The latest research from the highly respected Mintel Group has shown the organic retail market was worth £1billion in 2001 following continued health scares, the Foot and Mouth Crisis, Mad Cow Disease and increased consumer concern about antibiotic use in farming, genetically modified products and modern farming impact on the environment.

“More than 75% of the UK’s organic product is imported and this year the consumer market will grow by a further 35% - Luscious Organic now believes it has to look overseas and find its own source of product,” said the company’s Alison Rose

Luscious Organic has just opened 2 flagship organic corner stores in London offering a unique organic corner store retail concept which includes everything from organic tampons to tea, organic wheat free pasta to the Princes of Wales organic biscuits as well the company as a organic juice, coffee and sandwich bar attached. Its development followed the release of new data, which revealed:

1. The UK organic industry was worth 1 billion pounds last year and would grow by 35% this year
2. Customers wanted accessible organic product in a ‘non-hip’ environment
3. Customers wanted a range of affordable and higher end product
4. More people than ever before are returning to corner store shopping on average visiting their stores 5 times a week
5. Corner store growth was out-stripping supermarket growth
6. The British organic customer is educated and demands more organic produce.
7. To UK has been hit by so many food and agriculture scares consumers prefer American and Australasian product

“The stores already stock a wide range of product from Canada, and north and South America but more is needed. Just last week we started importing some amazing organic marinades from New Zealand and Australia using our fantastic wholesaler Rachel Cater who deals with customers and import issues. I just don’t think producers ‘across the pond’ know about the amazing growth here and we want to spread the word,”

Prince Charles is one of the UK’s biggest organic supporters and even produces organic product we stock in our stores, Elle McPherson shops with us even Jerry Hall and a range of rock stars. Last week we sent Madonna a basket of our organic product.

Luscious Organic is part of Luscious Ltd. The company made up o 11 low fat and organic cafes mostly in a PLC listed health Club chain and the 2 flagship organic corner stores designed to change the face of organic retailing here.

If people have product they want to sell to us we’d love them to contact us by faxing: 44-207 262 94942 or emailing Alison@luscious.co.uk or calling 447801663256

Data Source: Mintel Research, Convenience Store Magazine, Organic Business UK, Luscious Focus Groups