The newest Organic Market Report from the Soil Association found that organic sales in the United Kingdom were up 4 percent in 2014, reaching £1.86 billion in a year when consumer spending on food was down 1.1 percent overall and food prices fell 1.9 percent. Overall, the strongest market growth was through online shopping and box schemes (up 11.7%) and independent retailers (up 5.7%), although sales were also up at chain stores and restaurants and food service. The restaurant/food service segment is now worth £55.8 million, and organic food is being served in 3300 schools. More than a quarter of spending on organic products (27.9%) is in the dairy aisles with yoghurt sales increasing by 13.8% and dairy sales increasing by 6.5%, in a market that saw non-organic dairy sales down 3 percent. Sales of organic eggs and poultry were up 15.8% and 8.2% as were fresh fruit (up 6.4%), tea (up 13.7%), cereals (up 4.2%) and biscuits (up 7.2%), all compared to shrinking sales of corresponding non-organic products. Although organic vegetable sales fell by 2%, non-organic sales dropped at five times this rate. Health and beauty (up 20%) and textile (up 3.4%) sectors also grew in 2014. In addition, the UK exported £10 million worth of organic products. Meanwhile, 62 percent of organic businesses are anticipating double-digit growth in 2015. The report is for sale from the Soil Association for £100.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
