UK: Natural and Organic Products Europe 2017

The organic sector in the UK is thriving. That's just one of the findings in the Soil Association's latest Organic Report that tells us that the organic sector, with an increase in sales of 7.1% in 2016, is now worth more than 2 billion pounds annually.

There was evidence of this strong growth at this year's Natural & Organic Products Europe trade show, that featured a record number of certified organic products when it opened on 2 April. The fact that the number of exhibitors increased this year to 700 (a rise of 15%)  meant that a greater number of organic products were on display than ever before. Over half of the 700 companies had said they would be promoting certified organic products, all bearing certification marks from around the world, in the three categories Natural Health & Living, Natural Beauty & Spa and the Natural Food Show.

Industry insiders regard Natural & Organic Products Europe as the essential venue for organic manufacturers and retailers, the place for established and new companies to display their latest ideas and concepts, and also for identifying future trends. People could see what was new in organic food and beverages by visiting the Growing Organic Together pavilion, hosted by the Soil Association and the Organic Trade Board, featuring 30 organic brands in its new location near the entrance.

As in previous years, the Soil Association hosted exclusive presentations in the Natural Products Talks Theatre. The presentations focused on how independent retailers can make the most of the growing organic market and gave facts and the results of the latest consumer research carried out by the Soil Association. Overall, there was a clear emphasis on opportunities for retailers and the availability of information and ideas, such as free mentoring by the Organic Trade Board and River Cottage's head chef showcasing their organic breakfast recipes for the Wake Up to Organic campaign.

In the case of organic beauty and health there were two sessions in the Natural Beauty & Spa Theatre on plans for this year's Organic Beauty & Wellbeing Week and on the main findings of the Soil Association's first Organic Beauty & Wellbeing Report, which revealed a 13% increase in sales for 2016.

Evidence that the organic sector is highly competitive was seen in the increase in new products (over 325) competing for the prestigious Natural & Organic Awards. The awards, that are for the best products launched over the last twelve months, included three organic categories in the total 13 categories. The exhibitors gaining the most visitor votes were judged by an independent panel of industry buyers and the winners were announced the following morning.