Natural Grocers Enters Private Label With Namesake Line

Natural Grocers has introduced a line of premium private label products, including more than 35 items across 10 categories.

The Natural Grocers brand features a number of organic products, including pasta sauce; olive oil; preserves; bread; apple cider vinegar; tortilla chips; taco shells; canned tomatoes, beans and vegetables; maple syrup; Fair Trade coffee; and frozen fruits, all to be introduced in November. Other offerings to come in 2019 include 100 percent grass-fed cheese, organic and Fair Trade chocolate, organic coconut milk, 100 percent grass-fed beef jerky, and organic frozen vegetables.

Highlighting differentiators of several products, Natural Grocers said that:

• The premium organic pasta sauce is made with heirloom tomatoes from plants that haven't been altered for generations, and contains no added sugar
• The organic extra-virgin olive oil hasn't been blended with any other type of oil or treated with heat or chemicals
• The preserves are made in small batches, using a family recipe dating back to the 1800s

"Our name has been defining the highest quality standards in the natural foods industry since before it really was an industry, so when it comes time to put our name on products, only the highest-quality products will do, and we make sure that they are priced so that everyone can afford them," said Kemper Isely, Natural Grocers co-president. "We want products that represent our values: hormone and antibiotic-free meats; pasture-based dairy; pasture-raised eggs; no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, sweeteners, hydrogenated oils or partially hydrogenated oils; and non-GMO -- values that have been defining our family's mission since 1955: never compromising quality for the easy way through."

All products' packaging sports a standardized labeling system that, created in partnership with How2Recycle, clearly communicates recycling instructions. Recyclable packaging is an important component of Natural Grocers' eco-friendly and sustainable practices.

Lakewood, Colo.-based Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Inc. employs more than 3,500 associates and operates 148 stores in 19 states.