According to the Soil Association’s 2016 Organic Market Report, sales of organic products in the UK continued their steady growth in 2015, increasing 4.9% (vs. 4% in 2014) to reach £1.95 billion (approximately $2.72 billion).
This is the third year of consecutive growth for the UK organic market, and the Soil Association anticipates that the organic market will once again reach pre-recession levels by the end of 2016.
Soil Association Certification, the certifying arm of Soil Association, will showcase some of the UK’s newest organic innovations at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA, March 10-12 including cereals, juices, smoothies, lollipops, herbal tea infusions, and an allergen barrier balm.
After all, the US is the largest market for organic products worldwide with 43% of global sales, according to the report (the UK is the third largest market in Europe, and 5th largest in the world with 4% of global organic sales).
The growth shows a strong position for organic in the UK, where sales have continued to outperform the non-organic grocery which decreased by 0.9% in the same period. The steady rise of the UK organic market mirrors the global trend of growth and widening interest in the organic sector.
While the most popular products are dairy foods, this year’s star performer in the UK organic market is grocery, driven by innovative brands and products such as jams and spreads (+28.1%), oils and vinegars (+17.5%), and tea (+12.8%). Sales of Soil Association Certification licensed organic apparel and home textiles – all of which is certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – also are seeing runaway growth at 16%, and the UK market for these products is now worth £21.6 million.
The growth is driven by more local stores carrying organic products, the introduction of numerous innovative products, and an increase in young and socially conscious ‘millennials’ with strong social, ethical and environmental values. These consumers are increasingly choosing organic because they want to know the origins of their food and are willing to pay more for products with quality assurance standards supporting the environment, society and animal welfare.
Lee Holdstock of Soil Association Certification said; “The growth of the UK organic market is testament to the innovative and high quality products and businesses we work with. Many of the businesses are attracted by the even greater growth in the US organic market, and we look forward to introducing the US market to some of the stand-out UK brands."
Four leading Soil Association-Certified licensed brands will be participating in the British organic showcase at Expo West (booth 2482) including Alara, Haymax, Higher Living, and Pip Organic.
More about the licensees who will be joining Soil Association Certification at Expo-West:
• Alara has been trading since 1975 and is the longest certified organic cereal manufacturer in the World. Based in the heart of London Alara offers unique breakfasts that reflect the quality and heritage of British farming. Our Pertwood Farm cereals use oats and barley that come from the heart of Wiltshire. With bronze age fields etched in the fields and a stones throw from Stonehenge the land has been farmed for over 5,000 years. Our Scottish Organic Gluten free oat range are processed in the last water powered oat mill in Scotland and the flavour and nutrition benefit from being the last kiln stabilized oats anywhere in the world.
• HayMax™ has been successful in the UK for over 10 years. It is simple and it works - according to 80% of respondents in an independent 2015 survey by Allergy UK. HayMax is a natural organic drug-free allergen barrier balm that is applied to the rim of the nostrils. It has been proven to reduce dust and pet allergens and more than a third of pollen from entering the body. Less allergen, less reaction.
• Higher Living does infusions with a twist – from vibrantly fruity infusions to deliciously delicate blends. All made with the finest organic ingredients and produced in our own factory in rural Gloucester, South West England. There is a flavour for every palate and for every occasion, from hot-heads with Golden Turmeric to sweethearts who will enjoy Chamomile & Vanilla. In total there are 23 flavours in the range. All products are available in string-tag and envelope type teabags and made with unbleached teabag material.
• Pip Organic is an independent UK-based business that produces an award winning range of pure organic juices, smoothies and fruity treats. Health, nutrition and organic are at the heart of all Pip Organic products. The range is made from 100% organic fruit, not from concentrate, and contains NO added sugars, water, preservatives or additives. Pip Organic is an approachable, family brand which is now available in a range of take home, grab & go, and children’s formats including children’s juices, smoothies and ice lollies.
