American Appetite for Organic Breaks $35 Billion

Jamie Johansen

content_img.2106.imgSales of organic products in the United States jumped to $35.1 billion in 2013, up 11.5% from previous years and the fastest growth rate in five years, according to the latest survey from the Organic Trade Association (OTA).

The OTA survey projects that growth rates over the next two years will at least keep pace with the 2013 clip and even slightly exceed it.

OTA’s Organic Industry Survey was conducted and produced by the Nutrition Business Journal. Over 200 companies responded to the survey, which was conducted this year from January 27 through April 4. Companies gave data on revenues reported, sales growth, revenue by product and sales channel breakdowns.

Organic food sales in 2013, at $32.3 billion, accounted for roughly 92% of the total organic sales. Non-food organic products are currently a very small part of the total organic market, but are making quick in-roads. Sales of non-food organic products have jumped nearly eight-fold since 2002, and have almost doubled in market share.

Consumer purchases of organic food account for more than 4% of the $760 billion annual food sales in the United States. The growth rate of organic food sales has dwarfed the average annual growth of just over 3% in total food sales.

The fruit and vegetable category continues to lead the sector with $11.6 billion in sales. The $1.5 billion in new sales of organic fruits and vegetable represented 46% of the organic sector’s $3.3 billion in new dollars.

Find more information on how to purchase the full report here. An executive summary of the findings are available for members of the press by contacting mmcneil@ota.com.

Ag Groups, Food, Organic