The organic market has delivered its 12th year of positive growth despite the global political and economic turmoil and the cost of living crisis at home
The market grew 2 per cent in 2023 ending the year at £3.2 billion – almost double its value in 2011
Sales of organic in supermarkets now worth £2 billion up 2.7 per cent – following a downturn in 2022
Independent retail is buoyant with sales rising 10 per cent to £475 million
Food service, which saw exceptional growth in 2022 of 156 per cent, remained stable in 2023
Home delivery faced a tougher year after its phenomenal growth during the pandemic. However, online is continuing to be a strong performer – 22 per cent of all supermarket organic sales are made through this channel
Organic also saw encouraging growth on Amazon with products certified by Soil Association Certification with the Climate Pledge Friendly badge seeing a 10 per cent sales boost
But organic farming is stuck at 3 per cent of UK farmland – as the market relies heavily on imports – which means that many farmers are currently missing out on the potential benefits organic can bring to their business – and the UK environment in turn is missing out on the benefits organic can bring for nature. Alex Cullen, Commercial and Marketing Director of Soil Association Certification, said: “We need a radical rethink if organic is going to reach its full potential and bring organic farming into the mainstream. The entire supply chain must work together to grow the market and unlock demand for homegrown UK organic fresh produce, supported by the Government.”
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