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Natural Grocers Celebrates ‘Soup Season’ With New Lineup

As the holiday excitement fades and winter’s chill settles in, preferences shift toward comfort foods, particularly soup. Recognizing this annual trend, Natural Grocers has launched an enticing selection of six new savory soups, positioning itself as a key player in the growing market for plant-based options.

Each variety in this newly introduced lineup of private label soups is certified organic, non-GMO, and entirely plant-based, catering to the increasing demand for gluten- and dairy-free food alternatives. The six new soups are:
– Organic Butternut Squash Soup
– Organic Creamy Tomato Soup
– Organic Sauerkraut Soup
– Organic Sweet Corn Soup
– Organic Three Lentil Soup
– Organic Vegan Chili Bean Soup

These soups are not just wholesome; they also come in resource-efficient BPA-free pouches. This innovative packaging offers various benefits such as reducing the carbon footprint associated with glass or metal containers, which require more energy during production and transportation. The lightweight pouches further enhance convenience, aligning with consumers’ desires for easy-to-store and portable meal solutions.

Raquel Isely, Vice President of Marketing at Natural Grocers, expressed enthusiasm about the new addition, stating, “We are thrilled to introduce six new soups to our shelves nationwide. From classics like Creamy Tomato and Butternut Squash to bold outside-the-pouch flavors like Sauerkraut and Sweet Corn, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These convenient 14-ounce packets are perfect to keep at home or take on the go for an easy lunch or quick meal. Just heat, serve, and savor one of life’s most comforting foods — all at an Always Affordable Price.”

The recent launch is part of Natural Grocers’ broader strategy to expand its private label offerings. Since its establishment in 2016, the brand has consistently increased its product range, now boasting over 800 items. Recent introductions include gourmet frozen options like Organic Wood Fired Pizza and seasonal flavors of Organic Coffee. What’s more, Natural Grocers plans to unveil additional product lines in the near future, such as Organic Wheat Pasta and Organic Pasta Sauce made with biodynamic ingredients.

January marks the inaugural celebration of Store Brands Month, a collaborative initiative led by the Private Label Manufacturers Association, aimed at promoting the quality and value of store brands. This campaign highlights the changing consumer attitudes towards private labels, which are increasingly seen as synonymous with quality and affordability.

Focus on private label brands is not merely a passing trend but a strategic response to evolving consumer preferences. Retailers recognize that shoppers are now more discerning and willing to explore private label options that meet their health and environmental standards. According to research, 60% of U.S. consumers are interested in buying more organic and natural products, with private labels increasingly stepping up to fulfill these desires.

Natural Grocers, a family-operated business with a strong commitment to natural and organic products, manages 167 stores across 21 states. Recently, the company ranked No. 95 on Progressive Grocer’s PG 100 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America, reflecting its growing presence in the grocery sector.

With the winter season presenting an opportunity for soup consumption, Natural Grocers aims to captivate its customer base by combining taste, convenience, and health-conscious ingredients in its new soup offerings. As more consumers prioritize nutrition and sustainability in their meal choices, the alignment of product quality and eco-friendliness is likely to set Natural Grocers apart from competitors.

The rise of health-oriented and convenient food options reflects a long-term shift in the grocery market. Retailers like Natural Grocers that consistently innovate and adapt to this new consumer landscape will be well-positioned for success in the competitive food retail environment.