Earth Now Expo Comes To Las Vegas

Approximately 50 percent of U.S. consumers consider at least one sustainability factor in selecting consumer packaged goods (CPG) when choosing where to shop. In a December 2007 survey conducted by Information Resources, Inc., 22,000 U.S. consumers surveyed were asked to determine the impact of four key sustainability features in their product and store selection—organic, eco-friendly products, eco-friendly packaging and fair treatment of employees and suppliers. One-fifth of those surveyed were determined to be "sustainability driven," taking at least two sustainability factors into account when making their selections.

"Sustainability has evolved from a niche segment into a major factor influencing purchasing and shopping behavior across a sizable consumer base," says IRI Chief Marketing Officer Andrew Salzman. "Our survey indicates that consumers are focused more and more on the social and environmental impact of their CPG purchases, creating a viable and growing U.S. market for sustainable products and packaging."

Highlights of the Survey Include:

· Approximately 30 percent of buyers look for eco-friendly products and packaging in their brand selection.

· Up to one-quarter of those surveyed consider fair trade practices along with eco-friendly or organic designations in selecting a shopping destination.

· Nearly 40 percent of consumers search specifically for organic and natural products.

The report also found that sustainability issues cut across every consumer age group. Though contrary to assumptions that green retailing is a youth-oriented phenomenon, IRI data shows that older consumers are actually the more likely audience to weigh multiple sustainability factors in their purchases. This is the consumer group with the most disposable income and ability and willingness to pay extra for eco-freindly products.

Salzman said, "As sustainable products and packaging become more widely available, we anticipate that the market will expand across all consumer product segments."

About the Report
The Times & Trends report is available from IRI, a leading global leading provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market intelligence and insights for the consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail and healthcare industries.

Eco-friendly, organic and natural product manufacturers and service providers that get their products onto retail shelves NOW will be the most successful in the future. Manufacturers of green consumer products can establish their pruducts as green category leaders by getting their products on retail shelves and Internet stores.

Eco retailing is a $230 Billion Dollar industry and will grow another 38% or another $87 Billion Dollars.

The LOHAS (Lifestyes of Health and Sustainability) industry is now a $230 Billion Dollar industry and will continue at a pace of 38% annually for several years. This is an extremely viable market as 70% of the consumers are females, the sex that controls consumer spending. LOHAS buyers are educated with 73% earning bachelor degrees or higher and 31% of households earn an excess of 100,000 annually.

Green consumers will pay up to 20% more for products they believe in!

Smart product manufacturers that begin developing relationships with retailers NOW will be in the best position to grow their business. Exhibiting at earthNOW expo June 4-5, 2008 at the Las Vegas Convention Center is the place to meet face-to-face with green retailers and learn more about eco-retailing trends.