The word is out that "Organic Products Selling Strong Despite Economy" as recapped in the latest MediaPost article, in fact sales were up 17% over 2007 making 2008 another growth year for the catagory...
"The introduction and aggressive marketing of high-quality retailer store brand organic products is leading to a change in consumer perceptions in a positive direction, according to forthcoming J.D. Power and Associates Private Label Industry Report. Organic store brand pricing is a strong motivator for consumers. But the quality and flavor of private label organic products drive the highest levels of positive sentiment, according to the Web-based content analysis study.
The OTA survey, conducted by Lieberman Research Group, measured the growth of U.S. sales of organic foods and beverages as well as non-food categories such as organic fibers, personal care products and pet foods during 2008. Results show organic food sales grew in 2008 by 15.8% to reach $22.9 billion, while organic non-food sales grew by 39.4% to reach $1.648 billion. As a result, organic food sales now account for approximately 3.5% of all food product sales in the U.S.
The OTA's findings concur with a similar study by Cone Inc. earlier this year. Boston-based Cone reported that 34% of U.S. consumers indicate they are more likely to buy environmentally responsible products, according to the 2009 Cone Consumer Environmental Survey. About 44% indicate their environmental shopping habits have not changed as a result of the economy. Fewer than one-in-10 (8%) say they are less likely to buy. "
This is a great seeding article to hand to your organic retailers along with a plan to continue to increase their market share with smart campaigns.