Courtesy of People Magazine
In case you hadn’t heard, Oprah Winfrey appears to be entering into the organic food business and this is massive, massive news.
Thanks to the great work of the New York Post, who recently unearthed some filings at the U.S. Patent and Trademark office, the media mogul has submitted applications for Oprah-branded organic food and health products under three distinct names: “Oprah’s Organics”, “Oprah’s Harvest” and “Oprah’s Farm”.
Forbes magazine said that the trademark filings cover the following products and services:
FOOD
Organic salad dressing; organic sauces; organic beverages; Frozen organic vegetables; organic soups; organic snack dips. Food, beverages, agricultural and catering services.
BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Bar soaps; bath and shower gels; bath oils; bath salts; bubble bath; massage oils; non-medicated skin care preparations for the face and body, namely, cleansers, toners, moisturizers, creams, lotions, oils, scrubs and masks; lip balms; sunscreens; eye creams; hand lotions; hand creams; hair care preparations, namely shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays, hair gels, hair mousse and hair oils.
MY TAKE
There are two primary reasons why Oprah getting into the organic food business is absolutely ENORMOUS.
1) Oprah will be the person to educate a large percentage of the American population about the importance of eating organic food and why they should also be using organic personal care products – because these non-toxic, hormone-free, GMO-free products are the only things that we should be putting into and on our bodies.
In terms of reach and influence among consumers, is there anyone better to do this than Oprah Winfrey?
She is a trusted voice that will quickly garner the attention of tens and tens of millions of people, particularly among her overwhelmingly female demographic.
2) Due to her nearly unparalleled star power, Oprah also has the potential to bring attention to one of the biggest injustices in the country right now – the fact that GMOs do not have to be labeled.
Furthermore, she has no fear in taking on the food industry.
In 1996, her show was accused of portraying the meat industry in a negative light. This led to a huge and drawn-out lawsuit from the the meat industry, who claimed that Oprah violated Texas’ “veggie libel” law when the show said that U.S. beef could be at risk of spreading mad cow disease.
Oprah refused to back down, fought the lawsuit, and eventually prevailed.
Even though I have not heard her speak about GMO-labeling, I presume that she will be an ardent supporter because promoting organic and fighting for GMO-labeling go hand in hand (unless you work for an organic food company that is owned by Big Food and you are prohibited from doing so).
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Overall, one cannot underestimate the importance of Oprah Winfrey’s entrance into the organic sector and her presence at Natural Products Expo West, the industry’s largest trade show, will cause a spectacle that I cannot wait to see!
Wow, that is interesting. Can’t wait to try the products!
Hi Jess,
Yes, it will be real interesting to see what she comes out with.
Live well,
Max
Hi, Max. Thanks for this interesting tidbit. If you hear of any way an organic food mannufacture can send Oprah samples, please do let us know!
Many thanks for keeping us so well informed, Max. BE WELL
JULIE
Thanks for the news – I agree with you that the PR she will bring to the movement will be a case of a ‘rising tide raising all boats.’ Any inklings of timelines for these projects?
Hi Julie,
If I hear of anything, I will let you know. My guess is that her reps will be at Expo West in March.
Live well,
Max
Hi Elena,
I have not heard a word about the timing of her products. My guess is that this is in the very early stages and I am sure word will start to get out sometime in 2013.
If I hear of anything more definitive, I’ll be sure to let everyone know.
Live well,
Max
This is a great idea. People are finally starting to wake up to the harsh realities of what’s in our processed foods today and are looking for healthier ways to eat!
Max, Thanks so much for sharing the news. I had not heard and agree it will be a huge boost to the organic food industry. I’ll look forward to further updates on this.
Hi Vivianne,
Yes, it is a great idea. She will have a big impact on the industry and will help expose organic to a much more broad population.
Live well,
Max
Hi Liz,
My pleasure! As soon as I have more details about her foray into organic and what her specific plans are, I’ll be sure to let everyone know.
Live well,
Max
Oprah definitely commands respect as well as followers.
A plus for real foods.
Another billion in her pocket. I do hope the profits of this venture find their way into the hands of the needy (hungry) and malnourished population of this country as well as other countries
Hi Lexi,
What would be even better is if she got her organic products, instead of the profits, into the hands of those who cannot afford or do not have access to organic right now. Let’s hope that is the case!
Live well,
Max
I have a mixed feelings on this. Yes, she will be a big influence for the natural-organic industry in general. However, she will also influenced small to medium size organic companies when it comes to market share. These are the real companies that organic industry happens. The question is: Does she really believes in organic-natural products? Next question is: How soon companies like Walmart will follow this trend? And last but not the least: When that time comes, will organic-natural products will also be the same?
Hi Vinia,
My feeling is that the more people get into organic, and especially a very high-profile person like Oprah, the better. She can reach a huge demographic that is not currently sold on organic, and this will be incredibly important and valuable.
I do not share the concerns that you have. I see the many positives that she can bring to the industry.
Live well,
Max
I somewhat agree with Vinia. Is Oprah in this for just another investment in a growing market? Who is going to be making these products for her? A company like Kellogs or General Mills who didn’t support Prop 37, but also have an organics line? I have no idea. However, if she speaks out against GMO’s she will be by hero!
Hi Michele,
We don’t have answers to a lot of your questions just yet but I remain an optimist about why she is getting involved and what her intentions are. She is a very, very smart woman and must know the truth about how harmful GMOs and pesticides are. Given her track record of promoting people who are trying to improve the world, I am surprised that people doubt her intentions and motives. As you can tell, I am a huge fan of Oprah.
Live well,
Max
Thank for all the informations we are learning from you.Please keep me informed. With any new info. Can you please advice me where to buy a magazine or a book of NON GMO Foods .Thank you again.
Hi Mazal,
Thanks for your kind words!! The best GMO resource is this site http://www.responsibletechnology.org/ and Jeffrey Smith is considered the leading expert on GMOs.
Hope this helps!
Max