Organics are not so darn obscure anymore. I remember when you couldn’t find organics at the typical grocery store. I’d have to make special trips to the co-op or the good old, now defunct, Wild Oats. However, the times, they are a changing (as Bob would say).  The Organic Trade Association notes that “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.” Keep in mind too, that this growth is in spite of some of the hardest economic times we’ve seen in a good long while. People obviously believe organics are worth it. Thank goodness too, because I like not having to make a special trip for organics anymore. Now I can pick up organic milk and veggies at my regular grocery store.

Some stats from the 2009 Organic Industry Survey note:

• U.S. sales of organic foods and beverages grew in 2008 by 15.8 percent to reach $22.9 billion.
• Non-food organic categories such as organic fibers, personal care products and pet foods also grew during 2008 by a whopping 39.4 percent to reach $1.648 billion.
• Organic food sales now account for about 3.5 percent of all food product sales in the United States, which yes, compared to conventional food items is still a small percent, but it’s nice to see the numbers growing.

What accounts for the increase?:

• Organic coupons being more readily available.
• The proliferation of private label brands (think store-brand organics) have grown and these often cost less than name brand organics.
• Christine Bushway, OTA’s Executive Director, says, “Organic products represent value to consumers, who have shown continued resilience in seeking out these products.” So even though the economy is tanked out, people are realizing the value of organics.

The final report, can be purchased online at the Organic Trade Association bookstore and includes an executive summary, as well as a rundown of all categories of organic products – both food and otherwise…. see below for what the report covers in full.

• 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 Acknowledgments

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

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Blisstree

Organics are not obscure anymore