Urtekram’s journey began in 1972 when founders Lisbeth Damsgaard and Ronnie McGrail opened a small herb merchant shop in urban Copenhagen. The shop focused on promoting a natural, simple and pure lifestyle, with an emphasis on organic products. This entrepreneurial spirit led them to establish the company Urtekram.

During the 1970s and 80s, Urtekram, along with the organic concept as a whole, slowly gained recognition beyond a small circle of eco enthusiasts. The company played a significant role in the mainstream acceptance of organic products when Coop, a leading Danish retail chain, decided to prioritize their availability.

The term “urtekræmmer” refers to an old-fashioned spice/herb merchant or traveling salesman who sold spices, medical herbs, and drugs. It was also used to describe grocers selling local products rather than extravagant processed foods from overseas colonies.

In many ways, Lisbeth Damsgaard and Ronnie McGrail embodied the essence of the “urtekræmmer” with their focus on organic products, pure ingredients, and sustainability. Their shop was a precursor to what would now be known as a local health food store. From this focus, the company Urtekram blossomed, adopting its name from the original term “urtekræmmer.”

Today, Urtekram continues to be a pioneer in organic and sustainable living, offering a wide range of natural and certified organic products. Their journey from a small herb merchant shop to Scandinavia’s largest organic range is a testament to their unwavering commitment to promoting a greener and more aware Denmark.