Survey on organic food: What’s behind the hype?

Organic food sales are booming in the EU – particularly in the northern European countries.

In Germany too, the high demand for organic products is resulting in the food retail sector both significantly expanding its organic supply and promoting its new organic product ranges. Is this all just good marketing or is there more behind the Germans’ motivation to spend approximately 9-10% more on organic products every year? We have been asking around. EURACTIV Germany reports.

 

Fact check

(Source: Bund Ökologische Lebensmittelwirtschaft: Zahlen, Daten, Fakten zur Bio-Branche 2017)

  • German consumers spent €106 per person on organically produced food in 2015.
  • In absolute terms, Germany is indeed Europe’s largest market for organic products, however other countries are ahead in per-capita sales.
  • The Swiss spend the most money per person on organic products (€262).
  • On average, Europeans spend €37 on organic food per year. This figure was €53 in the EU.
  • In 2015, the turnover for organic products in Europe rose by around 13% and now stands at €29.8 billion. EU countries account for €27.1 billion of this.
  • Every German spends approximately €100 on organic food and drinks a year.
  • One in ten eggs in Germany was laid by an organically farmed chicken.
  • In Germany, almost 40,000 businesses operate in accordance with the legal organic standard.
  • 41% of Germans buy organic products whenever possible.
  • Up to 80% of Germans do not want genetic engineering to be used in the fields or on their food.

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DISCLAIMER: This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein

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