The research, supported by data sales figures from Nielsen Scantrack, found that sales of organic products grew 4% for the 52 weeks to 30 June 2018.
Driving the most growth in the organic sector were delicatessen – including chilled vegetarian products – (up 27.8% tear-on-year), beer, wine and spirits (up 8.7%), and canned and packaged goods (up 6.6%).
Sales of organic produce (+5.3%) and organic dairy (+3.5%) continued to grow ahead of the non-organic market, claimed the Soil Association. It also claimed the figures showed that consumers were looking to organic as a signifier of health, particularly among younger demographics.
Traceable supply chain
The Soil Association boasted that organic products, certified by law, have a traceable supply chain with products produced to strict standards, making them even more attractive in a climate of recent food scares.
Finn Cottle, trade consultant for Soil Association Certification, pointed to this increase in product lines, combined with changing consumer attitudes to food provenance and healthy eating, as the spark behind organic’s continued success.
“The demand for innovative new products shows the wide appeal organic holds for health-conscious consumers who prioritise food quality, taste, and wellbeing simultaneously,” said Cottle.
“This rising demand is a major opportunity for retailers to list new brands and products and seize the momentum surrounding organic – momentum that is showing no signs of slowing down. This summer’s results clearly show that if there is supply, demand will follow.”
Growing demand
To meet the growing demand for organic products, a raft of new products has come to the market in recent months. The Soil Association has certified more than 3,000 new organic products and producers in the last year, including seaweed gin, kefir and hot cross buns.
One producer benefitting from organic’s rise in popularity was Tideford Organics, who’s soups, sauces and pestos are all Soil Association certified.
Managing director Lynette Sinclair said: “Since 2016, this shift in consumer habits has been incredibly successful for Tideford – our sales are up 60% year-on-year and there's a clear correlation between organic and free-from shoppers, particularly in younger demographics.”
