Rep tape cut to support organic food export to Japan

Government has announced it has cut red tape to help the UK’s food producers access Asia’s fastest-growing organic markets in Japan.

Food Security Minister, Dame Angela Eagle, has announced British organic food producers will see red tape slashed and the doors opened to Asia’s second largest organic market, worth £1.4 billion and growing fast.

Coming into effect last week, the UK and Japan have formally recognised the equivalency of each other’s organic livestock standards. This will create significant market access for British exporters to meet growing consumer demand for organic products in Japan, from organic bacon and sausages to cheese and butter. This means British businesses will need only a single UK organic certification to sell their organic livestock products in both countries, cutting costs and bureaucracy and breaking down a major trade barrier. The Government says it has identified removal of this trade barrier as one of its market access priorities, with the potential to boost British export sales and generate millions in additional trade each year according to industry estimates.

Eagle commented: “From Welsh organic cheese to world-class organic British beef, our farmers and producers set the gold standard for quality. This arrangement tears down barriers and gives them access to Japanese consumers who are increasingly seeking out the very best organic products the world has to offer.”

Stuart McNally, Business Development and Sales Manager for Welsh organic dairy producer, Calon Wen, which is now looking to establish a foothold in Japan, described it as a “very welcome breakthrough”.

“This equivalency with Japan allows us to pursue opportunities previously out of reach. This includes organic business tenders worth substantial trade annually. It’s a positive step that supports our family farms and strengthens the reputation of Welsh organic dairy in premium export markets such as Japan,” he added.

In a statement, Defra explained that the UK-Japan organics market already enjoys a thriving trade partnership, where British organic produce including tea, fruit and vegetable juices, cereals, sauces, and syrups are already winning over Japanese consumers, who in return export popular staples like organic soy sauce, noodles, and green tea enjoyed by British consumers.

Natural cosmetics forum announced for industry

NATRUE has announced the inaugural Natural Cosmetics Industry Forum.

The leading global association for natural and organic cosmetics is hosting the first ever Natural Cosmetics Industry Forum on May 20 at the Humboldt Carré in Berlin.

A day dedicated to the future of natural and organic cosmetics, the forum brings together professionals from across the sector for exchange, learning, and collaboration, and is free to attend. Designed specifically for industry stakeholders, the in-person conference will feature expert-led sessions and provide a platform to discuss the latest developments, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the natural cosmetics industry.

This year’s central theme – The Modernising of Natural & Organic Cosmetics – will explore how the cosmetics industry can evolve while staying true to its core values of sustainability, transparency, and authenticity. The conference programme will cover key topics influencing the sector including innovation, scientific developments, regulatory challenges, and market trends.

The forum is open to professionals across the natural and organic cosmetics value chain, including cosmetic brands and manufacturers, retailers and distributors, ingredient and raw material suppliers, certification bodies and standard setters, regulatory and policy experts, researchers, scientists and formulators, industry associations, as well as journalists and media representatives.

• Registration is now open at https://natrue.org/natural-cosmetics-industry-forum/

Natracare announces it is shifting to employee owned model as new CEO joins

Natracare has announced a significant new chapter as it comes an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), as a new CEO comes on board.

The pioneering brand behind the world’s first organic cotton tampon and compostable pads and panty liners has announced its parent company, Bodywise UK, has transitioned to an EOT as the founders take a step back. This ownership structure strengthens and safeguards the company’s long-term mission to care for people and the planet. Alongside this transition, Natracare says it is pleased to announce the appointment of Nina Davies as its new CEO, who joins with 25 years’ of leadership experience, and in recent years, has focused on the intersection of brand, culture and impact, creating campaigns and communities that inspire shared values and collective action.

Susie Hewson MBE, who founded Natracare in 1989 (pictured right, with Nina), commented: “From the beginning, Natracare was built to show that the personal care industry could be better for our bodies, communities and the planet. Transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust ensures that these values remain protected and championed by the people who live them every day.”

Nina added: “The transition to employee ownership is particularly meaningful. It signals the shift from founder-led to future-led. A future where responsibility, contribution and reward are more widely shared. It enables us to foster a unique culture built on trust and commitment to care – seeing this come to life to deliver tangible and meaningful value for everyone will be the first signs of success.

“I’m incredibly proud to be stepping into the role of CEO at such an important moment in the company’s journey. This next chapter is about honouring the company’s founding values while building a business that grows responsibly and empowers people, both inside and outside the organisation, to be part of meaningful change. I believe that brands can play a critical role in shaping behaviour change and redefining a better future, and as the original pioneers of the organic period care category, Natracare is a shining example of this. I feel very privileged to be learning from two incredibly visionary founders, and to continue their campaign with such a strong and talented team. I’m thrilled to see the impact we can achieve together.”

As the founders begin to gradually step back from day-to-day leadership, choosing an EOT over private equity was an ethical decision as much as a strategic one. They wanted Natracare’s future to stay true to the values on which it was built, prioritising environmental responsibility, integrity and care for its people. EOT ownership keeps the company’s values in the hands of those who live them every day, rather than potential external investors driven by short-term returns. For Natracare employees, this means employees will collectively share in the company’s long-term value and achievements, while the model strengthens Natracare’s purpose, ensuring decisions are grounded in long-term benefits, not short-term financial gains. Employee ownership strengthens the connection between each person’s work and the brand’s commitment to ethical, sustainable care.