Annual sales of organic products in the UK rose for the first time since 2008, according to data issued by certification body The Soil Association today (13 March).

UK organic sales were up 2.8% to GBP1.79bn in the year to 4 January, The Soil Association said.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Meat, fish and poultry sales were up 2.2%, sales of organic veg grew 3.4% and dairy sales increased 4.4%.

Sales through supermarkets increased 1.2%. Sainsbury’s – the country’s biggest organic retailer with 29% market share – generated a 7% increase in sales of its own-label organic products. Sales at Waitrose rose 6.5%.

The Soil Association said the figures indicated “other supermarkets are yet to capitalise on increasing consumer demand for organic”.

However, Robert Sexton, the association’s CEO, added: “To see the organic market showing such strong signs of growth, particularly when grocery sales as a whole are slowing, shows just how much potential there is in the organic sector.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

The certifier said the early part of 2014 had suggested the “trend is set to continue”. Organic sales in the first weeks of the year were up 2.5%.

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now