The organic market in the UK saw significant growth in 2024, outpacing non-organic with sales hitting £3.7bn.
There was an increase in both value (7.3%) and volume (4.7%) sales, which are now equivalent to double what they were just 10 years ago, according to the 26th Organic Market Report 2025 from Soil Association Certification.
Sales increased across every key channel, with the major multiples, independent retailers, non-food and hospitality enjoying a particularly strong year, the report found.
Sales of organic in major retailers were up 8% and contributed £2.4bn to the organic market overall.
Unit sales grew four times more than non-organic food and drink at 4.7%. The accreditation said this was a powerful indicator of performance and robust demand, as in previous years economic challenges reduced volume in categories like organic dairy.
“The organic market delivered abundant growth across the board last year, outperforming non-organic in both volume and value growth – a key indicator of the health and potential of the market as we look to the future,” said Soil Association Certification commercial and marketing director Georgia Phillips.
“The signs are strong that this growth is here to stay with increasing consumer demand, particularly from Gen Z shoppers who are increasingly motivated by healthy and sustainable choices and seeking out organic products,” she added.
However, she acknowledged there were still barriers for the market, which is why the group joined with NGOs to make the case for a 10% government target for land to be farmed organically, “which will support a rapid transition with new financial opportunities for farmers and realise significant health, nature and environmental benefits for the UK”.
Read more: Environment groups call for 10% organic farmland target for England
Research by Soil Association Certification in its Organic Market Report found over half of respondents reported a positive year for both volume and value sales, with a fifth enjoying a significant sales increase.
Organic dairy and produce categories continue to have the highest share of organic sales – accounting for almost half (49%) of all organic sales made through major retail.
The organisation said these categories are “key entry points” for organic shoppers.
The independent retail channel rose 9% to top £518m – fuelled by customers seeking a unique in-store experience, quality products and access to more local food.
Online also continues to perform strongly, with organic twice as likely to be shopped digitally through the grocery multiples, and retailers like Ocado overindexing on organic. Home delivery, which has always been an important channel for organic sales – making up 15% of the market – is now back in growth, seeing a 3% uplift.
After a difficult couple of years, foodservice saw a 6.5% sales increase, largely thanks to a fall in inflation.
“Cost of living pressures haven’t gone anywhere,” said Phillips. “But, now accustomed to higher prices, consumers are prioritising other areas, such as health and the environment.
“As these priorities become ever more embedded in shoppers’ buying habits, the future looks bright for organic.”
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