05.31.12
The U.S. organic industry grew 9.5% in 2011 to reach $31.5 billion in sales, with organic foods and beverages valued at a little more than $29 billion, and organic non-food sector worth $2.2 billion, according to the Organic Trade Association’s (OTA) “2012 Organic Industry Survey. “
“The U.S. organic sector continues to show steady and healthy growth, growing overall by 9.5% during 2011, and, for the first time, surpassing the $30 billion mark,” said Christine Bushway, OTA’s executive director and CEO. “Consumers are increasingly engaged and discerning when they shop, making decisions based on their values and awareness about health and environmental concerns. For them, it matters whether foods are genetically engineered, or produced using practices that are good for their families. 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.”
Overall organic product sales growth of 9.5% continued to outpace total sales of comparable conventionally produced food and non-food items, which experienced nearly 5% growth. The growth in organic sales is proof the consumer is willing to pay for value-added products.