Organics Sales Top $50 Billion in U.S.
Organics Sales Top $50 Billion…
Sales are accelerating quicker than nonorganics, but the overall organic growth rate is easing.
By NACS Online // May 22, 2019
WASHINGTON—U.S. organic sales are still growing faster than the general market, topping $50 billion for the first time in 2018, according to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), the Minneapolis Star Tribunereports. "Organic is now considered mainstream. But the attitudes surrounding organic are anything but status quo," said Laura Batcha, CEO of the association.
However, that rate is not advancing as quickly, a sign that the organic market is reaching a maturation point as new health and wellness claims siphon off shopper dollars. The organics market was bolstered by non-food categories, such as personal care, pet food and household goods products. "Consumers want clean labels and to reduce the chemical load on their bodies," the OTA said.
"The (U.S.) population isn't growing as quickly as it once did, and the fertility rate is declining," said Michael Boland, director of the Food Industry Center at the University of Minnesota's Department of Applied Economics. "The [organic market] maturing is happening, I think, because people have decided they don't need to be 100% organic, and people are only going to fill their baskets with so many fruits and vegetables."
Boland pointed to more health claims on labels that attract shoppers, such as plant-based ingredients and healthy fats. "The space has become more complicated," Boland said. "You have a fragmentation going on."
PreviousPrevious post:How Sulfites Affect a Wine's ChemistryNextNext post:C-Stores Gain Traction on Quick-Service Restaurants
Especially in this difficult economy and with so many regulations, we need to have people who can speak for our industry and fight for our causes."
"I want MIRA's base to be wider because new members mean a larger organization and a stronger voice – which enables organizations like MIRA to affect what happens in local, state, and federal government – and a strong voice depends on building a good, solid base.
Fred DallyMedicine Chest, Detroit MI
Newberry especially likes working with independent retailers, he says, because that's where you can build your brand quickly and effectively. "Working through MIRA makes that even more effective, because independents are especially strong in Michigan and Ohio.
Roger NewberryMonster Energy
The strength and success of any organization, whether it is for profit or non-profit, can be measured and judged by its accomplishments and the number of members it serves."
"MIRA has worked tirelessly over the years to protect the rights and interests of independent retailers. "These accomplishments have made a positive impact on many business owners, whether or not they are members and, by encouraging and promoting membership, MIRA will be a stronger and more powerful organization.
Sam ShoukriShowerman's Fine wine & Liquor, Livonia MI
There is strength in numbers and higher membership makes a good impression. Legislators and lobbyists will listen to an organization with 4,000 members.
Pat LaVecchiaPat's Auto Service, Rocky River OH
It's important to have oil lobbyists on your side, and MIRA provides that. If you have a problem, there was always something that MIRA could do. They gave us strength in numbers when dealing with oil companies.
Tracy StantonFormer gas station owner