NAKED AMBITION FOR HEALTH FOOD GROUP

GOLD Coast residents are going "nuts" for Naked Health Foods (NHF), with the small business set to open its second store as it strives to meet demand in the rapidly growing organic food market.  

Founded in August 2013 by naturopath Tracey Wilson (pictured), NHF provides "locally sourced, ethically and sustainably produced" bulk food and has grown from a family business in Parkwood, to double turnover in its second year.

Wilson will open her second store this weekend in Runaway Bay and says good food is the ultimate medicine and fundamental to good health.

"I had been a naturopath for eight years, which I enjoyed however I just came to the realisation that if people ate better, they wouldn't have the health problems they did," says Wilson.

"If people can change their diet, even in the smallest possible way, and get access to good food at a reasonable price, people's health would improve."

The Australian Organic Market Report 2014 estimates the total value of the Australian certified organic industry to be $1.72 billion. The sector yielded a compound annual growth rate of 15.4 per cent between 2009 and 2014.

Kathy Cogo, from Australian Organic, says a survey has found most people (49 per cent) first started purchasing organic products because they became aware of the impact food, fibre or cosmetics has on their health.

"Thirty-two per cent first bought organic for environmental reasons, 25 per cent because of animal welfare concerns and 16 per cent because they experienced a health crisis," she says.

"There's also been an increase in celebrity chefs, cooking shows and lifestyle diets like paleo, which promote healthy eating and raise awareness about where our food comes from and how it's produced."

NHF has plans to open a total of five stores on the Gold Coast.