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Since 9/11 Americans' Food
Safety Concerns & Organic
Food Buying Have Increased

CONSUMER RESEARCH ALERT

November 27, 2001

Based on a recent survey of 1,912 Americans, conducted during the
week of November 12, 2001 by The Natural Marketing Institute (NMI),
the effect of current U.S. terrorism events are indeed reshaping the
health & wellness industry --- with almost 30% of Americans stating
that the recent terrorism events have increased their focus on
personal health & wellness.

The events of September 11th (and subsequent terrorism activities)
will forever have an effect on consumer attitudes, beliefs, behavior
and usage of various products and services within health and wellness,
as well as other consumer-driven industries. In the end, consumers are
left feeling uncertain and vulnerable. NMI's survey of 1,900+ U.S.
households shows that:

- 58% state that the recent U.S. terrorism effects have strengthened
their family values

- 63% state that these events have given them renewed focus on home
and family

- 20% state that they have the need to find lifestyle products and
services that help them deal with stress and anxiety

The increased need for health and wellness products --- including
everything from comfort food to yoga to dietary supplements to
exercise videos (and even prescription drugs) --- is clear. And as
30% of Americans increase their focus on health and wellness, many
brands are positioned to meet these consumer needs.

Additional results of NMI's consumer research shows that the recent
terrorism events will also have a positive impact on organic and
natural foods. In summary, more than 30% of Americans state that they
have increased concerns about the safety of the food supply --- and 8%
of Americans state that they plan to increase their purchase of
organic and natural foods.

There has been a renewed sense of unity in this country, which will
have significant effects throughout the duration of this "war on
terrorism." Things can and will change on a regular basis. Steve
French, NMI Managing Partner, states, "The feelings of consumer
uncertainty and vulnerability will last into the foreseeable future.
The only certainty is uncertainty, which is sure to last for a while.
Therefore, understanding the true effect on the health and wellness
marketplace is vital. Ignoring changes in consumer attitudes and
behavior is not an option --- recognizing the true impact is crucial
now more than ever."

__________________________________

The data from the survey of 1,900+ U.S. households was generated by
NMI's newest consumer research vehicle, HealthBeat InteractiveT --- a
strategic alliance with The Harris Poll. To learn more about how you
can customize your own proprietary questions (for a fraction of the
cost of traditional consumer research methodologies), please contact
Steve French, NMI Managing Partner, at 215-713-5300 (ext. 214) or via
e-mail to steve@NMIsolutions.com.

HealthBeat InteractiveT allows organizations to capture proprietary
consumer opinions and attitudes regarding specific products, brands,
new product concepts, and other vital measures across any topic of
their choice. This research is the perfect tool for tracking and
measuring key factors such as consumer awareness, sources of
influence, consumer attitudes, usage patterns, drivers of behavior,
effects of advertising, and much more. Check out
http://www.nmisolutions.com/pages/hbiweb.pdf for more information.