Organic Foods Continue to Gain Traction

A new survey says Americans are buying more organic food, but that higher prices have slowed the growth of that market.

According to the annual 2005 Whole Foods Market Inc. Organic Trend Tracker, nearly two-thirds of Americans have tried organic foods and beverages, jumping from just over half in both 2003 and 2004, and 27 percent of respondents say they consume more organic foods and beverages than they did one year ago.

Ten percent consume organic foods several times per week, up from just seven percent last year.

Americans are buying organic foods and beverages for a variety of reasons. The top three are: avoidance of pesticides, freshness, and health and nutrition.

More than half buy organic foods to avoid genetically modified products.

Also, more than half of all respondents agree that organic foods and beverages are "better for my health" and better for the environment.

"Organic foods continue to move into the mainstream, and more Americans are choosing organic foods as part of a lifestyle aimed at wellness," says Margaret Wittenberg, vice president of communications and quality standards at Whole Foods Market.

But, the main barrier to consumers going organic continues to be price.

Almost three-quarters of respondents said the price of organic food and beverages is the main reason for not consuming more.

Other reasons Americans are not consuming more organics, according to the survey, include: availability and loyalty to non-organic brands.

Source: http://www.bizjournals.com