2025 Market Facts VRP - Flipbook - Page 102
94 | ECO NO MI C PRO FI L E & MA R K ET FACT S 2025
NATURAL/ORGANIC
Boulder remains symbol of natural, organic
industry as other communities emerge
Boulder was one of the original hotbeds for the natural and organic
products industry, and while the sector has evolved in recent decades, the
city — alongside other communities in the Boulder Valley and Northern
Colorado — remains a key player in the space.
“According to the 2020 Naturally Boulder Economic Impact Study
conducted by CU Boulder’s Business Research Division, the natural and
organic food industry in Colorado contributes $3.1 billion to the state’s
economy and supports approximately 22,150 jobs,” CU’s Colorado Business Economic Outlook report said. “Many natural and organic products
businesses started in Boulder, and the area remains an important center for
the industry. Boulder County is home to Aurora Organic Dairy, Boulder
Organic Foods, Celestial Seasonings, Chocolove, Fresca Foods, Hope
Foods, Justin’s, Made in Nature, Organic India, and many more natural
and organic products businesses.”
While Boulder retains its brand identity within the natural and organic
space, industry leaders in Colorado have increased their focus on fostering growth beyond the shadow of the Flatirons. For example, last year the
industry trade group and startup-support organization Naturally Boulder
merged with Denver-based Colorado Food Works and rebranded as Naturally Colorado to emphasize its statewide mission.
On the organic agriculture front, producers face the same sorts of
headwinds as other farmers across the country, including climate change,
industry consolidation and access to labor.
But, “(f)armers are good at inventing ways to save money and make
money. Agriculture in Colorado has discovered niche marketing and direct
sales,” according to the CU report. “... Farmers who may have only grown
one or two crops are expanding into new crops or new growing practices
COURTESY BOBO’S
Bobo’s Oat Bars’ 123,000-square-foot operation at the Centerra
development in Loveland can bake up to 1 million bars a day.
such as organic production. Colorado agriculture’s strength is in its diversity — the many opportunities to provide local food to consumers who
appreciate it.”
Natural & Organic industry
A University of Colorado Boulder study found that the natural and organic food industry contributes $2.1 billion
to Colorado’s economy and supports 22,142 jobs across the state.
Impact type
Employment
Labor income
(millions)
Value added
(millions)
Output (millions)
Direct e昀昀ect
(production
9,166
$757
$958
$1,178
Indirect e昀昀ect
(upstream supply
chain)
2,671
$195
$305
$571
Induced e昀昀ect
(household spending)
5,835
$305
$519
$902
Total e昀昀ect of
production
17,672
$1,257
$1,782
$2,651
Direct e昀昀ect
(downstream supply
chain — retail and
transportation)
4,470
$180
$279
$454
Total e昀昀ect of natural
and organic industry
22,142
$1,436
$2,061
$3,105
Source: University of Colorado Boulder Leeds School of Business Business Research Division, Naturally Boulder:
Industry Pro昀椀le and Assessment of Economic Impacts
