U.S. sales of organic products, both food and non-food, reached $24.6 billion by the end of 2008, growing an impressive 17.1 percent over 2007 sales despite tough economic times, according to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), which today made available final results from its 2009 Organic Industry Survey.
While the overall economy has been losing ground, sales of organic products reflect very strong growth during 2008. "Organic products represent value to consumers, who have shown continued resilience in seeking out these products," said Christine Bushway, OTA's Executive Director.
The survey, conducted by Lieberman Research Group on behalf of OTA, measured the growth of U.S. sales of organic foods and beverages as well as non-food categories such as organic fibers, personal care products and pet foods during 2008. Results show organic food sales grew in 2008 by 15.8 percent to reach $22.9 billion, while organic non-food sales grew by an astounding 39.4 percent to reach $1.648 billion. As a result, organic food sales now account for approximately 3.5 percent of all food product sales in the United States.
The final report, which can be purchased online at http://www.ota.com/bookstore/2.html includes an executive summary, as well as the following:
-- Organic Food and Beverage Dollar Sales and Growth
-- Distribution of Organic Food and Beverage Sales by Channel
-- Organic Food Forecast
-- Organic Non-food Items
-- Organic Labeling Certification and Materials Supply
-- Methodology and Acknowledgements
The report provides sales, growth and channel shares for the following food sub-categories:
-- Organic Beverages
-- Organic Breads and Grains
-- Organic Condiments and Sauces
-- Organic Dairy
-- Organic Fruit and Vegetables
-- Organic Meat
-- Organic Packaged Goods
-- Organic Snack Foods
It also provides sales, growth and channel shares for the following non-food sub-categories:
-- Organic Supplements
-- Organic Personal Care
-- Organic Household Products and Cleaners
-- Organic Pet Food
-- Organic Flowers
-- Organic Fiber Linens and Clothing
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. Its 1,600 members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA's mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy ( www.ota.com).