Organic sales in supermarkets increase by 6 per cent in 2016

Organic sales are benefiting from consumers who are searching out products with the most credible audited supply chains
Organic sales are benefiting from consumers who are searching out products with the most credible audited supply chains

This year's Organic September has helped the organic market celebrate renewed growth over the past year, thanks to promotional and marketing support.

Soil Association Certification, which certifies over 70% of all organic products sold in the UK, is announcing renewed growth beating last year’s sales data (according to supermarket figures) and further indicating that organic is now a core part of the market.

Organic sales through supermarkets increased by +6% compared to -0.7% in non-organic sales for the 52 weeks to 1st October 2016 according to Nielsen.

In particular, the produce sector had a very strong performance at +9.6% with significant growth continuing on organic fruit.

New research, completed by The Crow Flies on behalf of Soil Association Certification, demonstrates that organic is no longer considered niche, and that more people than ever are choosing to purchase organic.

Organic sales are benefiting from consumers who are searching out products with the most credible audited supply chains, following increasing levels of mistrust among shoppers revealed in Soil Association Certification’s new consumer research.

The research highlights some key trends, including convenience and suggests that there is an opportunity for all stores to sell more organic. Within supermarkets this offers more options for ranging the right organic products to the right stores, particularly in smaller ‘top up’ stores.

A heightened consumer awareness and interest in food production is also leading to a re-engagement with high street independents selling organic. Full market data will be released by Soil Association Certification in February when their annual Organic Market Report is completed.