The virtual Organic Trade Conference told delegates that sales of organic food and beverages continue to grow faster than their non-organic counterparts as the industry continues to recover from the current cost of living crisis.
The UK saw an increase in both volume and value, the latter by 6.4 % compared to 5.4 % for non-organic products.
Alex Cullen, Soil Association Certification Director, said: “While there have been challenges, it is great to see the industry recovering immediately from the effects of the current cost of living crisis as consumers seek the sustainability and wellbeing credentials that organic offers.”
Sales have increased as shoppers put their money on the line. More than two-thirds of consumers (69,133) look for eco-friendly or sustainable logos when shopping.
Why is the organic market growing?
A recent report from FoodNavigator showed that consumers are increasingly interested in organic foods. Organic certifications and logos are highly valued by consumers.
NielsenIQ data shows that the number of people concerned about the cost of living has dropped from 57,133 to 29,133 over the past two years. Over the same period, concerns about personal health and well-being have also increased, from 11,133 to 28,133.
Mike Watkins, head of market research and business insights at NielsenIQ, said consumers are increasingly aware of the need to change their diets to meet the demands of a growing population while maintaining their health.
There is, however, an opportunity to educate and inform people about the need to change the way we produce our food and support the supply chain to contribute to UK food security. Organic is part of the journey,” he said.
EU organic strategy better than UK's
Michael Wilde has warned that the UK must speed up to keep pace with EU organic policy.
In the recently published document, EU countries have been given targets to boost organic land. The European Commission's report on the vision for agriculture and food, which indicated a major need for investment in the sector.
Our experience [in the Netherlands] The response has been overwhelmingly positive, driven by a shared understanding of the urgency of tackling the health and environmental crisis within government.
The future is bright and we will continue to be the leaders in Europe.
He continued: "The UK is in the process of establishing an expert group of organic farmers." He went on to say that the UK had led significant innovation and was committed to respecting the principles of organic farming when practised.
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