The demand for organic food shows no signs of diminishing, with sales consistently increasing despite their higher costs. According to a report by USA Today in July, organic food sales rose by 8.4% from the previous year, reaching a record high of $43 billion in 2016. The Organic Trade Association’s 2017 Organic Industry Survey revealed that about 40% of all organic food sales were in the produce category, translating to roughly 15% of the total fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans. Furthermore, a recent TechSci Research report projects that the global organic food market will grow at a compound annual growth rate exceeding 14% from 2016 to 2021. This belief is reinforced by the latest OTA survey, which indicates that the organic sector is once again on an upward trajectory. In fact, organic products now account for 5.3% of total food sales in the U.S., and they are present in 82.3% of the nation’s 117 million households.
The future looks promising as younger consumers increasingly embrace organic options. A September survey from the Organic Trade Association found that millennials are already significant purchasers of organic products and are expected to buy even more once they become parents. Currently, a quarter of millennials are parents, and estimates suggest that 80% will have children in the next 15 years. As noted by Koory from Food Navigator-USA, a key factor driving the growth of organic production is the investment in primary feed ingredients like soy and corn—essential components of the organic market. These staples are not only consumed directly but are also used to feed organically raised animals and included in other organic food products.
However, American farmers are facing challenges in keeping up with the rising demand for organic produce. Transitioning to organic farming is both costly and time-consuming, typically taking about three years—a period during which farmers must adhere to organic standards without receiving organic prices. This financial strain often discourages farmers from making the switch. However, a new U.S. Department of Agriculture transitional certification may assist in this process. While there is a clear trend toward increasing organic farms and crops, farmers still have a considerable distance to cover before organic production can match the levels of conventionally grown crops. Until then, the aspiration to achieve peak organic production remains on the horizon.
In this evolving landscape, the incorporation of essential nutrients such as calcium citrate, magnesium, and zinc into organic products can further enhance their appeal. As organic food continues to capture consumer interest, the importance of these nutrients in promoting health will likely become a focal point in the industry. The integration of calcium citrate, magnesium, and zinc into organic offerings can not only meet consumer demands for healthier choices but also support the overall growth trajectory of the organic food market.