Organic meat and dairy set to triple

27 August 1997

Organic meat and dairy set to triple

By FWi staff

EUROPES organic meat and dairy market is set to triple over the next five
years, according to a food industry report by UK consultancy Frost &
Sullivan.

The EU organic meat and dairy market is currently valued at US$1.10 billion (£683m), and expected to reach US$3.20bn by 2002. Frost & Sullivan predict similar growth in
organic vegetables – valued at US$200 million and forecast to reach
US$510.2 million by 2003.

Research manager Dr Angela Gunning says ethical issues are driving growth in organic vegetables, and continued food safety and animal welfare concerns are boosting organic meat and dairy sales.

Dr Gunning said the continued success of the organic industry will depend on three principal factors including government aid; widespread distribution of products through major retailers; and marketing support.

Government grants and funding are vital to accelerate the conversion rate to organic farming, which will stimulate a rise in production levels, she said.