Organice eggs have increased in sales, according to new figures from the Soil Association, which says demand for all organic produce is being fuelled by healthy eating trends. Overall sales of organic produce grew by 7.4% in the 52 weeks to 1 July with eggs up 4.9% and dairy 2.5%.
Shoppers are increasingly looking for organic products, with 82% of UK shoppers now buying at least one organic item per year, up from 79.5% in 2016, the Soil Association said.. The organic market is now worth over £2 billion.
Liz Bowles, Soil Association Head of Farming, said: “The demand for organic food is nearing an all-time high, and with ever more research showing the potential benefits of organic, the uplift in demand for organic produce comes as no surprise. Research for the European Parliament has recently found that organic farming can help create food systems which are good for our health, combining as many do; livestock as an integral part of organic rotations, to provide fertility for following organic crops.
In September, the Soil Association is running a promotional event, Organic September, beginning on 16 September, which will aim to promote organic produce. . Farm shops and farmers who sell direct are being encouraged to involve their customers in the celebrations finding new organic products, talk to organic farmers and growers and learn a bit about what organic means. The Soil Association will be shining the spotlight on farmers, organic farm shops and independent retailers across the country with their local map, and the day will be a great way for people to experience the story behind the product and for farmers and growers to get involved and promote their brands.