British shoppers are returning to organic produce, spending £1.95bn in 2015.
When the Great Recession slapped buyers in 2008, organic foods quickly fell from shopping lists as consumers tried to reduce their bills. Organic sales dropped off.
But as confidence returns, people began to revive their interest so that organic produce now is selling at the same rate as before the economic collapse.
The most popular organic items were dairy products, particularly organic yoghurt and milk. Dairy foods accounted for 27% of all organic food and drink sales.
The fresh produce sector, such as fruit and vegetables comprised 22% of the total organic sector.
Strong growth was seen also with jams, fish, poultry, oils and vinegar.
“This is a hugely exciting time for the organic sector, with the market set to break through the £2bn mark in 2016 and reach levels seen before the recession. Thanks to the growth of online, it is now possible for retailers to connect consumers with the broadest choice of organic products,” said Martin Sawyer, chief executive of the Soil Association.
