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Organic: It's Not a Trend, It's a Growing Lifestyle

Or-gan-ic adj. Food grown or reared without
the use of synthentic chemicals.

Most consumers today know what it
means to be organic. However, the word
organic seems to be key to a growing
lifestyle, not simply a trend.


According to Food Processing Magazine (Jan. 07), editor Frances Katz notes, “A big trend with far-reaching implications is organic. It’s not a flavor, but is a stamp that is

being sought on just about all flavors.” Sourcing of ingredients and keeping up with the latest regulations takes a lot of time – in order to keep the organic label. The effects ‘organic’ has on the flavor industry is something Nielsen-Massey knows about first hand.

Organics are certainly nothing new to
Nielsen-Massey. The first organic product,
Organic Pure Vanilla Extract, was introduced in 1997, when the word ‘organic’ was still something fairly rare. The organic product line has since grown to include Organic Vanilla Beans and Organic Pure Vanilla Powder.

According to ConsumerReports.org, “Organic products are one of the fastest growing categories in the food business. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. consumers bought organic foods and beverages in 2005, up

from about half in 2004. Sales are expected to more than double by 2009.” Consumers may be buying organic for various reasons, from support for producers’ environmentally-friendly practices to those simply trying to decrease their exposure to chemicals in the food that they eat.

So what does it really mean to be an
organic vanilla product? At Nielsen-Massey, it means sourcing out all organic  ingredients. This includes locating an acceptable source of organically grown vanilla beans and organic certifying agencies. The beans have to be certified at the point of growth, and all growing practices and conditions observed. No pesticides or synthetic fertilizers can be used. Each shipment of vanilla beans is required to include a certificate indicating that they were inspected and certified organic. Even the alcohol goes through a rigorous series of tests and tastings, in accordance with USA laws and agencies, to ensure the proper quality for use in an organic product. All Nielsen-Massey’s Organic Vanilla products are certified organic by Quality Assurance International.

Beth Nielsen Takes On Active Role

Beth Nielsen

This year is not only exciting for Nielsen-Massey due to its 100th celebration, but because Beth Nielsen, sister of Matt and Craig Nielsen, has recently accepted
the offer from her brothers to take an active role in the day-to-day operations of the business.

In the mid 80’s, a publication asked
Chat Nielsen which of his three children
would carry on the family business. He
was quoted that he hoped they follow
their own passions, but that his daughter,
Beth, was most likely to continue his legacy. She apparently took all he said to heart, as

she forged her own path in business with two of her passions, food (of course) and education.

After college, she was hired to implement a Spanish language program at a school, and was later promoted to Director of the school. From there, she left to continue her education in the food industry. After being hired by the founder and president of a start-up restaurant corporation as Financial Controller, she learned very quickly all facets of a new business. For the first few years, she was also in charge of Human Resources, Public Relations, Marketing, Development, and Management Training, and later named the Director of PR and Marketing.

Her next move was building and opening a progressive private school, which she

owned and operated for several years until selling it and moving to Europe. Living in Europe and taking international business classes gave her a better understanding of the intricacies in business outside the U.S., so it seemed logical to make her Director-International of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas.

“I have always been involved in the family business, beginning with “R&D” of ice cream in the family kitchen, working at the plant in the summer, lending business advice to my mother and brothers, reviewing financials, helping with trade shows, translating business documents
in Spanish, etc. I look forward to working full-time with my brothers to continue and grow the Nielsen-Massey legacy,” says Beth.

 

Industry News - AIB Certification

We like to use the Vanilla Vine to keep you updated on any industry news,
including that about our company. One item that we are proud of and would like to share with you is that we recently received the Superior rating from The American Institute of Baking (AIB).

This is our 16th year in a row now that the company has received the prestigious
AIB-Superior rating for its production
of Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Products and
Flavorings. The inspection involves a thorough review of the production facility covering operational methods and

practices, food safety, pest control, cleaning and maintenance and quality documentation. This rating proves once again that our customers can count on us for superior quality products each and every time, and demonstrates our commitment to the future success of their products.

“We are once again proud to receive
the Superior rating for our facility. Our dedicated employees work diligently each day to make sure that our production facilities are of the highest quality and safety,” says Craig Nielsen, CEO of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas.

NMV Organic Products Offer Pure Quality

Our first organic product, Organic Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, debuted in the fall of 1997. After two years of research and development, the necessary organic ingredients which we were able to procure met Nielsen-Massey Vanillas’ quality standards. This extract provides the creamy, sweet, smooth and mellow flavor of the pinnacle of vanillas, Madagascar
Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract. It is produced using all organically certified ingredients, including vanilla beans grown on the
island of Madagascar by some of the finest curers in the world. As with all Nielsen- Massey Pure Vanilla Extracts, it is made under the same stringent quality and purity standards, using the unique cold extraction process.

Whether for retail sale or for an industrial product, this organic extract is sure to satisfy your need for both high quality vanilla
flavor and an organic label. It is ideal for anything from baked goods and confections to ice cream. It is available in various
strengths, for your specific product needs.

Secondly, are our Organic Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans. The Organic Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean vials and bulk by-the-pound Organic Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans are again available to our customers who seek the finest in organically certified ingredients.

These Organically Certified Gourmet Vanilla Beans have been carefully selected for their superior quality, taste, aroma, and
appearance. Nielsen-Massey hand-selects the fresh beans for each individual vial, and carefully packages them just for you.

Whole vanilla beans are the ideal way to capture all the essence of the bean. Crème Brulee, flan, ice creams, and savory sauces

alike are the perfect partners for using the whole vanilla bean. And since it is Organic, you know it is a product you can trust to uphold the integrity of your organic product or recipe.

Last in line to hit the market was our Organic Pure Vanilla Powder. This is the Nielsen-Massey Vanillas’ signature
Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder in an Organic form. It is the essence of Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla on an
organic, sugar-free, dry base. It is particularly suitable for applications such as dry bakery mixes, breads and cookies, in liquid or color-sensitive products such as glazes or icings, and as a flavoring for beverages. It is used measure for measure the same as Pure Vanilla Extract.

Organic Pure Vanilla Powder is available for industrial and foodservice bulk by the pound use. Soon to be available is a 2.5 ounce size of the powder for retail sale. Nielsen- Massey’s Certified Organic Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder sets the standard for premium organic ingredients.

For more information about Nielsen- Massey’s Organic product line, contact us at 1-800-525-PURE (7873) or visit
www.NielsenMassey.com.



Issue 1 2007

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Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc.
1550 Shields Drive
Waukegan, IL 60085-8307

Telephone: 847/578-1550
800/525-PURE (7873)
Fax: 847/578-1570
email: info@nielsenmassey.com

Nielsen-Massey Vanillas International, LLC.
Uranusweg 10
8938 AJ Leeuwarden, Netherlands
Telephone:31 58 28 82 880
Fax: 31 58 28 00 288