Independents Boost Organic Sector

The total sales of organic products increased by 4 per cent in 2014, which saw sales return to the level last seen in 2009 – in excess of £1.86 billion. Independent retail experienced high growth (5.7 per cent), while online shopping and box schemes saw 11.7 per cent growth.

The dairy aisles in particular saw a boost in organic sales, with yoghurt seeing an increase of 13.8 per cent.
Overall, 83 per cent of British households purchased organic products in 2014.

Helen Browning, chief executive of Soil Association said, “Three years ago, commentators were writing off the organic market in the UK. Now, with a third year of steady growth, and against a falling overall food market, it’s clear that reports of organic food’s demise were premature to say the least. This reinvigoration may be partly related to an improving economy, but it’s also testament to the fact that retailers and manufacturers who continued to invest in organic lines have continued to thrive. Now, even the discounters are beginning to stock organic ranges.”

Roger Kerr, chief executive of OF&G said, “There is reason for renewed optimism based on the figures provided by a number of OF&G’s licensees. In the organic manufacturing and distribution sector, Essential Trading has experienced an 11% increase in sales through 2014. This positive data is not out of the ordinary; in fact Essential Trading has seen sustained growth of 10% per year for the past six years. Servicing around 1,500 whole food shops, wholesalers and specialist food processors – Essential Trading has consistently reported that despite the economic downturn many of the organic independents they supply have been making inroads into consumer’s purchasing decisions.

“As sales of organic food start to increase it’s absolutely essential that we have sufficient certified land available to farm. We support licensees throughout the food supply chain so as demand for organic rises, and as production increases for our manufacturing licensees so we anticipate there being a continued upsurge in the number of farmers and producers seeking to transfer to organic certification with OF&G.”