steel or glass, without plastic.
As for Jean Bottle, it meets the growing demand for bulk liquids thanks to its fountains as well as reusable and returnable bottles.
And for Belgian society Be-Fre, bags are only an option when they are reusable and eco-responsible!
Local is gaining importance
Will local products become a staple of organic distribution? The results of the new Ecozept survey – carried out in 106 organic specialist stores spread across 12 French regions – will be presented by Burkhard Schaer on Monday, October 21 at 11:30 a.m. at Organic Trends Forum.
It's already clear that local products are becoming increasingly important for organic specialty stores, and that customers are responding to them. Similarly, the availability and quality of local products are on the rise. This is good news for the local economy and consumers!
Concrete support for creating a store
More generally, space Retail Expert will be an opportunity to meet the experts for those who want to create their future store. ALV will offer its solutions for all stages of creation: choice of premises, financing, plans, equipment, animation, etc.
With over 60 years of experience in retail, HMY is also able to design a 360° project, from the design of the identity to the manufacture and installation of the furniture.
Regarding financing solutions, la Nef is a pioneer in ethical finance and participates in numerous initiatives with an ecological, social, or cultural vocation. In the food sector, it can help finance your project!
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