This is definitely a trend. The major chicken folks at Perdue – who have dipped deeply into the antibiotic free bird business – have acquired the “natural meat” collection known at Niman Ranch that raises the bulk of the pork Chipotle Mexican Grill uses. Niman is also a favorite among independent chefs reaching for Farm to Table dollars and cred. Is this good or bad news for demanding consumers and clean food businesses?
Well, possibly both.
n the one hand, when Kashi natural grain cereals was purchased by Kellogg the ingredients list soon got funky to the point where they were fined and had to change the wording. Celestial Seasonings Teas are reported to have all sorts of pesticide residue, belying their hippy health food past. Nestle continues to buy bottled water brands and for all I know, is right now filling bottles from my kitchen faucet and blowing bubbles laced with fruit flavors. I wouldn’t trust them as far as I can toss a case of Pelligrino.
On the other hand there’s Panera Bread, a company that seems to be staying ahead, instead of responding to the ever present cultural and revenue march towards better, cleaner foods. They continue to spend real time, money and resources to move in a direction where a significant portion of the buying public wants to live, shop and eat.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Forbes
