Natural and organic products industry sales hit $76 billion.
Even in tough economic times, the natural and organic products industry reports 4.8 percent growth.
BOULDER, Colo. (June 2, 2010) - Natural Foods Merchandiser magazine’s June Market Overview reports sustained growth for the natural and organic products industry. With more than $76 billion in total revenues last year, the industry grew 4.8 percent from 2008, despite an economy that saw many consumer-spending categories decline.
This research shows that certain categories are experiencing double-digit growth. Gluten-free food sales, for example, grew 12 percent over the previous year, proving this growing segment is more than a food fad. Dietary supplements continued to be top sellers, and categories like digestive health experienced almost 16 percent growth as consumers showed strong interest in condition-specific health areas, including heart health and immunity.
“Overall, consumer concerns about health and wellness in the face of rising medical costs are driving interest and demand for healthy foods, dietary supplements, personal care items and other natural and organic products,” said Anna Soref, editor-in-chief of Natural Foods Merchandiser. “I believe these positive numbers for the natural and organic products industry in a tough year like ’09 demonstrate that the industry is recession proof.”
The Natural Foods Merchandiser’s 2010 Market Overview is a comprehensive report detailing sales results for the natural and organic products industry. In addition to overall spending figures, the Market Overview also reports results by product segments, average sales per store and overall business statistics for natural products retailers.
In addition to its own proprietary research, the Natural Foods Merchandiser Market Overview incorporates sales data from SPINS, a Schaumburg, Ill., based market research firm, and interviews with a variety of industry experts, such as Steven Mister, president and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based Council for Responsible Nutrition.
Also included in the Market Overview are the results from a recent survey conducted by iVillage/Delicious Living magazine. Researchers polled almost 5,000 women about their attitudes on health, and how those attitudes influence purchasing decisions and brand selection.