Indies Key to Organic Success

The first half of 2016 has shown strong organic growth – up 5.2 per cent compared to 3.2 at the end of 2015 for supermarkets.

Organic sales at independent retailers is up 7.5 per cent, and up 9.1 per cent through online and box schemes.

Cereals, tea, biscuits, jams, spreads and oils and vinegars demonstrated particularly strong growth during this period.

Conversely, non-organic sales have seen a drop of 0.9 per cent according to Nielsen and the British Retail Consortium, and research carried out by The Times discovered that grocery food prices fell by 0.8 per cent in June, possibly as a result of recent political change and uncertainty in the market.

Clare McDermott, business development director at Soil Association Certification said, “Despite an uncertain market following Brexit, Soil Association Certification is positive about the future of organic. Market growth is strong and there is a clear demand for organic, environmentally friendly and sustainable purchasing with many young professionals.

“The UK will still be required to comply with EU organic standards as minimum to maintain the flow of organic products to and from the EU and the Soil Association will continue to influence and improve the marketplace for organic businesses.”