Organic and ethical sales grow at Tesco

Sales of organic, premium and ethical food ranges have increased in Tesco stores despite the recession, the supermarket has revealed.

Since last November, sales of its organic produce rose 52%, while there was 3% growth in its ‘Finest’ range of fish, meat and poultry foods. Fairtrade produce was up 15%. Some of the most popular products over the last two months included organic baking potatoes (up 59%), organic mince beef (+60%) and organic medium cheddar (+70%).

A key factor in the sales growth has been the supermarket’s various promotional measures -such as “buy one get any other free” – that have been used, especially for the Finest and organic ranges.

“While it’s too early to say that we are seeing the green shoots of recovery from the recession, rising demand for our ethical and premium food brands are offering optimistic signs,” Tesco pillar brands senior marketing manager Stephanie Stewart said.

“Much has been made of us introducing our successful Discounter range last year, but we have not taken our eye off our other brands and ethical ranges and through improved offers we are now starting to see sales rise again.”