Eileen Bentley, Small Business Manager, Bord Bia
Research conducted on behalf of Bord Bia in July 2010 by IPSOS/MRBI shows that almost one third of Irish shoppers are buying more organic product than the same time last year. While the value of the organic market has fallen in the last twelve months to €90m, the overall volume of sales has remained steady. One third of Irish shoppers now claim to be buying at least one organic product every week.
When asked about why they buy organic, nearly 7 out of ten responded that it is the free from chemicals and pesticides nature of organic food that is a key determining factor. Almost two thirds of respondents believe organic food to be more natural and to taste better. The most popular categories for organic food according to the research are vegetables, dairy, meat and fruit.
Supermarkets remain the main source for organic food purchases, with Discounters important for top-up organic purchases. Aldi has increased 6% to 17% in 2010 as a source of top up shopping. Farmer’s markets have decreased slightly to 6% as an alternative source of organic purchases.
National Organic Week concludes on Sunday 19th September. A list of events happening this weekend to celebrate organic food and drink is available here.