Organic food and drink sales in the UK reached a record high of GBP2.45bn (US$3.19bn) last year, according to a report.
The Soil Association’s Organic Market Report 2020 revealed that GBP200m a month is now spent on organic food and drink, suggesting the “rise of the conscious consumer” is behind the hike, which saw sales increase 4.5% year-on-year.
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The organisation suggests 2020 will be a “tipping point”, with the UK organic market on target to hit GBP2.5bn by the end of 2020.
The report shows growth across all areas, including supermarkets, home delivery, foodservice and independent retail.
Organic poultry and eggs saw sales increase by more than 12% despite, the Soil Association notes, the rise of veganism and climate concerns causing red meat and dairy sales to fall.
Clare McDermott, business development director at Soil Association Certification, said: “With the climate crisis and British farming dominating the headlines, organic is more relevant than ever as a way for shoppers looking for simple choices to reduce their environmental impact.
“Organic certification means people can be sure that what they are buying has been produced to the highest environmental and animal-welfare standards.”
Ocado, said to be the UK’s largest organic online retailer, expanded its organic lines to more than 4,500 in 2019 and saw sales increase by 12%.
