The sales of UK organic food and drink is growing at an extraordinary rate so the news that the Soil Association is to work with Food & Drink Expo 2008 to create an Organic Village is positive news for visitors and exhibitors, says the show organiser William Reed Events and Exhibitions.
''UK organic sales are increasing by £2 million per week, and this growth is set to continue," says the Soil Association's commercial director Jim Twine.
"The Soil Association Organic Village will be the hub of organic activity at the show, and a great way for buyers to meet suppliers and organic business to grow their market,'' added Twine.
To put this important market in perspective, sales increased by 30 per cent in the UK during 2005 to total almost £1.6 billion – averaging an extra £7 million a week. This equates to a three-fold rise on the previous year and compares with a current annual growth for all UK food and drink sales of about 3 per cent.
The Soil Association Organic Village will create a hub for information on the latest products and information in the organic market. Visitors will find exhibitors with an interest in new product development and suppliers of a range of organic produce. There will also be an area for visitors to taste test exhibitors' products.
There will also be a briefing theatre where many of today's major topics will be discussed. Talks are set to include the ongoing debates on the environmental impact of air-freighting organic food and drink, climate change, ethical and international trade, greenhouse gases, labelling and much more.
Set against a backdrop which puts the value of the global market for organic produce at £16.7 billion in 2005, an increase of £1.2 billion, the Village will be the centre of attention for all those interested in the organics' market. It will create an ideal
meeting ground for interested visitors from the retailing, food processing and manufacturing, and branded goods communities.
