58% of Canadian families buy organic food at least once a week, making it an attractive market for companies producing these products.
The demand for organic food has grown in recent years both in Europe and in North America, where countries such as Germany, Switzerland, the United States and Canada are buying more and more organic food which is free of pesticides, dyes and other chemicals in order to improve their health.
Changes in food consumption patterns and preference for organic products are forcing the egg industry to modify its production techniques.
The demand for "specialty eggs" from hens that are free range or fed with organic products and a tendency to consume only egg whites in order to avoid cholesterol is revolutionizing the industry, forcing producers to develop new forms of production.
Weather events and seasonal changes in consumer habits have caused a scarcity of products such as cucumbers and strawberries.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Organic vegetables and free range eggs are gaining popularity to the extent that are scarce in major supermarket chains.
Spokespeople for the ShopRite stores in New Jersey, said the supply crunch is being felt throughout the retail segment and can be explained by an increase in demand in a context of limited availability. This diagnosis of scarcity is also supported by the Safeway chain, whose spokesperson said the shortage could last until the fourth month of 2014.
Products entering the South Korean market must apply for certification from the Health Authority of that country.
From the 1st of January the Asian nation has required that imported organic products have a certificate, which must be requested from the Sanitary Authority of Korea (QIA) .
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER) :
Organic and natural pet foods are the most in demand globally.
Natural and organic pet food has had great growth in the market. Between 2002-2012 premium brands increased their share by 68%, according to statistics provided by Euromonitor International.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Greater awareness of health issues is affecting pet owners who are opting for organic or natural pet foods made from fresh products and which do not contain preservatives.
Sales of beverages and low-calorie foods such as cereals and snacks, have picked up in the old continent.
From an article by the Costa Rica Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Sales of products and low-calorie drinks have risen in Europe, according to the consulting firm Mintel, after a decline in 2004. According to Laura Jones, analyst at Mintel, the rise in demand for these products is driven by the popularity of low calorie diets such as Atkins, which has led people to be more aware of the amount of calories and carbohydrates they are consuming." This increased awareness has been promoted by some consumers. In Europe recently low-calorie products have been launched which have introduced a wide range of products that are normally associated with carbohydrates."
Unlike European and South American consumers, Asians show a greater willingness to pay more for organic products.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The Spaniards are not willing to pay more for organic products, as is clear from the last Socialogue Report prepared by IPSOS in 24 countries worldwide. Although more than half of the Spanish population (51%) are appreciative of businesses who undertake initiatives to respect the environment, only 27 % were willing to pay more for these products.
During 2012, organic food sales totaled more than $1.374 billion, 14% more than in 2011.
From an article by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
Dutch consumer spending on organic food in 2012 reached more than 1 billion euros, up 14% compared to the previous year, of which 90% was purchased from the supermarket chains Heinjn Albert and Jumbo while the rest was sold in specialty stores and markets.
A growing part of the Korean population is concerned about eating healthier, increasing the interest in organic foods.
A statement from the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica ( PROCOMER ) reads:
Although still small compared with other countries , the Korean market for organic products is growing rapidly . Until recently local organic products were limited to fresh vegetables, some fruit and rice, but in recent years major food industries have begun to process this type of goods.
An announcement has been made of new nutritional standards to be implemented in schools across the country, which include foods groups such as whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables and protein.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The Secretary of Agriculture of the United States, Tom Vilsack, announced that under new nutrition standards to be applied in schools across the country, Smart Snacks in School, students will have a greater choice of healthy foods.
A good marketing strategy in promoting organic products is to include ethical statements to help producers to differentiate themselves from their competitors.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
A study in five European countries which was recently published in the magazine Appetite, suggests including ethical statements in the promotion of organic products is a good marketing strategy for differentiating yourself.
The U.S. supermarket chain Whole Foods is to increase from 9 to 40 the number of points of sale of organic products in Canada.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods, the largest U.S. chain of organic products, announced that the number of its supermarkets will go from 9 to 40 or more in Canada, as they expect their organic food market to continue to evolve as it has done so far.
Exporters are implementing techniques to elaborate low-fat, low in sugar products that do not contain artificial colors, because consumers in the U.S., Europe and Central America are more inclined to buy healthy products.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
According to the Food and Beverage Commission of the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport), this year a 10% growth in exports is planned for these products, through a strategy of adding healthy raw materials to products.
In Germany the demand for organic food is booming and sales have tripled between 2006 and 2012.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
German consumers spend $9 billion a year on organic food. Although the agricultural area for organic food in the German market has doubled in 2012, rising domestic demand has meant that the vast majority of these products, especially fruits and vegetables, must be imported.