U.S. natural products sales grew 9.7 percent in 2006 across all channels of distribution, reaching $56.76 billion in total sales, according to the Natural Foods Merchandiser, published by Boulder-based New Hope Natural Media. According to editor in chief Marty Traynor Spencer, total sales for the natural and organic industry increased 56 percent between 2002 and 2006. Leading growth categories included natural personal care (18.4 percent growth), natural pet products (15.1 percent growth), coffee and tea (23.3 percent growth), and nutrition bars (22 percent growth).