Organic food is now outperforming non-organic as the food and drink industry recovers from the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, this year’s Organic Trade Conference heard.
Data from NIQ revealed the organic food and drink market grew in value by 6.4% in the year to 24 August compared with non-organic’s 5.4%.
It added that most (59%) of supermarket shoppers regularly buy organic and 70% of shoppers say they are willing to pay more for sustainable grocery brands.
The Soil Association said it was great to see the “sector bouncing back from the impacts of the cost of living crisis”.
It launched its Organic For All approach last year, aimed at scaling organic production and consumption in the UK.
“It has been a demonstration of the power of collaboration and the energy of the sector with significant progress to understand the barriers and opportunities for growth and what we need to do to unleash the potential of organic and meet the booming demand for it,” said Soil Association Certification commercial director Alex Cullen. “We are celebrating the inspirational energy, innovation and tenacity of all of those working in the sector from farm to fork.”
She added there was a cause for optimism with a newly elected government.
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NIQ head of retailer & business insight Mike Watikins pointed to a change in consumer attitude compared with a few years ago. Some 29% said the cost of living was their biggest concern compared with 57% just two years ago. At the same time, health and wellness has grown to 28%, rather than 11% in November 2022.
“Shoppers are increasingly aware of the need to balance the future demands of a growing population, as well as their own health, with a change to their diets,” said Watkins. “But there is also opportunity to inform and educate about the need for changes in how we produce food and in the supporting the supply chain as part of helping UK food security.
“Organic is part of this journey.”
The conference also highlighted the progress being made in the EU regarding organic farming and the social impacts and community benefits that organic can provide.
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