Britain's love affair with organic food has experienced a major resurgence in recent years, bucking the trend seen during the 2008 financial crisis when many households cut back on such products. Instead, since then, there has been an impressive growth in demand, both in terms of sales volume and value, as more and more consumers become increasingly health-conscious.
A key factor behind this boom is rising awareness about the importance of diet for one's wellbeing. With growing concerns over processed food, the desire to eat "cleaner" products is on the rise – and it appears that organic food has taken full advantage of this trend. As Clare Hadway-Ball, senior commercial manager at the Soil Association, noted: 'Health is also really important...and for the last two years, organic has been outperforming non-organic.'
Furthermore, the growing awareness of environmental issues means that consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for products with better sustainability credentials. This is reflected in the fact that organic chicken sales have risen by 13% year on year, despite being three times more expensive than non-organic counterparts.
The rise in popularity has been observed across various demographics – from middle-income families buying everyday essentials like pasta and rice, to older consumers who remain loyal to organic brands. In fact, it appears that the latter are driving much of the growth, with Waitrose announcing a 40% increase in demand for its Duchy organic range.
While some argue that organic food is simply too expensive, retailers are now working harder to make such products more accessible. Tesco has recently revamped its own-label organic range, while Waitrose has invested heavily in expanding and relaunching its Duchy brand.
The influence of younger generations cannot be overstated – with a recent poll showing 42% of 18- to 24-year-olds buying organic at least once a month. This demographic is more likely than millennials to make sustainable food choices, highlighting the growing appetite for organic products among younger consumers.
With many households struggling to cope financially in an economy marked by rising inflation and stagnant wages, it's clear that organic food remains an attractive option – not just because of its perceived health benefits but also as a means of making more sustainable lifestyle choices.
A key factor behind this boom is rising awareness about the importance of diet for one's wellbeing. With growing concerns over processed food, the desire to eat "cleaner" products is on the rise – and it appears that organic food has taken full advantage of this trend. As Clare Hadway-Ball, senior commercial manager at the Soil Association, noted: 'Health is also really important...and for the last two years, organic has been outperforming non-organic.'
Furthermore, the growing awareness of environmental issues means that consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for products with better sustainability credentials. This is reflected in the fact that organic chicken sales have risen by 13% year on year, despite being three times more expensive than non-organic counterparts.
The rise in popularity has been observed across various demographics – from middle-income families buying everyday essentials like pasta and rice, to older consumers who remain loyal to organic brands. In fact, it appears that the latter are driving much of the growth, with Waitrose announcing a 40% increase in demand for its Duchy organic range.
While some argue that organic food is simply too expensive, retailers are now working harder to make such products more accessible. Tesco has recently revamped its own-label organic range, while Waitrose has invested heavily in expanding and relaunching its Duchy brand.
The influence of younger generations cannot be overstated – with a recent poll showing 42% of 18- to 24-year-olds buying organic at least once a month. This demographic is more likely than millennials to make sustainable food choices, highlighting the growing appetite for organic products among younger consumers.
With many households struggling to cope financially in an economy marked by rising inflation and stagnant wages, it's clear that organic food remains an attractive option – not just because of its perceived health benefits but also as a means of making more sustainable lifestyle choices.
It's about people wanting to make better choices for their families and the planet. With more and more info about the impact of our food on health and the environment, it's no surprise that sales are booming! 
I'm not surprised to hear that older consumers are driving growth - they've been buying organic for years and have a loyal following.
and now its like the younger gen is super into clean eating & sustainability 
i mean organic food used to be all about being "better for you" but now its also about the planet 
its like, whoa! 42% of 18-24 year olds buying organic every month?! that's wild 
and i think retailers are doing a great job making it more accessible 
gotta say, older consumers are driving the growth in this market 
. And yeah, I can see why older folks are still loyal to those brands - they're like the OGs of organic food 
.
. It's not just about being a hipster, it's actually making sustainable choices that will benefit their future selves... or so I think 
, but hey, for those who can swing it, organic food is definitely the way to go 
️.
... but at the same time, she loves that stuff and says it's really good for her. Does that make sense?
... But one thing's for sure, my mom's been buying more of that stuff than ever and she's not getting any younger 
and I'm not mad at 'em, you know? a few extra quid for some peace of mind on your dinner plate is worth it to me. plus with inflation what it is now, organic food seems like a decent investment 
?
. And yaaas, retailers are stepping up their game by making organic food more accessible 
. But seriously, it's awesome to see people prioritizing their health and the planet at the same time. I mean, who wouldn't want to feel good about what they're putting in their body? 
. And retailers are finally starting to listen and adapt, offering more affordable options that don't compromise on quality.
.
. So yeah, let's keep the conversation going about what we can do better...but also acknowledge some of the progress we're making 
. And can we talk about sustainability? 
.
. Tesco revamping its organic range and Waitrose investing in their Duchy brand is a great move, btw 
and it was like, super relaxing to watch. Like, I can totally imagine my cat doing that if she had paws instead of claws. Anyway, back to organic food... have you ever tried growing your own? It's actually pretty easy and rewarding, especially with all the new seeds they're coming out with now 
younger gens are driving the growth, thats cool 
.
. Ultimately, organic food remains an attractive option for households seeking a more sustainable lifestyle choice, particularly in these uncertain economic times 
. They're growing up with sustainability in mind, and it's inspiring to see them make conscious choices about their food and lifestyle. Plus, all these new organic options are making healthy eating more accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy