Ethical Food Sales On A Rise

Mon, 16 Oct 2006
 
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New research has revealed that more than £2bn will be spent on Fairtrade, free range, local or organic produce.

Market research group Mintel shows demand for ‘higher quality’ or ‘healthier’ food is increasingly rapidly. The £2bn figure on total spend expected this year is up 62% on four years ago.

A massive 40% of all shoppers in the UK say they buy free range products whenever they can, which is a 33% rise from 2002.

The same survey also showed that three-quarters of British people now believe they have a duty to recycle, and 34% say they buy Fairtrade branded goods when they are in store. That’s a rise of nearly 10 per cent in the last three years.

"Where once price was all important, rising disposable incomes and a generally more affluent society has allowed people to start living up to their ethics . A third of adults now believe it is worth paying more for Fairtrade, organic and locally sourced foods." said Mintel.

There are a number of reasons as to why people’s attitude in food has changed. Some factors include tips from celebrity chefs about the fears of obesity, salt or fat levels and climate change concerns.

Sainsbury's chief executive, Justin King said increased demand for healthier and higher quality food had helped the Sainsbury chain, which currently has 30% of the UK market for organics. Mr King had also said there was "sea-change" under way in British shopping and eating habits .

Tesco recently moved their organic products out of its specialist section and spread them throughout the stores. Tesco also announced that demand for organic food was up by 30%.

Making sure they keep up with rival companies, Asda and Morrisons have also pledged to increase their organic ranges, with Asda promising 1,000 products .

Next year will see the opening of America’s largest organic and natural food supermarket chain, Whole Foods Market in Britain.

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