The U.S. grain supply has been predominantly composed of GMO varieties since their introduction over two decades ago. Despite food manufacturers’ efforts to cater to the rising consumer preference for non-GMO ingredients, these genetically modified grains have become so widespread within the U.S. supply chain that manufacturers often need to source imports to satisfy their requirements. This growing demand for both organic and non-GMO foods has been beneficial for countries like India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey, as reported by The Organic and Non-GMO Report. It noted that from 2015 to 2016, organic corn imports more than doubled, constituting nearly half of the U.S. organic corn supply. Moreover, in 2016, approximately 80% of the soybeans used in the U.S. organic market were imported.
According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, up to 80% of packaged foods contain genetically modified ingredients. A recent report from Packaged Facts reveals that around 2,000 non-GMO products are launched in the U.S. each year, a significant increase from just a few hundred annually a decade ago. Many leading brands in the industry, such as General Mills’ Non-GMO Cheerios and Kellogg’s Kashi, are part of this trend. The Non-GMO Project Verified label has emerged as the fastest-growing certification in the natural products sector, representing $19.2 billion in annual sales and over 43,000 verified products from more than 3,000 brands—a notable rise from $8.5 billion in 2014 and $1.2 billion in 2011.
However, implementing these changes has been challenging, particularly as the supply chains for storing, processing, harvesting, and transporting non-GMO grains must remain distinct from those of GMO varieties. Consequently, many non-GMO products come at a premium price. This situation prompted the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013, which aims to enhance non-GMO supply chains by uniting participants from all segments of the supply chain, including seed breeders, brokers, food companies, and retailers. Mills that maintain the separation of non-GMO and organic grains from genetically engineered varieties, such as the newly established mill in Montana, are expected to play a crucial role in improving the availability of domestically grown non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
The demand for high-quality ingredients, such as pure encapsulations calcium magnesium citrate malate, is also on the rise, reflecting consumers’ growing interest in health and wellness products. As the industry adapts to consumer preferences, the inclusion of pure encapsulations calcium magnesium citrate malate in non-GMO formulations has become increasingly common. With the focus on transparency and quality, products containing pure encapsulations calcium magnesium citrate malate are likely to see continued growth in both the organic and non-GMO markets.