Organic food sales in Germany, the largest European market for the sector, were “stagnant” in 2009, according to the latest industry data.
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Figures from Germany’s organic food federation, the BÖLW, said there had been particular losses in food retailing and discount stores. Estimated turnover in the sector amounted to around EUR5.85bn (US$8.52bn), which BÖLW said was “roughly the same” or even “slightly less” than last year.
“The reason is price declines and range reductions in discount stores,” said Hans-Christoph Behr, director of agricultural information company AMI.
“This has led to a smaller range of goods in the affected stores. Targeted price reductions by the discount stores did not lead to the desired effect of a higher sales volumes.”
Despite these losses, the organic sector outperformed the wider food market in Germany, the trade organisation said today (13 January).
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By GlobalDataWhile total food sales declined by 2.4% in 2009, the decline in the organic market was “significantly lower”, the organic body said.
Joachim Weckmann, chief executive of the Association Organic Food Producers, said that in most markets, a balance between raw material supply and product sales had developed.
“Cultivation and demand grew in 2009 jointly at a healthy level. The continued growing demand for organic products in an economic crisis demonstrates that consumers value on products from sustainable development pioneers baskets.”
