For years, the market for organic products has been growing, with habits and consumption patterns that have changed over time. Large-scale distribution has rushed into the sector since the organic market represents, in 2019, 12 billion euros (that’s twice as much as in 2015)!
For her, the gross margin of an organic food is up to twice as high as in the traditional version: an opportunity to be seized, which operates to the detriment of producers and does not apply fair trade. We can see the supply and demand for organic products in mass distribution grow significantly. In 2019, the National Federation of Organic Agriculture (FNAB) protested against the industrialization of the organic sector which is now reaching France. Because this “industrial” bio is a paradox : Admittedly, it makes it possible to reduce prices – the main obstacle to purchasing for 80% of consumers – but the drift towards “anything labeled organic” is not far away.
However, consumers seem increasingly better informed and if large-scale distribution remains the most used purchasing channel, its share decreased in 2019 (77% versus 81% in 2018), to the benefit of artisans, the market, local shops and direct purchases from the producer. The image of organic products from private labels is also declining (with a score of 5.7 / 10), as is the desire of consumers to find more organic products in their supermarket (drop of 4%).
What motivates consumers to buy organic?
- 59%: to preserve their health
- 51%: for the quality and taste of the products
- 45%: to preserve the environment
- 34%: for the welfare of animals
- 34%: thanks to the greater availability of organic products in usual places of purchase
And what prevents them …
- 80%: overpriced products
- 66%: doubt that the product is completely organic
- 29%: not the reflex to consume it
- 25%: has its own vegetable garden or shares land to cultivate
- 24%: offer that does not correspond to the needs
- 18%: for lack of information
To eat organic without breaking the bank, a few tips: replace animal proteins from time to time with vegetable proteins, favor seasonal and local foods that will be cheaper than others, buy the right quantities (according to Ademe, on average 7 kg of food is thrown away per year per inhabitant Finally, make choices, buying the food in this slideshow first.
Source :
- Barometer of consumption and perception of organic products in France, Agence Bio / Spirit insight, February 2020, with 2,000 people