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Organic vs. Non-Organic: What Makers Should Focus On

Written by PURIS
on June 26, 2020  |  9 min. read

There was a time when organic wasn't a choice. Before genetically modified seed, synthetic pesticides, and chemical herbicides became the norm, we just called it "food."

But today, the distinction between organic and non-organic has significant implications for supply chain reliability, certification compliance, and your bottom line.

If you are a food or beverage maker who is looking to provide trustworthy organic products to your consumers, it's important to know what to focus on. That's where PURIS comes in.

THE DEMAND FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTS

USDA Organic certification isn't just a label — it's PURIS's foundation for delivering consistent, compliant ingredients you can depend on.

According to the Organic Trade Association, the organic food market has grown to nearly $70 billion in annual sales as of 2023, with 85% of U.S. households now purchasing organic products. This growth trajectory continues to outpace conventional food markets by nearly three times, creating both opportunities and supply chain challenges.

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We believe that creating a safe and secure food future can mean going back to the more traditional ways of producing what we eat. Ways where soil, seed, and farmer know-how come together to make something wholesome and traceable.

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Certified organic: More Than Just a Label

Because there is no test to verify that a given food is organic, the USDA standard relies on verifications, transparency, and integrity throughout the supply chain.

icon-cert-organic-blkAll U.S. products carrying the USDA Certified Organic label must be grown and processed according to clear-cut standards, including:

  • Grown on land that has not been treated with unapproved pesticides, herbicides, chemicals or synthetic substances for more than three years 
  • No use of GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) seed
  • Utilizing crop rotation, cover crops, tillage, and approved fertilizers to maintain soil health
  • Processed without non-approved organic food processing aids
  • Not co-mingled with non-organic product

But the system isn't perfect — fraud can occur, which is why certification standards continue to evolve. And it's also why food and beverage makers need to make sure that the ingredients they are using come from a trustworthy organic supplier.

At PURIS, we track the entire ingredient growing and manufacturing process, from seed development to the farmers in our Grower's Program and the processing of our crops. To make 

Cost Implications and ROI Potential

While organic ingredients typically command a premium, PURIS's vertically integrated approach delivers significant cost advantages:

  • Elimination of multiple middlemen reduces supply chain costs and risk of contamination or quality impact
  • Consistent pricing models provide budget predictability
  • Lower risk of supply disruptions and quality inconsistencies that impact production
  • Confidence that you know exactly what is going into your products
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from Seed to a Sustainable Future

So, what makes PURIS so different from other ingredient manufacturers and suppliers? Let's talk about it.

  • Vertical Integration: We control our entire ingredient creation process, from proprietary seed development to final ingredient manufacturing, ensuring quality, sustainability, and traceability at every step.
  • Unmatched Quality Control: Our integrated testing protocols verify organic compliance, nutritional values, and functional parameters at multiple checkpoints throughout production.
  • Scalable Supply: With multiple production facilities and our network of contracted organic farmers, we can scale to meet your growing demand without compromising quality or certification.
  • R&D Support and Application Expertise: Our R&D team works alongside yours to optimize ingredient performance in your specific applications, reducing development time and improving outcomes.
  • Consistent Performance: From protein shakes to snacks to plant-based alternatives, products made with PURIS ingredients deliver naturally appealing flavor, abundant nutrition, and the peace of mind that comes with responsible practices.

What's more, partnering with PURIS directly supports the expansion of organic agriculture — creating a more sustainable food system for everyone. And who doesn't like that?

BROWSE ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

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