Organic food sales in Norway grew by 9% in the first quarter of 2018 – amounting to NOK1.4 billion (USD170 million) – according to new figures released by the Directorate of Agriculture.
The data show that sales of organic foods continue to grow steadily. In the first half of 2018, sales represented two percent of the total food and beverage sales, where there is an organic alternative. This is an increase from 2017, when the share was 1.93 percent.
Children’s and baby foods (37%) and dairy-free milk drinks (19%) are the categories with highest share of eco-label (organic) products in Norwegian retail.
Organic dairy sales in Norway were worth NOK 199 million (USD24 million) in the first half of this year, an increase of 12% compared with the same period last year. Yoghurt sales increased the most, and were as high in the first half of 2018 as last year.
Sales of Norwegian organic cheeses increased by an impressive 59% in the first half of this year, while sales of corresponding imported cheeses fell by 12%.
While the sales of organic milk, baby foods and eggs continued to increase, the total sales of organic vegetables stagnated. Sales of bread and fruit also went down.
The Norwegian growing season is shorter for organic vegetables than for conventional ones. This creates a need for imports to supplement Norwegian production, and is seen by the Directorate as an area for development.
Prior to the 2017-2018 season, wholesalers and grocery chains signalled an increased commitment to organic vegetables. However, sales were not as high as expected, and some products had to be sold as a conventional product. Despite this, there was an increase in sales of Norwegian organic vegetables of 21 per cent.
Organic grain production remains modest, at 1.2% of total production in Norway.