Industry Analysis & Industry Trends
Until the recession hit, demand for organic food was strong. Organic food is moving from niche to the mainstream, with the major supermarkets stocking more of their shelves with organic products and increasing their own-brand variety of organic items. Consumers are demanding food that is considered healthier and more ethical and environmentally friendly.
IBISWorld expects revenue will contract an annualised 5.5% over the five years through 2012-13 to £1.64 billion. Industry revenue contracted once the recession took hold of the UK economy and consumers traded down to lower-price food. Industry revenue is anticipated to continue to contract as the UK economy remains sluggish. In 2012-13, revenue is anticipated to decline 0.9%... purchase to read more
Industry Report - Starting a New Business Chapter
New entrants may find it difficult to compete effectively with larger supermarkets, which have established distribution networks and brand names. Box scheme providers and farmers' markets may need to establish links with farmers to gain access to organic farm produce. In some cases, it is the farmers themselves that provides the box scheme or stall.
Further upstream, manufacturers and growers need accreditation to be labelled organic. There are several accreditation organisations in the United Kingdom, which have been approved by DEFRA. Organic farmers and food processors need to fulfil certain requirements to display a label from one of these accreditation organisations. Both EU and UK legislation applies to organic farmers and food processors... purchase to read more