Abstract
This paper presents the evolution of the organic food market at EU level, as well as its place in the world. Market size was highlighted based on the retail sales of organic food indicator, and the consumer penetration rate of this product category was assessed by retail sales of organic food per capita. Europe is the second largest market in the world for organic food, out of the total, 91% being related to EU member states (in 2015). In the last few years, the analyzed market has seen increases in EU countries, with differences between them, both in terms of dynamics and consumption intensity (old EU members far outstripping the new ones on this indicator). Despite the positive evolution, the analyzed market remains a market with a huge potential for development, still untapped, the penetration of organic food consumption still being at a low level.
Highlights
The emergence and development of organic agro-food products is a consequence of public awareness of the role that food has on the health of the population and, implicitly, of raising consumer concerns for their own health, corroborated with the government’s policy of sustainable development, amid the exacerbation in the last decades of nutrition illnesses caused by inadequate nutrition
North America is the region with the highest average spending per person, followed by Europe, but at a considerable distance. (Table 1)
In the other countries at the top of the list, the increases were below 100%
Summary
The emergence and development of organic agro-food products is a consequence of public awareness of the role that food has on the health of the population and, implicitly, of raising consumer concerns for their own health, corroborated with the government’s policy of sustainable development, amid the exacerbation in the last decades of nutrition illnesses caused by inadequate nutrition. According to EU legislation, organic (ecologic or bio) food can be labeled as organic only when at least 95% of ingredients are organic. According to Council Regulation EC No 834/2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products, organic production is an overall system of farm management and food production that combines best environmental practices, a high level of biodiversity, the preservation of natural resources, the application of high animal welfare standards and a production method in line with the preference of certain consumers for products produced using natural substances and processes. Certification of organic products has many advantages for both producers and consumers. - ensures producers that illegal use of the organic term (by competitors) does not deprive them of the use of premium prices and of obtaining market shares that can be generated through certified products;.
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