In April Soil Association Scotland announced the latest figures for the organic market in Scotland, reporting a growth of 2.6% and around a £52.6 million spend on organic food and drink products.
The figures, from Kantar Worldpanel, were revealed at the first organic market trade briefing in Scotland, held in Edinburgh.
At the event, Clare McDermott, business development director at Soil Association Certification, discussed the trends, challenges, consumer insights and opportunities for Scottish organic businesses. “We’re excited that the organic market in Scotland is now back in growth and we want to encourage all our licensees to make the most of new opportunities across all routes to market from multiples to catering,” she said. “Earlier this month Soil Association Scotland launched a new ‘Organic Served Here’ award to celebrate organic served in restaurants, cafes and eateries, to further drive sales of organic. Independent retailers are another opportunity we have recognised, and are supporting through a visual merchandising guide and exciting events – helping to build the market further and sell more organic through this channel.”
“We’ve experienced real buoyancy in the first few months of 2016. Sales are great and there’s undoubtedly a real focus on organic.” Commented Denise from Peelham Farm, Berwickshire, who sells its own organic meat. “Our customers are concerned about the environment and are asking about how our animals are reared (both through enquiries on our website and at the markets we attend). Our organic certification definitely attracts customers.”
