SAN FRANCISCO – Sales of organic food and other organic products in the U.S. increased to nearly $ 62 billion in 2020, more than 12 percent from the previous year, according to a new survey from the Organic Trade Association, or OTA.
The coronavirus pandemic forced families across the country to eat most, if not all, of their meals at home, which is a major factor in increasing organic food sales.
“While growth in organic food sales is not expected to continue at the rapid pace of 2020, organic food sales are expected to remain on a strong growth path in 2021,” the OTA concluded.
Sales of fresh organic fruits and vegetables exceeded $ 18.2 billion in 2020, almost 11 percent more than the previous year. Sales of frozen and canned organic products increased nearly 29 percent. US consumers spent a total of $ 20.4 billion on organic fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables combined in 2020, making organic now 15 percent of all fruits and vegetables sold in the US. .
To put the surge in organic sales in 2020 into perspective, consumers spent $ 32 billion in 2013 in organic food and other goods, which at the time was a record for the industry.
The steady growth in organic food sales year over year is a clear indication that American consumers continue to seek healthy foods that are not produced with toxic pesticides, fertilizers, synthetic chemicals, and other additives that are not allowed for use in organic foods. both fresh and processed. said EWG President Ken Cook.
“What chemical agriculture and mainstream food companies don’t understand is that people don’t want to eat food that contains toxic pesticides, chemical additives, and other ingredients that may pose a risk to their health and the environment, including substances approved by government. so safe until the moment he bans them, “Cook said. “As this incredible increase in organic products demonstrates, consumers are forgoing conventional foods for those that are grown and produced under the strict guidelines required by the USDA organic seal.”
The OTA survey of more than 200 companies was conducted between January and March 2021 by Nutrition Business Journal.
“Good and healthy food has never been more important and consumers are increasingly looking for the organic label. Organic purchases have exploded as shoppers choose high-quality organic products to feed and nurture their families, ”said Laura Batcha, Executive Director and CEO of the Organic Trade Association.
“Our colleagues at OTA and their member companies are to be applauded for providing concerned consumers with a clear and healthy choice in the foods they buy and prepare for their families,” Cook added.
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The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy, and unique educational tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.