Despite the fact that organic food sales have been in a steady decline over the past few years, they are once again on the rise. According to food associations and supermarkets, this could be largely attributed to the fact that more people are now willing to pay higher prices for food sources that have been produced according to organic farming standards.

Improved Product Availability Responsible

Experts have stated that a powerful organic food marketing campaign in conjunction with better product selection and availability is responsible for the increase in organic produce sales. Bob Sexton, who is chief executive of certification at the Soil Association, stated, “Early indications show positive growth in the organic market in 2013, after around four years of decline – showing strong appetite among consumers for the environmental, animal welfare and health benefits of organic produce.”

Growing Public Demand

Sexton also mentioned that businesses who actively displayed the Soil Association’s organic logo on their products are the ones who are experiencing sales growth figures of just over 5%. This could be because there is a continuously growing demand for food that has been approved and endorsed by an organic association. At present, the highest growth figures were seen with regards to organic dairy products, eggs and baby foods. At present, more than 50% of baby food that is purchased is said to be coming from organic sources.

Increased Organic Sales in the UK

Organic food suppliers that were on the verge of shutdown until recently are now enjoying a complete turnaround in sales figures. Tesco has reported that sales of organic produce have increased by as much as 60% in some departments, while Abel & Cole reported that sales figures had risen to a whopping £38 million in the eight months leading up to May 2013. This was an increase of almost 25% compared to sales figures from the previous year. Although consumers had switched to conventional products during the recession to save money, they were now reverting back to making organic purchases again.

Food Scares Could be a Contributing Factor

After startling revelations regarding horse meat appearing in stores were revealed, sales of organic food products in supermarkets increased to their highest level in almost a year. Sexton stated that the spike in sales could be a result of more consumers wanting to purchase food from sources that they know can be trusted. “Our own research later in the year backed this up, with consumers telling us they wanted to know where their food was coming from. Organic food offers consumers a very high standard of product integrity, as well as the use of fewer pesticides, and better animal welfare,” he was quoted as saying.

The organic revolution is being driven by independent as well as online retailers, while home delivery box schemes are also gaining popularity. Statistics are also showing that the under-35 age group is the group that has increased their spending margin on organic products more than any other demographic.