U.S. Consumers Keep Buying Organic And Natural Products Despite The Recession

Concerns for their health and the environment and about U.S. agribusiness have prompted American consumers to keep spending for natural and organic products despite the economic slowdown. This commitment to organics has helped the segment grow, allowing retailers, such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, to expand. While sales for the grocery industry grew 1.8 percent, according to the Food Institute, sales of organics grew 4.4 percent in the year ending February 20, according to Symphony IRI. Wider availability of organics, with major grocery store chains expanding their organic sections and food companies introducing more natural products, and lower costs help drive growth in the organics segment. Also, demand for organics is spreading to health, beauty, cleaning supplies, and other sections of the grocery store.