Free Organic Support For Indies

According to research revealed in its recent Organic Market Report, non-supermarket sales of organic goods grew by 8.7% to £558.6 million in 2014, while organic sales via independents exceeded £10 million a week for the first time – demonstrating that the independent sector is outpacing supermarket sales.

The package, available as a free download from the Soil Association website, combines point of sale materials, marketing advice and help with talking about organic.

Lee Holdstock, trade relations manager at the Soil Association said, “Consumers clearly want organic products as part of a smaller, more frequent shop and are increasingly looking to independents to meet their needs. Retailers have told us they want more information about how to communicate the many benefits of organic to their customers, and this new package of support will help with education and accessibility.

“By leveraging existing interest in the organic products on offer, we can help support independent retailers and consequently build a stronger organic market.”

Phil Haughton, founder and owner of The Better Food Company said, “Independent retail can be the champion of the high-street. From my 30 years in the trade I believe the most important elements in independent retail are a clear mission communicated well to your customers, great merchandising and above all fantastic customer service.

“The Soil Association campaign to support our sector is brilliant. The more training and support we can get the stronger we will be, leading to happier customers, sales growth and improved service and professionalism from our suppliers.”

According to research revealed in its recent Organic Market Report, non-supermarket sales of organic goods grew by 8.7% to £558.6 million in 2014, while organic sales via independents exceeded £10 million a week for the first time – demonstrating that the independent sector is outpacing supermarket sales.

The package, available as a free download from the Soil Association website, combines point of sale materials, marketing advice and help with talking about organic.

Lee Holdstock, trade relations manager at the Soil Association said, “Consumers clearly want organic products as part of a smaller, more frequent shop and are increasingly looking to independents to meet their needs. Retailers have told us they want more information about how to communicate the many benefits of organic to their customers, and this new package of support will help with education and accessibility.

“By leveraging existing interest in the organic products on offer, we can help support independent retailers and consequently build a stronger organic market.”

Phil Haughton, founder and owner of The Better Food Company said, “Independent retail can be the champion of the high-street. From my 30 years in the trade I believe the most important elements in independent retail are a clear mission communicated well to your customers, great merchandising and above all fantastic customer service.

“The Soil Association campaign to support our sector is brilliant. The more training and support we can get the stronger we will be, leading to happier customers, sales growth and improved service and professionalism from our suppliers.”

www.soilassociation.org