While organic produce has been around since the beginning of agriculture, only in recent years has demand changed the way the segment performs, drives innovation, and executes at the store level. What once used to occupy a small section at traditional grocers now occupies entire wet rack walls and, for some retailers, entire departments. All this to say that organics are a way of living and eating that consumers love. Here we check in with some of our organic friends on the elements driving the segment’s growth…
“Organic salads and Earthbound Farm shoppers are key drivers of salad category sales. While average basket ring is $47 across total US according to Circana, this number increases to $107 with an organic salad in the basket and $137 with an Earthbound Farm salad in the basket. Earthbound Farm shoppers over index on younger, wealthier, and more educated and these shoppers bring the largest basket sizes in the organic salad category.”
“Organic produce is not just good for our health and cultivating healthier soil. Organics are good for business, uplifting consumer trust, and naturally driving a stronger ring at the register. There’s something about organic that just feels good—and that feeling translates into sales, loyalty, and differentiation.”
“At Ippolito, our organic Brussels sprouts sales are increasing each year. A wider variety of pack sizes requested from both retail and foodservice customers is driving overall growth. As a result, we have invested more in our organic Brussels sprouts program. With organics, there are times of the year when insect pressure and other factors affect quality. To combat this, we’ve expanded our acreage and have worked to get the right regions dialed in to produce the best crop. Overall, we have strengthened our organic stance. Our organic asparagus supply is available when in-season from Mexico, and we continue to provide our organic salads year-round, which are available in both retail and foodservice packs.”
“Shopper data shows a growing preference for organic produce, especially during key life stages such as marriage, parenthood, and healthy aging. This trend presents a clear opportunity to meet evolving consumer needs. Retailers who build organic displays paired with value-added products can drive significant basket growth—a strategy that has already proven successful with our own offerings.”
“Organic is sustainability—getting back to the soil, and giving an added value. At Divine Flavor and Grupo Alta, we’re taking care of the soil and protecting the nutrients, all while giving back to the land so future generations of our company will find them still to be in the best condition. This is why it has been important for us to offer as much in organic product as we can, and we are always striving for more organic throughout the year. Already, several of our vegetables are available year-round, and this summer, we will have organic grapes from California, as well as organic melons in the fall.” 
