UK: Organic Market Report 2013

Overall, the market has dipped by 1.5 percent as the UK continues through its most challenging economic downturn for many decades. In 2012, the total market was 1.642 billion British Pounds or approximately 2 Billion Euros (1.667 billion British Pounds in 2011).

However, the report predicts a positive future for the UK organic market.

Report findings show organic shoppers are increasingly choosing the convenience and variety offered by online shopping and specialist stores versus the limited ranges and stock at many supermarkets.

The organic dairy sector, non-food and catering are also showing a positive uplift. The food service sector is opening up rapidly, supported by the Food for Life Catering Mark, where the organic range is in demand and growing.

Key findings

• Boom in online sales
  Organic shoppers are increasingly choosing the convenience and variety offered by home delivery over limited ranges at many supermarkets.
• Independent outlets
  Independent outlets saw a 0.7% increase in sales, covering box schemes, mail order, farm and health-food shops, farmers' markets and catering. Now valued at £480.6 million, the independent sector is providing consumers with a high street alternative for the ethical consumer.
• Multiple retailers
  Reduced availability of organic products in various supermarkets has affected the market both in the short term, and looking at future growth. The seven leading multiple retailers saw their organic sales fall by 3.8%. Sales of supermarkets own-label ranges fell by 11.2% in 2012. Success of Duchy Originals own-label range contributed to a 1.1% increase in Waitrose organic sales.
• Box schemes
  Box scheme, home-delivery and mail-order sales increased by 4.4% to £174.3 million.

Links

• SoilAssociation.org: Organic market report 2013
• SoilAssociation.org: Organic market report page