Canadian Organic Food Sales Grow Past $1 Billion
PRESS RELEASE - OACC, Truro May 31, 2007

Studies commissioned by the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC) show that retail sales of ‘Certified Organic’ food in Canada were worth more than $1 billion in 2006 and that consumers in British Columbia eat more organic food than consumers in other provinces.

Supermarkets of mainstream grocery chains have responded to consumer demand and now sell over 40% of all organic food sold in Canada. According to data provided by the Nielsen Company, supermarkets sold $412 million worth of organic food products in 2006. This represented 28% growth from 2005 to 2006, with 31% growth in pre-packaged products and 22% growth in fresh product.

Supermarkets in Alberta are showing the highest growth in sales from 2005 to 2006 (44%), followed by BC and the Maritimes (34%), Ontario (24%) and Quebec (21%).

The Nielsen Company also estimates that $175 million is sold though smaller grocery stores, warehouse clubs, drug stores and other specialty stores.

Information obtained from industry sources indicates that large natural food store chains and the independent health food stores account for $329 million and organic food box delivery companies add another $20 million.

Direct sales of certified organic produce at farmers markets across the country and at the farm gate are estimated to be worth at least $50 million.

Organic food is more popular in BC than in other provinces. A striking 26% of all Canadian organic food sales are in BC which has only 13% of Canada’s population.

Continued growth is expected over the next few years with the introduction of a Canada Organic logo when the new federal Organic Products Regulations are implemented.

Ralph Martin, the OACC Director, expressed appreciation for practical collaboration to OACC funding partners, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Alberta Agriculture and Food, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands and the Nielsen Company. “Real numbers help Canadian farmers and processors understand the potential for organic products sourced in Canada. Let’s meet our own market with our own products”.

For more information please see the Report “Retail Sales of Certified Organic Food Products, in Canada, in 2006” (PDF)

For more information contact: Ralph Martin at rmartin@nsac.ca or 902-893-6679

 

Posted June 2007