Greenfield, Massachussets
May 4, 2009
U.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.
"This marks another milestone for the organic food market," said
Bushway.
With tough economic times, consumers have used various
strategies in continuing to buy organic products. Because most
venues now offer organic products, consumers have the
opportunity to shop around. Increased use of coupons, the
proliferation of private label brands, and value-positioned
products offered by major organic brands all have contributed to
increased sales.
The final report of the Organic Trade Association's 2009 Organic
Industry Survey is now available for purchase. Orders can be
placed online at
http://www.ota.com/bookstore/2.html.
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 (www.ota.com).
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