Hannaford Bros. and a number of other grocers are out to convince consumers that when it comes to organics and natural foods, there is nothing that companies such as Whole Foods can do that mainstream grocers can't do just as well if not better.
Hannaford Bros. is among a number of supermarket chains that have taken steps to become recognized as government "certified organic retailers."
To gain certification, chains need to agree to keep conventional and organic products separate from one another and not, for example, prepare them using the same equipment such as knives or deli slicers.
Stores participating in the program, reports The Associated Press, agree to on-site inspections from Quality Assurance International.
Santo Carnabuci, a store manager for Hannaford Bros., said consumers of organic items were seeking assurances from the company that conventional items were not tainting natural products.
"People that are totally into buying organic foods, they understand that it cannot coexist with something that isn't organic," he told The Associated Press. "Our responsibility is making sure the products stay organic from point A to point B, when it's in your hands. If you don't take all of the steps and keep things separate, it nullifies it."
Tara Withington, who shops at Hannaford Bros., is one of those consumers with that mindset. She wants a guarantee from the store that organic and conventional products are separated from one another.
"I need to know it's natural and I'm not giving them chemicals," said Ms. Withington. "I'm trying to keep them healthy, and this reassures me that they are not coming into contact with anything I don't want them to."
Discussion Question: The separation of conventional and organics sounds similar to certain religious edicts prohibiting foods from being prepared and consumed together. How seriously do you regard the demand by consumers for separation in organics? What does it mean for retailers?