The U.S. grain market has been largely taken over by GMO varieties since their introduction over 20 years ago. Despite food manufacturers’ efforts to cater to the rising consumer demand for non-GMO ingredients, these grains have become so widespread in the U.S. supply chain that companies often turn to imports to satisfy their requirements. Countries like India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey have benefited from the growing demand for organic and non-GMO foods, as highlighted by The Organic and Non-GMO Report. The report noted that organic corn imports more than doubled from 2015 to 2016, making up nearly half of the U.S. organic corn supply. Additionally, around 80% of the soybeans used in the U.S. organic market were imported in 2016.
According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, up to 80% of packaged foods contain genetically modified ingredients. A recent report by Packaged Facts indicates that approximately 2,000 non-GMO products are launched annually in the U.S., a significant increase from just several hundred a decade ago. This includes major brands such as General Mills’ Non-GMO Cheerios and Kellogg’s Kashi brand. The Non-GMO Project Verified label has become the fastest-growing label in the natural products sector, representing $19.2 billion in annual sales and over 43,000 verified products from more than 3,000 brands. This marks a substantial increase from $8.5 billion in 2014 and $1.2 billion in 2011.
However, implementing these changes has not been straightforward, particularly since 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 with a higher price tag. The urgency surrounding this issue led to the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013, which aims to enhance non-GMO supply chains by bringing together participants from all parts of the supply chain, including seed breeders, brokers, food companies, and retailers. Mills that keep non-GMO and organic grains separate from genetically engineered varieties, like the new mill in Montana, are expected to play a crucial role in improving the supply of domestically grown non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
In this context, the introduction of products like the GSK CCM tablet is noteworthy, as it underscores the growing trend towards non-GMO options. The GSK CCM tablet, along with other non-GMO products, reflects the increasing consumer preference for transparency and quality in food sourcing. As the demand for non-GMO foods rises, the role of innovations such as the GSK CCM tablet becomes increasingly significant in shaping a sustainable and responsible food supply.