Natural And Organic Sells Big In 2010 in US After Relatively Slow 2009

The double-digit revenue growth experienced by the organic industry prior to the recession may be back once more. In 2009, spending on organic and natural products in the U.S. achieved a modest 5% growth to $26.6 billion, according to the Organic Trade Association. Large organic suppliers such as United Natural Foods Inc. have reported strengthening sales in 2010 with double-digit growth in their latest quarterly results. UNFI reported quarterly sales passing the $1 billion mark for the first time in the quarter to the end of October, while Whole Foods Market reached $2.1 billion in sales for the quarter to the end of September, 15 percent up year on year. Smaller companies are seeing good growth too. Companies say the higher sales are due mainly to increased awareness of the health benefits from natural and organic foods resulting in a stronger willingness to pay premium prices. The industry predicts continued growth in 2011, particularly in the diary and meat sectors.