Organic baby food set for growth in SA

"The demand for locally produced organic baby food in South Africa is set to grow. In the UK, organic baby food is growing at an average of 10% year-on-year, which means that local retailers can expect to see growth within this category in the near future," predicts Loren Young, MD of ForeBaby, a leading brand builder in the baby sector.

Locally produced Olli Organic baby food is certified organic and offers a range of jarred purees and cereals, made from naturally grown organically certified ingredients, ideal for babies from 6 months onwards.

It has a new look and has a campaign to educate parents about the benefits of organic food, particularly important for children who are susceptible to harmful chemical residues that may be found in non-organic foods. The new packaging complies with the current guidelines contained in the South African Infant Feeding Regulations.

The range does not contain sugar, salt or starch and is free from preservatives, colorants and genetically modified organisms (GMO). It contains no egg, gluten, dairy or wheat, making it suitable for babies with dietary allergies. The range is both Halaal and Kosher and offers babies a wide range of tasty vegetarian choices.

Young started ForeBaby in 2003 after seeing a gap in the baby category for high quality products at affordable price points. The business has grown substantially, launching new baby brands into the South African market and pioneering many leading private label programmes for some of the largest retail groups. The company currently represents the Vital Baby feeding accessory range from the UK, and the Irish brand of Sudocrem Healing Cream. It partnered with the Olli brand in 2012, which launched the company's scope into the nutritional sector.

Range available now

The product range is available at Baby City, Pick 'n Pay, Checkers, Dis-Chem and Toys R Us stores nationwide. For more information, go to www.olliorganic.com.

The convenient ready-to-eat jars of baby food are colour coded according to age groups. Recommended retail selling prices are 80ml - R7.90; 120ml - R9.80; and 180ml - R12.30.

Step 1 (from 6 months) (yellow lids)

• Organic Whole Grain Rice Cereal
  
• Apple, Butternut, Guava, Mango, Pear, Sweet Potato

Step 2 (from 7 months) (red lids)

• Apple & Pear Whole Grain Rice Cereal
  
• Apple & Pear, Butternut & Apple, Butternut & Marrow, Butternut & Sweet Potato

Step 3 (from 9 months) (blue lids)

• Banana Pear Multi Grain Oat Cereal (contains gluten)
  
• Lentil Casserole, Summer Stew, Fruity Breakfast Oats, Vanilla Rice Pudding