• AUSTRIA: FIRST CONFIRMED BSE CASE
• UK: LONDON'S LUSCIOUS ORGANIC REVOLUTION

UK: TOXIC PESTICIDE TRACES FOUND
IN NON-ORGANIC MILK
14 December

Traces of the toxic pesticide Lindane – linked to cancer and hormone disruption in humans – have been found in non-organic milk from the UK, the Government’s Pesticide Residue Committee revealed on 13th December.

In their report on tests taken over the Summer, the Committee found Lindane in 8% of non-organic milk samples tested. No traces of any pesticide were found in any of the organic milk samples tested. Lindane is regarded as a particularly dangerous pesticide, and is due to be removed from sale next year across the EU because of its suspected link to breast cancer, and its potential hormone-disrupting capabilities.

Earlier in the year the committee found traces of another dangerous pesticide, DDT, in non-organic butter. No traces were found in organic butter. DDT can affect the nervous system, is a possible human carcinogen and may have a harmful effect on reproduction.

David Whiting, of the "Drink Organic" campaign, said: "The only way consumers can be sure of avoiding pesticide residues in dairy products is to buy British organic milk, butter, yoghurt and cheese. We believe no level of pesticide is safe in food for human consumption. Pesticides are designed to poison – they should not be in our food."

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AUSTRIA: FIRST CONFIRMED BSE CASE

12 December

Austria’s clean image was dented this week with the confirmation of the first BSE case in the country which leaves Sweden as the only country in the European Union without a reported case of the brain-wasting scourge.

However, it is an ill-wind etc. and the confirmation is expected to boost demand for organic foods particularly as demand for organic products soared in January after a false BSE alert.

"We could have sold five to 10 times more pork than we could have produced then," said Alexandra Pohl, of the Austrian National Association for the Promotion of Organic Farming.

Health Minister Herbert Haupt called for promotion of organic farming in the face of the BSE case, but agriculture ministry
spokesman Daniel Kapp said that would only work if there was enough demand for organic foods.

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Organic Convenience Stores in UK

UK: LONDON'S LUSCIOUS ORGANIC REVOLUTION

December 17

London's first organic convenience store chain celebrated the official opening this week of its Flagship store on Kensington's High Street bringing the UK and the capital the next step in the organic retailing revolution.

Luscious Organic aims to change the way people shop by offering everything you find at your local corner store in an organic form. Store number one is now open in Kensington High Street and store number two opens next week in Fulham Broadway and already the company is being approached by business people to take the concept overseas or to franchise.

"No longer will you have to trek to a big supermarket for your organic needs - we are just on the corner selling everything from
organic toilet paper to tomatoes, ready meals to raisins, crisps to carrots. We are organically convenient," said Co-Managing
Director, Alison Rose.

"We want to be the organic equivalent of your local Sainsbury’s by offering hip, up- market well designed organic corner stores. The design makes the store fun to shop in. We're taking organic retailing to a new level - accessible organic food in a funky environment 'just around the corner'. We want to be organically convenient," said Luscious Co-Managing Tony Guy.

The latest research reveals the use of corner stores is growing by 7.7 percent and people use them 5 times a week while
supermarket usage is up 4.8 percent. Separate Luscious research reveals locals in the area want to buy organic but don't want to have to trek miles and want a range of products that say quality. "People want to buy organic because they want to know what they're eating - wouldn't you!

"We plan to be your up-market, quality organic corner store. Plus we offer a loyalty card scheme, the chance to qualify for preferred customer status, there will be deliveries and in store there are unique features like a basin for you to wash your veggies on site!" said Ms Rose. "While we can never compete with the organic supermarket leaders like Planet Organic, Here and Fresh and Wild we do hope we can play a key role in the corner store sector," said Alison.

Husband and wife team, Alison and Tony arrived in London 3 years ago with a dream to open a chain of low fat cafes. They opened one and raised £650,000 through private investment. The deal was to give investors 6 stores. Instead Alison and Tony doubled expectations and gave investors 11 stores including 9 cafes inside the Holmes Place Health Club chain, 2 organic corner stores, a new corporate identity, a website and a laterally integrated brand - thanks to the support of Londoners.

"It's been tough but we did and it and are so proud of our company and staff and now the organics. Now we're looking to take on third round funding to expand the organic stores with another 4 sites identified. Many people said we couldn't do this - we arrived in the UK after leaving high profile TV anchor jobs with no contacts or friends - but we made it happen.

"Our low fat cafes have grown rapidly - organics is another fast growing market and our mission statement of great service, great food, easy access and an ability to stay ahead of the market is what our organics will offer," said Tony.

Ph: 0207 262 9492, email info@luscious.co.uk Web: http://www.luscious.co.uk/