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Soil Association reveals growth in organic sales

Published

11 years ago

March 31, 2014

THE SOIL Association’s annual Organic Market Report has revealed that the organic sector has seen growth of 2.8% in 2013: the first time the organic market has seen annual growth since 2008.

Organic sales are growing slightly ahead of the overall grocery sales for 2013, which finished the year at around +2.1%. The 2014 Organic Market Report shows that the organic market is now worth £1.79billion. Those brands that carry the Soil Association logo have had an even stronger 2013, with growth of more than 5%.

And it seems this trend is set to continue in 2014, with organic sales for the first four weeks of the year seeing growth of +2.5% – way outperforming overall grocery sales, which were down -3.2%. Independent retailers have led the way with growth of almost 7% (6.9%) to almost £10million per week, indicating that more consumers are choosing to shop in smaller stores where they know they will find a wider choice of organic products. Online sales of organic continue to grow strongly with Ocado seeing an increase in sales of 10.4%. Supermarkets have seen some growth in the past year, with overall sales up 1.2%. However, Sainsbury’s – the country’s biggest organic retailer with 29% market share – saw a 7% increase in sales of its own-label organic products, closely followed by Waitrose who saw its organic sales increase by 6.5% – indicating other supermarkets are yet to capitalise on increasing consumer demand for organic.

Household names, such as Yeo Valley Organic, Green & Blacks and Rachel’s Organic are the most popular organic brands in supermarkets. Also seeing growth throughout 2013 are mail-order, home delivery and veg box schemes – up 11% on last year, with leading brands Abel & Cole and Riverford seeing a combined increase in sales of 17.9%.

The organic food market appears to be recovering across many different sectors, with meat, fish and poultry (+2.2%), vegetables (+3.4%) and dairy (+4.4%) all seeing positive growth throughout the year. This positive outlook is also reflected in consumer attitudes to organic and bodes well for the next 12 months, with 45% of organic consumers intending to buy more organic fruit and veg in the year ahead and 22% intending to buy more organic dairy in 2014.

Organic baby food continues to be a popular choice, with more than 50% of spending on baby food being organic. Four out of five households now buy organic produce, with shoppers under 34 stating they are willing to spend the most on organic products. The main reasons for choosing organic were it contains fewer chemicals and pesticides(37%), it’s natural and unprocessed (34%) and it’s healthier for me and my family (33%) – indicating a slight change in priorities for consumers from 2013, where it’s healthier for me and my family was the main reason for consumers choosing organic.

Speaking about the report, Rob Sexton, CEO of Soil Association Certification said; “To see the organic market showing such strong signs of growth, particularly when grocery sales as a whole are slowing, shows just how much potential there is in the organic sector. Both the growth in the organic market and the accelerating growth of products carrying the Soil Association logo further highlight the growing public demand for organic and food logos that they can trust. The message to supermarkets and other retailers and organic businesses is clear: if you make organic goods available and promote them well, consumers will respond by continuing to purchase the products they have confidence in.

“In addition research has shown that organic shoppers expect to buy more organic products this year than last so we have reason to be positive about the outlook for organic in 2014 and beyond. Now, the priority needs to be ensuring a greater choice of organic produce on shelves.”

Despite the continued demand from UK consumers, figures from Defra report that producer and livestock numbers and the UK’s organic land area decreased in the year to December 2012. The numbers of organic producers and processors also fell by 6.3% to 6,487. Currently around 3.5% (606,000 hectares) of the agricultural land area in the UK is organic.

Rob Sexton continued, “2013 has seen a decline in the amount of agricultural land in the UK that is organic and we know that many farmers are concerned about the profitability of organic. We have strong evidence to show that organic farming systems are at least as profitable as non-organic and we know that demand for organic is increasing amongst consumers. A serious injection of producer confidence is needed, in the shape of increased commitment from retailers and policy makers to help support existing organic farmers and grow the market in future, ensuring organic supply can meet increasing consumer demand.”

Community

Haverfordwest Carnival to make a comeback after six-year hiatus

Published

10 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MUCH-LOVED Haverfordwest Carnival, which has been absent from the local summer calendar for six years, is set to return in 2025. The event, which last took place in 2019 before the pandemic caused large gatherings to be cancelled, is eagerly anticipated by locals who are hopeful for a vibrant revival.

The carnival, known for its bright floats, marching bands, and community spirit, will once again fill the streets of the county town next year. It is being organized by Pure West Radio in partnership with Haverfordwest Town Council, and they are now reaching out to the public for input on key details, including the theme, preferred date, and ways to support the event.

Pure West Radio shared the exciting news on social media, announcing, “After six years, Haverfordwest Carnival is back for 2025! We’re partnering with Haverfordwest Town Council to bring back this iconic event, and we want to hear from you. What theme would you like to see? What day works best for you? And how would you like to get involved? Share your thoughts with us here.”

The announcement has been met with excitement from the community. Emma Flan reminisced, “The carnival was always the highlight of the summer when I was growing up. The town would be buzzing, with everyone out enjoying the day and night. So happy to see it returning, and I hope everyone gets involved.”

Others, like Michelle Dukes, agreed, saying, “It’s great news – the town really needs an event like this,” while Lucy Lulu Eagles fondly recalled, “I loved the carnival! I’d always look forward to the band playing and seeing the floats with the kids.”

One memorable edition of the carnival took place in 2006, when it was held at the Picton Playing Fields, featuring a Queen tribute act and a junior talent show. The 2018 carnival marked a major revival of the event after a few years’ absence, with a maritime theme celebrating the ‘Year of the Sea.’ Despite the wet weather, the procession, which started from County Hall, drew a big crowd and made its way through the town to Bridge Meadow.

The 2019 carnival saw the event moved to a Sunday as a grand finale to Haverfordwest Festival Week, and the sunny weather ensured a wonderful day out for all involved.

While the weather remains unpredictable for 2025, local input is highly encouraged to help make the event one to remember. If you have ideas or feedback, you can share them via the survey linked above.

Community

Classic motorcycles roar into Haverfordwest this weekend

Published

13 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CLASSIC bike enthusiasts are gearing up for a spectacular event at Haverhub this Saturday (May 3), as the Pembrokeshire Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Club hosts its eleventh annual Classic Bike Show.

The event, which runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm, is free to attend and promises a stunning display of 55 classic motorcycles, spanning from the 1920s through to the 1990s.

The show supports a range of worthy causes, including Milford Haven Sea Cadets, VC Gallery, Blood Bikes Wales, the Welsh Air Ambulance, road safety initiatives, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Liver Transplant Centre – which serves patients across Wales – and Haverhub itself.

Crowd favourite Becket “The Bullet” Thomas will be providing live entertainment during the afternoon, adding to the festival atmosphere.

Although entry is free, organisers are encouraging visitors to make donations to the supported charities, all of which provide vital services both locally and nationally.

A spokesperson for the club said: “We are really excited to showcase these wonderful machines and to support so many good causes at the same time. It’s a great day out for all ages.”

The event takes place at Haverhub, Quay Street, Haverfordwest. All classic bikes are welcome.

For more information or to register a bike, contact Glyn on 07795 485724 or email [email protected].

Community

Milford Haven pays tribute on ANZAC Day

Published

22 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A COMMEMORATION service was held on Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, on Sunday (Apr 27) to mark ANZAC Day and to honour those who fell in all conflicts, especially at Gallipoli and Normandy.

The event also paid tribute to the crew of the Wellington bomber that crashed near the site during the Second World War.

A strong turnout gathered for the moving service, with local groups including the Sea Cadets, Royal British Legion, and military representatives in attendance. Milford Haven’s Mayor, Councillor William Elliott, laid a wreath on behalf of the town.

The service, organised by the Royal British Legion Club – Milford Haven, served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the ANZAC forces and others over the years.

A spokesperson for Milford Haven Town Council said: “A lovely turnout for the ANZAC Day memorial service. We will remember them!”

ANZAC Day is observed annually in Australia and New Zealand, and across the world, to commemorate the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought at Gallipoli during the First World War, as well as those who served and died in all wars and conflicts.

(Images: MHTC)