U.S. consumers spent $28.6 billion on organic foods and other products in 2010, according to the Organic Trade Association. Sales of organic foods grew 8% between 2009 and 2010, up from 5% between 2008 and 2009. Although food makes up 93% of the market for organic products, sales of non-food items are growing faster — 10% between 2009 and 2010.
Sales of organic food comprise only 4% of overall food sales, but where organics are growing, non-organic food sales have stayed flat. Sales of organic fruits and vegetables grew 12% to $10.6 billion in 2010, accounting for 40% of all organic food sales.
Organics make up 12% of total U.S. fruit and vegetable sales. Organic dairy products grew 9% to $3.9 billion in sales in 2010, making up 6% of the total U.S. dairy market.
The top-selling categories in non-food organic products are nutritional supplements (which grew 7% to $681 million in 2010), fiber for linens and clothing (up 16% to $605 million), and personal care products (up 7% to $490 million).
Source: “2011 Organic Industry Survey,” Organic Trade Association, Barbara Haumann, Senior Writer/Editor, 28 Vernon St., #413, Brattleboro, VT 05301; 802-275-3820; bhaumann@ota.com; www.ota.com. Price: $795 for OTA members; $1,495 for non-members.
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