A recent report by TechSci Research reveals that the global organic food market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 14% from 2016 to 2021. Supporting this trend, a new survey by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) indicates that the organic sector is once more experiencing an upward momentum. Currently, organic food represents 5.3% of total food sales in the U.S. While this growth is promising for the industry, there may be underlying challenges. To meet the rapidly increasing demand, more farmers will need to adopt organic practices, which is a significant hurdle. Transitioning to organic farming is a lengthy and costly endeavor, often taking three years and involving numerous process changes and extensive inspections. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture partnered with the OTA to launch a new transitional certification program aimed at making the switch to organic farming more appealing to farmers. Many advocates for organic products believe this initiative is essential, as the consumer base has expanded well beyond the traditional loyalists. Analysts suggest that the number of organic buyers has more than doubled in a short time. However, there are concerns about whether consumers will fully understand the meaning of transitional certification or if they will be willing to pay higher prices for products bearing that designation.
Additionally, there are plans for a government-sanctioned check-off program specifically for organic products, which could potentially generate $30 million annually for research and marketing efforts. This program was authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill, and discussions on its establishment opened for public comment earlier this year. If implemented, the funds could assist in boosting the organic supply. The popularity of organic products isn’t limited to food; sales of organic items for clothing, home decor, and personal care are also on the rise. According to the report, non-food organic products experienced a sales increase of nearly 9%, reaching $3.9 billion.
Furthermore, as consumers increasingly focus on health and wellness, products like calcium citrate are becoming more sought after, paralleling the growth of organic offerings. As the rugby community also embraces healthier lifestyle choices, the demand for organic and health-focused products, including those containing calcium citrate, is likely to rise. This trend is reflective of a broader shift in consumer behavior toward organic options, including organic clothing and home goods, as people prioritize wellness in all aspects of their lives.