ClickAJob News

An environmental campaigning organisation has said sales of organic food and drinks grew by over 53 per cent last year crossing the £2 billion mark.

The Soil Association's annual organic market report states that consumers are increasingly thinking about the impact their food choices have on the environment.

Retail sales through organic box and mail order schemes rose from £95 million in 2005 to £146 million in 2006, according to the report.

The Soil Association's report states that on average £37 million is spent each week on organic produce in the UK, with consumers living in London, the southeast, the southwest and Wales most likely to buy the products grown without the use of pesticides.

Soil Association director of food and farming Helen Browning said: "The year-on-year growth in sales not just in food and drink, but also the newer booming clothing and health and beauty sectors confirm organic has moved well beyond a mere fad or niche."

She added that the figures showed that there was a "positive future" for organic products and farming but warned that rises in feed and fuel prices could lead to higher prices in the future.

"Rises in feed and fuel prices will need to be reflected in food prices at the check-out that enable farmers to get a fair return on their production costs," Ms Browning said.

"It's fantastic to have such strong public support for and understanding of the benefits provided by organic farming, but that must urgently extend to more widespread acceptance, by retailers as well as consumers, of the true costs of producing staple foods like eggs, milk, meat , and bread sustainably."

The report added that 30 per cent more products had been licensed with the certification organisation over the last year and that consumer attitudes towards organic products was becoming more favourable.

A poll conducted by Mumsnet for the report states that 84 per cent of mothers believe that organic products are healthier and 90 per cent believed that it was better for the environment.

Market research conducted by the organisation also reveals that households with children under the age of 15 are more likely to buy organic foods than households without children.