More organics in Denmark’s food service sector

Organics in private and public catering doubled since 2010

Private and public kitchens like canteens, institutions and restaurants bought organics worth DKK981m (about €131,7m) in 2013, according to a new report form Statistics Denmark. This means that sales of organics in private and public catering have almost doubled since 2010. The survey reveals that especially organic dairy products increased massively (+41%), as well as dry goods (31%). Beverages, flour and grains were also popular in 2013. Fruit and vegetables accounted for 18% of the revenue.

Picture: Preparing organic vegetables in a public kitchen in Denmark

Private sector amounted to 59%

The share of the private sector amounted to 59%, equal to around DKK580m, and the public sector was responsible for 41% of the turnover with approx. DKK400m.  Revenues can be broken down as follows: public institutions (33.1%), canteens at workplaces in the private sector (32.7%), restaurants, hotel, cafés (20%), canteens at workplaces in the public sector (7.8%), and others – e.g. gas stations (6.4%). Sales of organics in the food service sector now represent 5% of all sales in the food service sectorin Denmark. This number is still a little below the level of retail, where organics constitute 8% of sales. 
 

First time that Statistics Denmark has published these numbers

This is the first time that Statistics Denmark has published numbers on organics in the food service sector. Organic Denmark has previously made annual and semi-annual statements on the basis of reports from the 15 largest foodservice wholesalers in Denmark, which are estimated to cover approx. 75% of the markets. Organic Denmark estimated sales of organics in the food service sector at DKK948m in 2013.

More information is available from Organic Denmark.

Source: Organic Denmark