US CONSUMERS INCREASINGLY SEEK LOWER PRICES FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTS

According to purchasing data collected by Ekowarehouse, a global platform for sourcing certified organic products, more Americans have started looking for lower prices, bulk packaging and easier access through direct to consumer channels as organic gains prominence.  The US is by far the largest market for organic products with sales at $43.3 billion accounting for more than half of the $82 billion sold globally, said Sonalie Figueiras, CEO and co-founder of Ekowarehouse.  

Growth driver in organic is the rise of vegan, vegetarian and plant-based eating, Figueras said, adding that consumers also are turning to organic for safety reasons and because they trust organic brands and USDA organic certification.  These drivers also are influencing the top organic product searches by retail buyers on Ekowarehouse, she said.  At the top of the list are “no big surprises,” including coconut oil, which Figueras said “is not going anywhere and still remains incredibly popular.” But inching up the list in 2017 is coconut milk powder, which is growing as a solution to the demand for vegan and non-dairy products, she said.