organic

Sales of organic food are expected to continue to experience strong growth at least through 2018, cites a new report.

According to the report “United States Organic Food Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2018,” sales of organic food grew from about 4 percent of the country’s total food sales in 2010 to nearly 8 percent between 2010 and 2012. U.S. sales of organic food in 2012 exceeded $81.3 billion—up 13.5 percent over 2011; and between 2002 and 2011, domestic organic food production increased by 240 percent. Non-organic food production during that same time period grew only 3 percent.

“Manufacturers and retailers have a significant opportunity to better understand and tap into the needs, wants and motivations (of the true believers and enlightened environmentalists)—not only to drive sales by volume but also to continue to deliver the innovative products that shape our industry,” Tony Olson, CEO of the data monitoring agency SPINS, said in a statement.

Food Navigator reports: “Demand for organic products is increasing, and about 81% of American families reported to be purchasing organic food at least some times, according to 2012 estimates from the Organic Trade Association.”

Experts believe the growth could actually be larger for organic foods if groups beyond those labeled as “power shoppers” reach their “buying potential” within the organic food sector. “[I]t is important to motivate shoppers in other segments to expand their knowledge of natural/organic products to stimulate buying behavior and ensure long-term growth.”

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