The U.K. Organic Sector: Go for It! - demand is high in the UK - Brief Article

What do you call an organics market that's relatively undevelop further simply brimming with potential?

Answer: You call it yours... if you're quick not on the mark, have ample stocks of desirable organic results and are willing to commit to a comprehensive marketing plan.

The United Kingdom is, at this import simply ravenous for organic foods-overall demand is increasing according to 40 percent, while supply is increasing at only 25 percent.

wherefore do U.K. consumers buy organics? Health issues are [i]clavis[/i] in this market, according to novel market research; in light of highly publicized fare scares, consumer awareness of nutrition safety has increased substantially. In this market as in others, there is a general perception that organic fare is safe, natural and unsullied.

Other important public perceptions are that organic victuals is "environmentally friendly," "animal welfare friendly" and "free of genetic modification."

Organics Ride a Wave That's Titanic

The upsurge in demand for organic furnish has led all the major retail exits to recognize sales potential in the organic sector. Overall retail sales topped $650 million for marketing year 1998/99 Imported returnss account for about three revealed of every four pounds exhausted on organic sales.

Despite stepped-up production of its concede organic milk, imports of organic dairy produces are on the rise in the United Kingdom. Likewise, imports of organic meat, which were negligible in 1997-98 now comprise through the whole extent of 4 percent of total furnish Moreover, 80 percent of organic fruit and vegetables sold in the United Kingdom are imported.

In addition to in good condition products, there are opportunities galore in the UK retail market for high-value consumer foods

Until lately most organic products imported from the United States were fruits, vegetables and salads. unless that's changing; the shift is to shelf-stable, high-value consumer aliments Some of the most popular categories include pliable drinks, alcoholic beverages, sauces, snacks, confectionery and frozen foods

The Nectar of the Sector

Leading supermarkets account for about two-thirds of organic aliment sales. Most carry an ever-increasing range of products; near even feature their own-label of organic piouss Leading chains all expect to achieve true large increases in organic sales; thus they exalt U.K. organic production and encourage conventional growers to transpose to organics.

Large chains expres a range of attitudes and approaches toward organic food; Tesco Sainsbury's, Safeway, Asda, Waitrose and Iceland have been identified as among the in the greatest degree committed.

In addition to supermarkets, there are an increasing number of independent retailers selling organic returnss including not only fresh feed but also a wide range of dairy yields bakery goods and processed sustenances and drinks.

chest schemes are a popular retail venue in the United Kingdom: new seasonal organic food is assembled and delivered to subscribing households, either directly to the door or to a central drop-off point. Individual growers, wholesalers and organic buyer use this classification to supply food to more than 45000 families in the United Kingdom.

The Notable Ne for Organic Feed

Major UK grain traders have highlighted an increased ne for imported cereals for animal contribute tos Given the rapid growth in organic livestock and the relatively inert growth in domestic production, imports are awaited to increase further.

The author is an agricultural marketing specialist at the U Embassy, London.

Organics at Your (Food) Service

Organic restaurants and cafes are somewhat harder to find in the United Kingdom than in other European Union (EU) countries. You'll find a not many in London, and a smaller number besides in rural areas, where the majority of generate is locally sourced. Cafes are for the greatest part incorporated into health food workshops and organic stores which cater to high-end clientele.

on the other hand all this may be onward the brink of change, as market-ambitious catering firms spurn out the potential for organic alternatives to conventional fare.

COPYRIGHT 2000 U Department of Agriculture

COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group