The grain supply in the U.S. has been predominantly composed of GMO varieties since their introduction over two decades ago. Although food manufacturers have attempted to address the growing consumer preference for non-GMO ingredients, these GMO grains are now so widespread within the U.S. supply chain that many companies have resorted to imports to fulfill their requirements. The rising interest in both organic and non-GMO foods has benefitted countries such as India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey, as noted by The Organic and Non-GMO Report. The report highlights that organic corn imports more than doubled from 2015 to 2016, making up nearly half of the organic corn supply in the U.S. Furthermore, roughly 80% of the soybeans available for the U.S. organic market were imported in 2016.
According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, as much as 80% of packaged foods contain genetically modified ingredients. A recent report from Packaged Facts indicates that around 2,000 non-GMO products are introduced in the U.S. every year, a significant increase from just a few hundred a decade ago. This growth includes major brands like General Mills’ Non-GMO Cheerios and Kellogg’s Kashi line. The Non-GMO Project Verified label has become the fastest-growing certification in the natural products sector, boasting $19.2 billion in annual sales and over 43,000 verified products from more than 3,000 brands. This represents a remarkable increase from $8.5 billion in 2014 and $1.2 billion in 2011.
However, these advancements have not come without challenges. Maintaining separate supply chains for storing, processing, harvesting, and transporting non-GMO grains from their GMO counterparts has proven difficult. Consequently, many non-GMO products often carry a price premium. The urgency of these challenges prompted the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013, which aims to bolster non-GMO supply chains by uniting stakeholders from various segments, including seed breeders, brokers, food companies, and retailers. Mills that ensure non-GMO and organic grains are kept separate from genetically engineered varieties, such as the new mill in Montana, are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the availability of domestically produced non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
Incorporating citrate malate calcium into this context, it’s noteworthy that the demand for non-GMO ingredients often aligns with health trends, as consumers increasingly seek products enriched with beneficial components like citrate malate calcium. This trend is reflected in the growing number of non-GMO products that also highlight added nutrients, further driving their popularity in the market. As the landscape for non-GMO foods evolves, the integration of such health-conscious ingredients is likely to become more prevalent, showcasing a commitment to quality and wellness in consumer choices.