Organic Products Recession-Resistant in UK

Over the last 12 months, UK GDP has fallen 1.9%, retail sales have dropped 1.8% and unemployment has grown 1.3%. Yet organic food sales are up 1.7%. “There is a core of consumers who are in no mood to ditch their commitment to organic products,” explains a recent Soil Association report (www.soilassociation.org). “They are far more likely to cut their spending on eating out, leisure activities and holidays than to reduce what they spend on organic food.” On the upside, the report notes that organic health and beauty product sales have seen impressive sales gains. However, organic shoppers are shopping less often and purchasing fewer prepared foods and premium products. An Association survey notes that 36% of committed organic consumers will spend more on organic food in 2009, with only 15% spending less.

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