2006 Press Releases
Picnics Go Organic With More Choices
GREENFIELD, Mass. (July 6, 2006) – Summertime is picnic time and nature's organic bounty is easier than ever to pack for a large family gathering or cozy picnic for two. As shoppers recognize the benefit and quality of organic products, sales of organic foods are booming. Picnic favorite organic meats and poultry lead the way with a 55 percent increase in sales in 2005, according to a recent survey commissioned by the Organic Trade Association (OTA). Organic condiments such as ketchup, mustard, salsa and innovative sauces and salad dressings are the second fastest growth category with a 24 percent increase in sales followed by dairy at 23 percent.
"It's now possible to enjoy a completely organic picnic as organic choices are now available in every food category," says Caren Wilcox, executive director of the OTA. "The increase in sales shows that consumers want and are willing to pay for the environmental assurance as well as great taste they get with certified organic products."
OTA's 2006 Manufacturer Survey, conducted by Nutrition Business Journal for OTA, evaluated eight food and six non-food categories. 2005 sales of organic food products reached a record 13.8 billion and comprised 2.5 percent of all supermarket sales. Organic non-food categories experienced tremendous growth as well including flowers at a 50 percent increase, and organic fiber continuing its phenomenal growth rate with a 44 percent increase in sales.
Throughout the summer and fall picnic baskets and coolers across the nation are filled with fresh organic fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, chips, beverages and more to be enjoyed in the great outdoors. While enjoying the beauty of the environment, eating organic is a great way to sustain that splendor.
"Organic farmers and manufacturers continue to offer products that satisfy the consumer's palate for delicious foods and other organic items that also sustain the planet," says Wilcox. "By definition, foods with the USDA organic seal come from farms that build healthy soil, and use farm practices that protect the environment.
Editor's note: The 2006 OTA Manufacturer Survey Executive Summary is available at: http://www.ota.com/pics/documents/short%20overview%20MMS.pdf. See: http://www.theorganicreport.com/pages/681_picnic_and_summertime_recipes.cfm for summertime and picnic themed recipes that are free for use. High resolution organic picnic photos are available to download at: ftp://ota-media@ftp.spiralfx.com; password ota87media9; file name "picnic_summer_2006."
The mission of the Organic Trade Association is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy. OTA envisions organic products becoming a significant part of everyday life, enhancing people's lives and the environment. As a membership-based business association, the Organic Trade Association focuses on the organic business community in North America. OTA's more than 1,700 members include farmers, processors, importers, exporters, distributors, retailers, certifiers, and more. For further information, visit OTA's web site at www.ota.com.
