Organic food back in vogue as sales increase
Experts say that better product availability is helping to drive growth. A powerful organic marketing campaign, set up by growers and retailers, has also played a part. "Early indications show positive growth in the organic market in 2013, after around four years of decline – showing strong appetite among consumers for the environmental, animal welfare and health benefits of organic produce," said Bob Sexton, chief executive of certification at the Soil Association.
"Not only is the sector back in growth, but businesses that carry the Soil Association organic logo are experiencing relatively buoyant year-on-year growth of 5.3%. There is great potential in the organic sector and, in particular, a growing public demand for organic and food logos that they can trust."
During the recession, price-conscious consumers switched from organic food as they sought to cut spending on groceries. But more competition in the organic market appears to be helping keep a lid on prices. Tesco's organic buyer, Harriet Turnbull, said supermarkets were finding it difficult to source organic products to meet demand.
"As the popularity of organic food increases, the more we are able to support our growers and suppliers by investing in research to offer shoppers even better-tasting produce."
Read the complete article at theguardian.com
