WASHINGTON – Organic food sales in the United States increased by a record 12.8% in 2020 to a new record of $ 56.4 billion, according to the Organic Trade Association. Nearly 6% of the food sold in the United States last year was certified organic, reflecting strong demand driven by the pandemic in nearly every aisle for organic food.
“The pandemic brought abrupt changes in all of our lives,” said Laura Batcha, executive director and chief executive officer of the Organic Trade Association. “We have eaten at home with our families and often cook three meals a day. Good, healthy food has never been more important and consumers are increasingly looking for the organic label. Organic product purchases have exploded as shoppers choose high-quality organic products to feed and nurture their families. “
Fresh organic produce sales grew nearly 11% in 2020 to $ 18.2 billion. Organic frozen fruits and vegetables increased more than 28%. Including frozen, canned and dried, total organic fruit and vegetable sales reached $ 20.4 billion. More than 15% of the fruits and vegetables sold in the United States are organic.
As consumers stocked pantries and embraced home cooking and baking last year, sales of organic flour and baked goods increased 30%, and sales of organic spices increased 51%, more than triple the rate. growth recorded in 2019. Organic meat, poultry and fish sales grew 25% to $ 1.7 billion.
Dynamic growth led to supply constraints, stunting growth across all organic categories as well as packaging, said Angela Jagiello, director of education and knowledge.
Sales of non-food organic products, such as textiles, fibers, and household items, grew 8.5% to $ 5.4 billion, contributing to overall U.S. organic sales in 2020 of $ 61.9 billion, a 12.4% more than the previous year and marking the first time that the figure. it has exceeded $ 60 billion.
The growth rate of organic food sales will not continue at the same breakneck pace, but is expected to remain strong in the coming year driven by long-lasting consumer behaviors such as the continued rise in home cooking.
“We have seen a lot of changes during the pandemic, and some of them are here to stay,” Batcha said. “What emerges from COVID is a renewed awareness of the importance of maintaining our health and the important role of nutritious food. For more and more consumers, that means organic. We will eat in restaurants again, but many of us will also eat and cook more at home. We will see more organic produce everywhere, in stores and on our plates. “
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