Berkshire Organics named top grocer

DALTON – Berkshire Organics Market and Delivery Service has been named one of the Top 12 Right to Know Grocers in North America by Organic Consumers Association (OCA). The store was selected from a field of more than 150 stores, nominated by hundreds of consumers from around the country.

“We are honored to have been nominated, and thrilled to have been chosen as one of the top 12 grocers in the country focused on eliminating GMO foods from our shelves,” said Aleisha Gibbons, owner of Berkshire Organics. “It took us about six months to look at all the products we carry and examine the ingredients lists on each and every product.

“We have contacted many food producers who have been receptive to changing their ingredients. We also removed many items from our store.

“We wouldn’t be here without the continuing support of our customers who have supported us in this effort to provide clean, non-gmo food for our local community.”

The OCA launched its Top Right to Know Grocers contest, a project of its Organic Retail and Consumer Alliance (ORCA) Campaign in March.

Consumers were asked to nominate health food and natural health stores, food co-ops and CSAs that are making an honest effort to inform consumers about products they carry that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and those stores that are actively working toward GMO-free product lines. More than 360 consumers nominated a total of 156 stores.

The OCA interviewed store owners and managers to confirm strategies and policies.

The OCA is expanding the Top Right to Know Grocers project by providing an online hub where grocers can connect and share strategies for eliminating or labeling GMOs. The OCA is committed to growing the market for organics, and to advocating for truth and transparency in labeling.

Berkshire Organics is a local, family-owned business created to bring area residents and local farms together. The market offers local and organic produce, local meat, farm fresh dairy, groceries, breads, baked goods, gluten-free foods, personal care, cleaning products and much more. They deliver fresh, local and organic produce and groceries to homes and businesses throughout Berkshire County.

“As demand grows for organic, locally and sustainably-grown, truthfully-labeled, non-GMO foods, hundreds of food retailers are rising to the occasion,” said Ronnie Cummins, OCA national director. “The OCA wants to recognize the efforts stores like Berkshire Organics are making, which include pressuring food manufacturers to transition from GMO to non-GMO ingredients, and providing consumers with clear labeling so they can make informed choices.”

Posted by Kameron Z. Spaulding on July 11, 2013. Filed under Community News,Featured,News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry