Growth in the Italian organic sector almost halved last year as consumers looked to trim household expenditure in the face of mounting financial turmoil, a new study has revealed.


Purchases of packaged organic food increased by 5.4% in value during 2008, down from 2007’s growth rate of 10.2%, a survey conducted by Italian agricultural organisation ISMEA and market researchers Nielsen has found.


“While growth in organic food sales trailed off, the sector still outpaced the overall grocery sector,” a spokesperson for ISMEA emphasised. “We are encouraged by the resilience demonstrated in organic purchasing.”


Total food sales were up 4.4% in Italy, ISMEA data revealed.


Sales of organic fruit and vegetables, children’s products and bread, pasta rice and eggs saw the most growth during the period, increasing by 20%, 16% and 14% respectively.

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