Organic Gains Momentum

The world organic market is estimated to have exceeded the $30-bn mark last year with North America and Europe showing the highest growth rates. In the last 10 years, worldwide demand for organic foods has doubled, and is expected to more than double again in the next few years. By far the biggest market share is held by the retail sector. In the foodservice industry the use of organic produce is still quite rarely to be found - rather with institutional catering than with fullservice or quickservice restaurants. But growing concerns for health issues, the environment and the treatment of animals help to change consumers' and restaurateurs' minds which means that 'organic' (or 'bio') is gaining momentum. A pan-European survey.