What are natural products?
Natural products are represented by a wide array of consumer goods that continue to grow in popularity each year. These products could include natural and organic foods, dietary supplements, pet foods, health and beauty products, "green" cleaning supplies and more. Generally, natural products are considered those formulated without artificial ingredients and that are minimally processed.

How are natural products regulated?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture sets standards for use of the term "natural" for meat and poultry. The agency also regulates use of the term "organic" under the Organic Foods Production Act. While the FDA does not have a formal definition for the term natural, the agency has not objected to its use on food labels provided they are truthful and not misleading.

Natural Facts:
In 2006, according to the Natural Foods Merchandiser, sales of natural products grew nearly 10 percent to $56.76 billion. This represents a 56 percent growth spurt over a four year period. Below are additional statistics from 2006 regarding natural products:

• Natural products retailers represent nearly 50 percent of the natural and organic marketplace at $28.27 billion
  
  
• Food sales in natural product stores were up 11.7 percent in 2006
  
  
• Natural products consumers are often motivated not only by their own health, but making buying choices that lead to sustainability of the environment
  
  
• The hottest categories in natural and organic foods are fresh meat and seafood
  
  
• Supplement sales in natural product stores were up 6.5 percent to almost $8.7 billion
  
  
• The largest dollar category in supplements is vitamins at $3.29 billion, with 6.3 percent growth over 2005
  
  
• Natural personal care sales grew by 18.4 percent to $2.78 billion
  
  
• Organic personal care increased 21.1 percent to $537 million
  
  
• Pet products were up 15.1 percent to $367 million, and organic pet foods and treats were up 31.2 percent to $85 million
  
  

Source: Natural Foods Merchandiser