Chicago, Illinois
May 7, 2007
Preliminary findings from the
Organic Trade Association's
(OTA's) 2007 Manufacturer Survey released today at OTA's All
Things Organicä Conference and Trade Show at McCormick Place
show U.S. organic food sales totaled nearly $17 billion in 2006,
representing approximately 3 percent of all retail sales of food
and beverages.
Organic foods' share of total food sales is up from 1.9 percent
in 2003 and approximately 2.5 percent in 2005. According to
survey results, sales of organic foods grew by 22.1 percent in
2006 to reach $16.9 billion. Sales in 2005 were $13.831 billion.
"These preliminary findings verify organic product sales to be a
shining star in the marketplace, and we expect strong growth in
2007 as well. Both farmers and consumers will have more choices
as organic grows," said Caren Wilcox, OTA's Executive Director.
Organic products are grown without the use of toxic and
persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and must meet USDA
regulations to use the organic label.
OTA contracted with Packaged Facts of Rockville, MD, to conduct
the survey and analyze the results. Packaged Facts conducted the
survey in March and April.
The final report of the Organic Trade Association's 2007
Manufacturer Survey is expected to be available in June. At that
time, orders can be placed via phone (413-774-7511, Ext. 16),
fax (413-774-6432) or e-mail (info@ota.com)
or via OTA's web site (www.ota.com/bookstore.html).
The mission of the Organic Trade Association is to promote
and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the
environment, farmers, the public and the economy. OTA envisions
organic products becoming a significant part of everyday life,
enhancing people's lives and the environment. As a
membership-based business association, the Organic Trade
Association focuses on the organic business community in North
America. OTA's 1,600 members include farmers, processors,
importers, exporters, distributors, retailers, certifiers, and
more. |
|
