Greenfield, Massachusets
May 4, 2009U.S. sales of
organic products, both food and non-food, reached $24.6 billion
by the end of 2008, growing an impressive 17.1 percent over 2007
sales despite tough economic times, according to the
Organic Trade Association
(OTA), which today made available final results from its 2009
Organic Industry Survey.
While the overall economy has been losing ground, sales of
organic products reflect very strong growth during 2008.
"Organic products represent value to consumers, who have shown
continued resilience in seeking out these products," said
Christine Bushway, OTA's Executive Director.
The survey, conducted by Lieberman Research Group on behalf of
OTA, measured the growth of U.S. sales of organic foods and
beverages as well as non-food categories such as organic fibers,
personal care products and pet foods during 2008. Results show
organic food sales grew in 2008 by 15.8 percent to reach $22.9
billion, while organic non-food sales grew by an astounding 39.4
percent to reach $1.648 billion. As a result, organic food sales
now account for approximately 3.5 percent of all food product
sales in the United States.
The final report, which can be purchased online at
http://www.ota.com/bookstore/2.html, includes an executive
summary, as well as the following:
• Organic Food and Beverage
Dollar Sales and Growth
• Distribution of Organic Food and Beverage Sales by Channel
• Organic Food Forecast
• Organic Non-food Items
• Organic Labeling Certification and Materials Supply
• Methodology and Acknowledgements.
The report provides sales,
growth and channel shares for the following food sub-categories:
• Organic Beverages
• Organic Breads and Grains
• Organic Condiments and Sauces
• Organic Dairy
• Organic Fruit and Vegetables
• Organic Meat
• Organic Packaged Goods
• Organic Snack Foods.
It also provides sales, growth
and channel shares for the following non-food sub-categories:
• Organic Supplements
• Organic Personal Care
• Organic Household Products and Cleaners
• Organic Pet Food
• Organic Flowers
• Organic Fiber Linens and Clothing
The Organic Trade
Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association
for organic agriculture and products in North America. Its 1,600
members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers,
farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters,
consultants, retailers and others. OTA's mission is to promote
and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the
environment, farmers, the public and the economy. |
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