WASHINGTON — Organic food sales in the United States increased 11% to reach $35.9 billion in 2014, according to a survey released April 15 by the Organic Trade Association. Organic food sales accounted for close to 5% of total U.S. food sales, according to the O.T.A.
A majority of American households make organic part of their supermarket and retail purchases. The percentages ranged from 68% to nearly 80% of households in Southern states and nearly hit 90% on the West coast and in New England.
“O.T.A.’s consumer survey has already found that organic doesn’t have any demographic boundaries,” said Laura Batcha, chief executive officer and executive director of the association. “This additional data prove it doesn’t have regional or partisan boundaries.”
Sales of organic fruits and vegetables rose 12% in 2014 to reach $13 billion, which accounted for 36% of all organic food sales. Of all the produce sold in the United States, 12% is organic. U.S. sales in the organic dairy sector increased 11% to $5.46 billion in 2014.
Organic non-food sales increased nearly 14% to $3.2 billion. Total 2014 U.S. organic sales, at $39.1 billion, marked an 11.3% climb from 2013.
TheNutrition Business Journalconducted and produced the survey, which took place from Feb. 10 to April 3. More than 200 companies responded. The O.T.A. will make the full survey available in mid-May.