UK experiences “exceptional” growth in organic market

Producers making organic food and drink are reaping the benefits of huge growth in sales value and volume, according to the Soil Assocation Certification’s Organic Market Report 2025, released this week. 

In 2024, sales increased (to around £3.7 billion) across every key channel, with multiples, independent retailers, non-food and hospitality enjoying a particularly strong year. 

These figures, said the organisation, are a powerful indicator of both performance by brands, and growing interest from consumers. 

“The organic market delivered abundant growth across the board last year, out-performing 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’s commercial and marketing director, Georgia Philips. 

“And 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.” 

There are though, she admitted, some “significant” barriers to overcome in the UK so organic can scale up further, adding that the Association has joined forces with leading nature and environmental NGOs to make the case for a 10% Government target for land to be farmed organically. 

What are the key takeaways for the organic market right now? 

More than half of respondents reported a positive year, with a fifth enjoying a significant sales increase. The highest share of organic sales (49%) are being seen in the dairy and produce categories, which have become key entry points for shoppers seeking natural, minimally processed and healthy options. 

Joe Rolfe, managing director of RB Organics, said the company has experienced heightened organic vegetable sales across all its retail customers, adding that it’s fantastic to see retailers so committed to driving organic growth. “For us, ensuring consistent levels of supply for on-shelf availability, planned promotional activity and working closely with our customers has been key to directing more people to purchasing organic veg.” 

Within the independent and specialist retail sector organic sales rose by 9% to £518 million, and in foodservice, after a difficult couple of years, they were increased by 6.5%. 

Online, too, continues to perform well, with organic sales twice as likely to be made digitally. 

A younger audience for organic

As Georgia pointed out, Gen Z, and younger shoppers (under 24) are buying into the organic message more frequently, making up 67% of sales alongside lower and middle-income households. 

The report shows that lower-income shoppers display higher rates of purchasing organic products consistently across multiple categories. They’re also more likely to buy organic on special occasions. 

Additional data from vegetable box specialists, Locavore, show that 28% of its shoppers have an annual household income of less than £20,000, and half of those are under £20,000. 

“Cost of living pressures haven’t gone anywhere,” said Georgia, “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.” 

Organic food production

Despite another year of growth, there’s still, said the Soil Association, a widening gap between the organic market and organic production in the UK, with a heavy reliance on imports. 

Organic farmland, it reports, has remained static, and the percentage of organic land share in England has largely halted, representing only 3% of the country’s farmed area. 

While Government figures from 2024 are yet to be released, data relating to land certified by Soil Association Certification, gives cause for optimism that organic farming is on the rise, with the transition to organic almost doubling last year. 

This is “welcome news”, added Georgia, and a sign of real progress. Supported by Government (as demonstrated elsewhere in Europe), Scotland has been leading the charge on organic conversion in the UK, with a large increase in organic land managed under the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme since 2021. 

Mairi Gougeon, cabinet secretary for rural affairs, land reform and islands, said, “The significant increase in organic land managed under the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) is a testament to Scotland’s commitment to sustainable farming and environmental stewardship. As at the end of 2024, we’ve seen over 49,000 additional hectares of converted and maintained organic land under AECS management, representing a remarkable 69% increase since 2021.” 

What’s the future of organic in the UK? 

Pressures remain in the sector, but many believe now is the time for organic to shine in Britain, with 70% of respondents in The Organic Market Survey predicting a sales increase for the year ahead. 

“Almost 18 months ago we unveiled the Organic for All vision to make organic affordable, available and accessible, and to help identify and overcome the blockers to rapid growth by working collaboratively with the whole organic sector,” continued Georgia. “We have made progress in bringing the industry together and engaging with retailers, supply chains and Government to learn valuable lessons from Europe and to realise untapped opportunities. Now’s the time for Government and retailers to unlock the true potential of organic and turn this vision into reality.”