The Soil Association has released its market report for 2014 which shows a positive trend in the UK organic grocery sector. The sector has shown growth of 1.8 per cent over the last year with a total worth of £1.25 billion.
The organic market broken down by product shows that dairy is the key driver with 30.2 per cent of market share. Fruit and vegetables make up 23.7 per cent, canned/packaged food 13.9 per cent, meat, fish and poultry make up 11 per cent and baby food 10.4 per cent of the market.
Multiple retailers are still leading the way selling 71.3 per cent of all UK organic products, with box schemes and other independent retailers making up 10.8 and 14.5 per cent respectively. Catering and farm shops contribute only 3.4 [er cent. According to a poll carried out by Yougov, consumers under the age of 34 are inclined to spend more for organic products.
This growth has been achieved even though Defra reports that livestock numbers and UK organics land area decreased in the year to December 2012 (the most recent statistics available).
Tom Lander, NFU food chain adviser, said: "This is really positive news for the UK Organic sector. The industry has decreased over the last few years but, we appear to have turned a corner. The evidence shows a growing consumer demand, especially in the younger generation, to purchase organic food. Hopefully this will entice more farmers into the organic sector ensuring the UK continues offer adiverse range of food productstoconsumers, both organic and none organic."
Full details of the Soil Association report can be found by clicking here