Organic consumption is rising, survey says

Pete Hisey

Slightly more than a quarter of Americans are eating more organic products than they were a year ago, and nearly 10 percent say that they regularly consume organic products, according to a survey of 1,000 Americans conducted for Whole Foods Markets. T

he study, conducted by Synovate in August, found that the most common impetus for eating organic goods was that they are perceived to be better for the environment (58 percent) followed by a perception that they support small and local farmers (57 percent). Large numbers also said organic foods are better for one's health, are of better quality and taste better than competing products.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are still the most commonly sought-after product in the organic field, but meat (22 percent) and ready-to-eat meals (14

percent) were also popular.

Nearly three-quarters of consumers believe that organic products are too expensive.

According to Margaret Wittenberg, vice president of governmental and public affairs at Whole Foods, the market for organic food products increased by some 20 percent last year and now totals $10 billion a year.

Meatingplace.com