In an attempt to freshen wilting sales, the British organic industry will unveil a £2 million consumer awareness campaign  with the theme “Why I Love Organic.” Organic food sales declined 14 percent to £1.7 billion in 2009, the worst sales performance in two decades, according to the Co-operative Bank. The U.K.s Organic Trade Board believes the slump in sales is due to widespread consumer misunderstanding of what the term organic means. The goal of the three-year campaign, therefore, is to raise awareness of the benefits of organic food and farming and to encourage more purchasing of organic produce. Backed by the European Union, the campaign has the support of more than 75 U.K. retailers and brands, including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, Green & Black’s, Rachel’s and Yeo Valley.

If the large turnout at the recent American Muslim Consumer Conference in New York is any indication, U.S. businesses are stepping up efforts to cater to the Muslim community. The trend is already noticeable in the food industry, with such companies as McDonald's, Wal-Mart, and Whole Foods now selling halal lines prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary laws. American producers are following the lead of Europe, which has established itself in the burgeoning halal industry, which posts yearly international sales of over half a billion dollars. But, like their European counterparts, American manufacturers can expect resistance from Christian populations in the current political climate. Errol Schweizer, an executive with Whole Foods, nevertheless predicts continuing penetration by American business into the Muslim market: "It isn't a question of whether they're going to do it. It's a question of where and when and how."

Whole Foods Market has launched a healthy eating promotional campaign called “Health Starts Here” in its 303 stores. The program offers products, education, practical tools and wellness resources to promote healthy lifestyles, the company says. Four key principles underlie the program: eating whole, fresh, natural and organic foods; incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, beans and legumes into every meal; eating nutrient-dense foods that pack more nutrients per calorie; and consuming healthy fats from whole plant foods like nuts, avocados and seeds. The program is being implemented in a variety of departments, with a special emphasis on prepared foods, bakery, and frozen vegetables. According to Margaret Wittenberg of Whole Foods, “’Health Starts Here’ can help turn New Year’s resolutions into long-term health and wellness solutions.”