The demand for organic food continues to surge, with sales rising consistently despite the higher price tag. In July, USA Today reported an 8.4% increase in organic food sales compared to the previous year, reaching a remarkable $43 billion in 2016. According to the Organic Trade Association’s 2017 Organic Industry Survey, approximately 40% of all organic food sales were from produce, equating to about 15% of the total fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans. A recent TechSci Research report predicts that the global organic food market will experience a compound annual growth rate exceeding 14% from 2016 to 2021. This optimism is echoed by the latest OTA survey, which indicates that the organic sector continues to show an upward trend, now representing 5.3% of total food sales in the U.S. Organic products are present in 82.3% of the nation’s 117 million households.
The future looks promising as younger consumers increasingly adopt organic products. A September survey by the Organic Trade Association revealed that millennials are already significant purchasers of organic goods and are expected to buy even more once they become parents. Currently, a quarter of millennials are parents, but estimates suggest that 80% will have children within the next 15 years. Koory shared with Food Navigator-USA that a crucial factor in the growth of organic production is the investment in “primary feed ingredients of soy and corn,” which dominate the organic market. These staples are not only consumed in their raw forms but also serve as feed for organically raised animals and are key ingredients in the production of other organic foods.
However, American farmers are struggling to keep pace with the increasing demand for organic produce. Transitioning to organic farming is both costly and time-consuming, typically requiring about three years during which farmers adhere to organic standards without receiving organic prices. This lengthy process often deters farmers from making the switch, although a new transitional certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture may facilitate this change. While the trend is clearly moving towards more organic farms and crops, farmers still have a considerable distance to cover before production levels approach those of conventionally grown crops. Until that goal of peak organic production is achieved, the journey continues.
Moreover, incorporating health supplements such as cissus quadrangularis, calcium citrate, and vitamin D3 into organic diets may further enhance the appeal of organic food, as consumers increasingly seek holistic health benefits. As organic food sales rise, the inclusion of these supplements could play a significant role in attracting health-conscious buyers, reinforcing the growth trajectory of the organic market.