Surge in Italian organic food consumers

For the third year running Italy has seen a rise in the percentage of organic food consumers, Sana reports: 2014 showed a 59% increase, recording a net rise over the 54.5% of 2013 (+ 4.5%) and the 53.2% recorded in 2012 (+ 5.8%). Only 41% of Italians say they have never purchased an organic product in the last twelve months. Among those who bought at least one organic brand in the same period, 37% claim they consume organic products at least once a week, and 22% every day.
 

These figures emerge from the initial data processed from the survey carried out by Nomisma on behalf of BolognaFiere and in partnership with Federbio for the 2014 edition of Sana Observatory at the 26th International Exhibition of Organic and Natural Products to be held in Bologna’s fair district from 6 to 9 September 2014. The Observatory survey aims to define the identikit and behaviour patterns of Italian organic consumers. The full research results will be presented during the meeting “All the figures of organic made in Italy” scheduled at Sana.
 

The increase in the consumption of certified organic foods is reflected in the figures released by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies based on monitoring by SINAB (Italian information system on organic agriculture, set up by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies), giving an overview of the situation of organic farming in Italy on 31 December 2013, and by ISMEA (service institute for the agrofood industry), focused on the sale of organic brands in the large-scale retail trade.

There were 52,383 certified organic operators in Italy on 31 December 2013 - an overall increase of 5.4% on 2012. Organic land has increased to 1,317,177 hectares, with an overall growth of 12.8% over 2012. Domestic consumption, according to figures released by the Ministry, collected by the ISMEA/GFK-Eurisko Family Panel in the first five months of 2014 show a positive trend. The research results processed by SINAB and ISMEA will also be presented at the meeting at Sana. More information is available here.