Sales of organic food and drink top £2billion for the first time after demand rises for the fifth year in a row
- The rise was driven by high street chains including Pret a Manger and Nandos
- Organic meats have higher levels of beneficial Omega 3 fatty acids
- Annual UK sales of organic produce were up 7.1 per cent in 2016
Demand for organic food and drink has risen for the fifth year in a row.
Annual UK sales were up 7.1 per cent in 2016 to top £2billion for the first time, a report found. Much of the rise was driven by high street chains including Pret a Manger, McDonald’s – which uses organic milk – Nando’s and Jamie’s Italian.
Clare McDermott of the Soil Association, which published the figures, said: 'It’s a positive time for organic as it ticks lots of boxes for consumers.
‘Organic is extremely relevant for trends towards eating better food, knowing where you’re food comes from, avoiding pesticides or antibiotics and ‘free from’ diets.
Demand for organic food and drink has risen for the fifth year in a row. Annual UK sales were up 7.1 per cent in 2016 to top £2billion for the first time (file photo)
‘Increasingly, we’re seeing consumers chose organic as a shortcut to a healthy lifestyle and this will continue.’
A study published by the University of Newcastle last year found organic milk and meat had significantly higher levels of beneficial Omega 3 fatty acids. These are linked to a reduced heart disease risk, improved brain development especially in children and supporting the immune system.
Miss McDermott said: ‘Organic food is more available than ever. Many high street chains like McDonalds, Jamie’s Italian, Nando’s and Pret are including organic products on their menus. More supermarket chains are offering wider ranges of organic choices and new independent food stores are growing rapidly.’
The Association said Brexit and the fall in the value of the pound could prove to be an enormous boost for British organic producers because it means their output is more affordable overseas.
‘Despite uncertainty around Brexit for us all, it brings lots of opportunities too – particularly around export for British organic and more product innovation,’ she said.
‘In many countries, British organic is seen as the best that you can possibly buy - particularly in the Far East, US and Europe.
‘Overall, nearly half of Soil Association Certification licensees are exporting products with an estimated value of exports at £250m.’
A study published by the University of Newcastle last year found organic milk and meat had significantly higher levels of beneficial Omega 3 fatty acids (file photo)
Supermarkets account for 69 per cent of total sales and shoppers are also ordering more organic products online where there’s a wider range of innovative options.
Tesco’s Jeff Hodgson said: ‘Organic food is becoming more important to more customers as we see new customers entering the market and existing organic shoppers increasing the size of their organic basket.
‘A proportion of this growth is driven by customers seeing organic as a healthier choice.’
The Association said the popularity of organic food has triggered a rising interest in organic beauty products, made with natural ingredients. The value of this sector rose by 13per cent in 2016 to reach £61.2m.
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