Global sales of organic produce grow by 157 % in 10 years

This data, collected in the latest study from FiBL and IFOAM, which examined the statistics and trends from worldwide agriculture in 2015, also reveals that in 2013 sales totalled 72 billion dollars. The United States was the country with the most sales, hitting 24 billion euros, followed by Germany (7.5 billion euros), France (4.3 billion euros) and China (2.4 billion euros).

In fact, 38% of our English, South-American and Spanish users would like to have more organic choices while shopping in supermarkets, according to a study from Tiendeo. This study was conducted during the third quarter of 2014.

The FiBL and IFOAM report shows that the reasons consumers have for deciding to buy organic varies between countries and continents. In some parts of Europe, environmental concerns are the main reason for buying organic. However, in China and elsewhere in Asia, "organic" signifies high quality and safety.

At a global level, the desire to consume healthier food was one of the main motives for buying organic produce, according to an article by Emerald on consumer behaviour. The paper, published in the Journal of Consumer Marketing, also shows that restricted access and expensive prices are the two most important reasons for not buying organic products.

Although the data on organic consumption is positive and public environmental awareness is increasing year after year, the sector itself is still not a priority, for either producers or consumers. In the US and Canada, sales of organic produce represents 4% of the total number of sales, in Europe, only 1%. Furthermore, according to FiBL and IFOAM, only 1% of agricultural land globally is organic. 40.2% of this land is located in Oceania, making it the continent with the most organic soil in the world. It is followed by Europe, Latin America, Asia, North America and Africa.

About this study:

Every year on 5 June we celebrate World Environment Day to remind us of the importance of preserving our precious surroundings. In the light of World Environment Day, the leading online catalog platform Tiendeo conducted a study on the organic food industry. Using data from renowned international organisations and Tiendeo's data, we came up with interesting results.

With this study we provide more insight on the worldwide production of organic food and drinks, as well as on the global consumption of such products. Even though the results look promising, there is still work to be done. Especially when it comes to the total sales of organic food and the low amount of farming land that is reserved for organic farming.