2022 Organic Industry Survey Shows Steady Growth, Stabilizing Purchasing Patterns
Market volatility and stockpiling subsides as industry growth returns, according to Organic Trade AssociationFollowing an unprecedented year marked by pantry loading and supply shortages, the Organic Trade Association’s (OTA) latest Organic Industry Survey shows consumers returned to more stable, buy-as-you-need shopping patterns in 2021. Between 2020 and 2021, organic sales surpassed $63 billion, with $1.4 billion (2%) total growth over the year. Food sales, which comprise over 90% of organic sales, rose to $57.5 billion (roughly 2% growth), and non-food sales reached $6 billion in sales (7% growth).
“Like every other industry, organic has been through many twists and turns over the last few years, but the industry’s resilience and creativity has kept us going strong,” says OTA CEO and executive director Tom Chapman, “In 2020, organic significantly increased its market foothold as Americans took a closer look at the products in their home and gravitated toward healthier choices. When pandemic purchasing habits and supply shortages began to ease in 2021, we saw the strongest performance from categories that were able to remain flexible, despite the shifting landscape. That ability to adapt and stay responsive to consumer and producer needs is a key part of organic’s continued growth and success.”
Organic fruits and vegetables accounted for 15% of the total product market and brought in over $21 billion in revenue in 2021; an approximately 4.5% increase over 2020. Fresh produce and dried beans, fruits, and vegetables drove growth in the category, showing 6 and 6.5% growth over the year, respectively. Frozen and canned foods declined slightly as consumers reduced pantry loading. Packaging on produce has increased since the beginning of the pandemic, as some shoppers perceived that it might better protect food from airborne viruses. It is yet unclear if this trend will continue, however, as organic food shoppers historically have preferred less packaging and plastic use.
Learn more about organic trends by food and beverage category.
Navitas Organics Announces Partnership with Regenerative Organic Certified™
Organic superfood pioneer commits to creating a healthier world through regenerative organic farming
Navitas Organics introduced Superfoods with Purpose™, a credo that underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to creating a healthier world through regenerative organic farming and plant-based lifestyles. The purpose-driven, B-Corp company has long strived to be a force for good in this world, creating positive change through its nutritious food and sourcing practices.
Inspired by this revitalized commitment, Navitas is now a Regenerative Organic Certified™ (ROC™) licensed brand.
As a ROC licensed partner, Navitas Organics will introduce the first-ever ROC Certified Cacao Powder, which is set to hit shelves nationwide this spring in 8oz (SRP $9.99) and 16oz (SRP $18.99) bags. This effort has already been recognized by the natural products industry, as the offering was named the winner of New Hope’s annual NEXTY awards in the “Best New Organic or Regenerative Organic Certified Product” category on March 2, 2022.
While the ROC Certified Cacao Powder will be the first Navitas product to carry the ROC seal, Navitas Organics will continually look for new opportunities to incorporate ROC Cacao across the Cacao family product line, and wherever possible in the range of Navitas portfolio of products. This effort will continue during the years ahead to underscore Navitas’ support of a global shift towards regenerative organic agriculture and plant-forward diets that together can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and end the destruction of resources vital to a healthy functioning ecosystem.
Consumers Associate Natural, Organic with Clean Label
Consumer surveys demonstrate a range of perceptions regarding natural and organic
Natural and organic claims have been selling points for foods and beverages for decades. They are particularly effective for consumers seeking quick labeling shortcuts that help them identify “clean” foods. In fact, consumer research conducted by Innova Market Insights consistently shows that consumer definitions of natural and of clean label are very similar. Furthermore, many consumers believe that natural products also are organic.
Natural and organic weave through Innova’s Top 10 Trends predictions every year. While related trends have evolved since 2016 – natural flavors, no additives/preservatives, clean label, supply chain transparency, sustainability – clean and natural attributes always have a place. In fact, several of this year’s trends encompass natural and organic, including “Shared Planet,” for social responsibility around environmental issues, and “Back to the Roots,” a nod to the increasing value of the functionality, freshness and authenticity of local food.
Organic & Natural Health Association Surpasses Williams-Franklin Foundation Fundraising Goal
These funds have raised more visibility for opportunities in the natural products industry for students of historically Black colleges and universities
What started as a five-year commitment to raise a minimum of $50,000 in scholarships for the Williams-Franklin Foundation (WFF) at the start of 2021 by Organic & Natural Health Association, has blossomed into a $55,205 total in less than two years throughout various natural products industry events and supporters. These funds have raised more visibility for opportunities in the natural products industry for students of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU).
So far in the program’s second year, Organic & Natural Health has hosted six informational and fundraising events to date with more scheduled. Major industry organizations including AIDP, Atrium Innovations, Barrington Nutritionals, Council for Responsible Nutrition, Health Wright Products, Informa Markets, Mercola, Natural Grocers, New Hope Network, Nordic Naturals, Pitch Publicity, Purity Products, RedLeaf Biologics, RFI Ingredients and What’s Up With Supps have sponsored, partnered or supported the WFF “Organic & Natural Health Scholarship Fund,” which has supplied seven scholarships, to date, to HBCU students interested in pursuing health and wellness careers, with more scholarship recipients being announced later this year.
Fair Earth Farms Organic Salad Kits & Blends
The products are packaged in fully-compostable bags, which are printed using water-based inks that will break down into soil
Boskovich Fresh Food Group's subsidiary Fresh Prep, LLC launched its next innovative retail line, Fair Earth Farms, to the industry with six SKUs. Fair Earth Farms packaged organic salad kits and salad blends in plant-based, fully-compostable bags, printed using water-based inks that will break down into soil (the fully compostable packaging is patent pending). Building a new model for the future, Fair Earth Farms maintains that the foods we eat come from an earth we must nurture in return.
Boskovich Fresh Food Group is a dedicated family of growers from California with over 100 years of experience known for its multi-generational knowledge and commitment to sustainable farming practices, its food safety excellence, and its consistent product quality across conventional and organic items. Fair Earth Farms is the next chapter for the company focusing on fresh produce coupled with a renewed commitment to sustainable innovation within the category.
Tolerant Organic Chickpea Spaghetti
Legume-based pasta brand expands pasta line to include high protein, high fiber option
Tolerant, known for its certified organic, single-ingredient legume-based pasta, introduced Organic Chickpea Spaghetti as the newest addition to its roster of high-protein, high-fiber (6g of total fat per 3.5oz serving) and grain-free pastas.
As people look to add more plant-based foods to their diet, Tolerant offers the new pasta. Spaghetti was the most-requested shape by Tolerant customers, so the team worked to launch the best version of this classic: made with just one ingredient: chickpeas.
