U.S. Organic Market Surpasses $31 Billion

Posted by Chad Vorthmann on Apr 25, 2012 in Ag/Food Industry, Featured, Markets, Organic/Local/Sustainable | 0 comments

Driven by consumer demand, the U.S. organic industry grew by 9.5 percent overall in 2011 to reach $31.5 billion in sales. Of this, the organic food and beverage sector was valued at $29.22 billion, while the organic non-food sector reached $2.2 billion, according to findings from the Organic Trade Association’s 2012 Organic Industry Survey.

Overall organic product sales growth of 9.5 percent continued to outpace total sales of comparable conventionally produced food and non-food items, which experienced 4.7 percent growth. The growth in organic sales is proof the consumer is willing to pay for value-added products.

“Consumers are increasingly engaged and discerning when they shop, making decisions based on their values and awareness about health and environmental concerns,” said Christine Bushway, OTA’s executive director and CEO. “Price is still an issue, but with the wide availability of private label products and many venues for organic products, they have many choices for where to shop and a variety of products from which to choose.”