Growth In Organics Is Common Sense

Growth In Organics Is Common Sense

Organic food is heading east as Commonsense Organics opens its fourth store, this time in Kilbirnie, in mid July. And, not surprisingly, the reasons for the expansion are not just skin deep.

“Certainly there’s a growing demand for organics, but it’s also about sustainability. If we take organics to the market, such as Wellington’s eastern suburbs - where many of our customers live and work, customers won’t need to drive across town to do their shopping. That’s going to save them time, and it’s better for the environment and for customers’ pockets given current fuel prices” says managing director Marion Wood.

Commonsense Organics is at the forefront of a different way of doing business. “All our strategic decisions, including financial ones, are made with a view to environmental and social improvement” Marion Wood explains.

“That means all the trades people we have worked with to fit-out the Kilbirnie store have had to come up with the most sustainable way of doing their job – whether it’s the paint they use, timber, lights or sealant on the floor. And that’s a big learning curve for all of us.” Another example of the company’s commitment to sustainability is the latest addition to their fleet of shop vans - it runs on bio-fuel, again reinforcing the brand’s sustainable positioning in the market.

Commonsense Organics is the first New Zealand retail business to become a member of the Fair Trade Association of New Zealand and to seek certification as a fair trade licensee.

“We see organics, fair trade and environmentally friendly products as the best way of doing business – it just makes sense. Our aim is for this approach to become mainstream – the norm – rather than be seen as an ‘alternative’ way of operating” Marion Wood adds.

And it seems customers see it that way too. Since Commonsense Organics started 15 years ago, the company has achieved an average of 31% growth per annum and has opened 3 stores in the Wellington region, including Wellington City, Lower Hutt, Paraparaumu and in mid July, Kilbirnie.

ENDS

© Scoop Media