News Organic
Americans are more likely to buy organic products
Organic sales in the United States increased by more than 2020% in 14 to $8,5 billion. Organic salads, berries and apples were particularly popular. One of the reasons for this revenue growth is that many Americans consider their health increasingly important as a result of the corona crisis.
Americans bought more organic foods in 2020. Sales for that product group rose 14,2% to $8,5 billion, the Organic Produce Performance Report shows.
On a year-over-year basis, the largest sales growth occurred in organic herbs and spices (+26%) and in potatoes (+21%). Looking at total sales, packaged salads (15,4%), strawberries, blueberries and raspberries (12,2%) and apples (11,1%) were particularly popular. Incidentally, the turnover of conventional food products also increased by 10,7%.
The researchers write that organic farming in the United States has been showing an increasing trend for some time. This concerns a growth of approximately 10% in the period between 2010 and 2016. Since the spring of 2020, however, the market has already increased by more than 20%.
According to the researchers, the explosive growth is mainly because health has become more important since the start of the corona crisis. In addition, the high price for organic products has become subordinate to many American consumers.
Picture of the future
However, the future prospects for the American organic market are uncertain, the researchers write. Although the demand for healthy alternatives will probably continue after the crisis, the higher price for organic foods for American consumers may soon be another reason to opt for a conventional product. Since the start of the crisis, unemployment in the country has risen sharply.
Port closures and airspace restrictions as a result of the measures against the coronavirus and global currency fluctuations – which analysts say will continue to play a role in 2021 – also create uncertainty. Among other things, about the distribution of organic fruit and vegetables to American retailers.
Small share
The share of organic foods in the United States is about 14%. As in the United States, the share in the Netherlands is relatively small. This concerns approximately 3,2% of the total. Michaël Wilde, the director of trade association Bionext, said alast week that there are enough farmers in the Netherlands who want to switch, but for this more demand for organic products must first be created. "Small adjustments, such as a different layout of the shelf, have already increased the sale of organic dairy by 40%."
Kimberly Baker
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