30% Growth in Organic Food Sales! What Are the Forecasts for Next Year?

This year was special for the organic food market. We observed sales increases and decreases in completely different months than in previous years, and the restrictions introduced on an ongoing basis practically immediately influenced consumer behavior.

One thing is certain – it was a year of conscious dietary choices, as evidenced by the 30% growth in organic food sales. Customers opted for, among other things, fermented foods that boost their immunity, and organic fruits and vegetables. Online sales also increased, doubling in our online store. Next year, we can expect these trends to continue. In 2021, the importance of the organic, vegan, and online sales markets will grow.

The organic food market has been experiencing growth for several years. Consumers are increasingly aware and eagerly read product labels. The coronavirus epidemic accelerated this trend but also introduced significant unpredictability. Customers reacted emotionally to the restrictions imposed. The fluctuations in the number of products purchased this year did not fit the patterns observed in previous years at all; for example, instead of the boom that typically occurs in September, we had sales increases in August.

Despite the lack of predictability, it was a good year for the organic food market. The industry recorded an average 30% year-over-year growth, and we achieved similar results at Farma Świętokrzyska. Online shopping also expanded. In our store alone, biozfarmy.pl, during the epidemic, we sold 135% more products than in the same period in 2019.

A Year Full of Challenges

A Year Full of Challenges

The need for rapid adaptation to changing conditions, the difficult situation in agriculture related to, among other things, unfavorable weather conditions and low prices for fruits and vegetables, are challenges that every company operating in this market has faced. At Farma Świętokrzyska, thanks to the great effort of employees but also the growing awareness of consumers, we managed very well.

We sold more products, developed our online store, and obtained the IFS Food 6.1 certificate. This is one of the most stringent food safety systems, primarily concerning the production and packaging of food products.

Three Trends in the New Year

Three Trends in the New Year

The situation in the food market is dynamic and depends on current epidemic conditions, so it is difficult to precisely predict the next year. However, there are trends strong enough that their growth is almost certain. The first direction is the development of certified organic products. In 2020, this market grew by 30%, and everything indicates it will continue to develop, along with growing consumer awareness. One of the novelties we have observed in our store in recent months is a very large increase in sales of unpasteurized fermented foods – by as much as 80%.

These are products that contain live bacterial cultures supporting immunity and the digestive system, particularly important during a pandemic, which is further proof of greater consumer awareness. The next trend is veganism. A multitude of vegan products are appearing on the market, even from traditional ham or preserve producers. They are especially popular among the younger generation, so it is easy to predict that this trend will continue to grow at a steady pace. The last trend is the shift of shopping to the internet. This will force changes in the market, related to, among other things, specialized food delivery services.

Each of the above trends will develop at its own pace, with varying intensity, but all are already unstoppable. High-quality, unprocessed food that supports health and well-being will hold its own in any conditions.

Summary

The past year brought a 30% increase in organic food sales, driven by the pandemic and growing consumer awareness. Customers opted for fermented foods (an 80% increase), organic fruits and vegetables, and online shopping in stores like biozfarmy.pl increased by 135%. In the coming year, experts forecast the continuation of trends: the development of certified organic products, the growing popularity of veganism among the younger generation, and further digitalization of food shopping. The industry also faces challenges – from unstable weather conditions to the need for rapid adaptation to restrictions, which forces investments in quality and safety certificates.