Company acquires minority stake in specialty tea maker.

Investments in Annie's and Epic Provisions are seen as catalysts for greater growth.

People associate such labels with non-G.M.O., no artificial ingredients and no pesticides, according to Consumer Reports.

Natural food stores sell bison, beef, chicken and pork snacks from Epic Provisions.

Deadline moves to May 10.

Consumers also are seeking eggs promoted as natural, organic and humanely-raised, according to Packaged Facts.

Sales topped a record $100 billion last year and continue to grow.

Consumers perceive that natural foods are the domain of independent brands, according to an Instantly survey.

Several brands at Expo East featured the antioxidant-rich ingredient in new products.

Eight factors predict a product trend's staying power.