2021 organic survey shows steady growth, Organic Trade Association reports

Organic fresh fruit and vegetable sales registered a 6% gain in 2021, according to the Organic Trade Association’s just-released Organic Industry Survey.

The fresh produce category was one of the bright spots of the survey.

The survey reported that overall organic food sales, which comprise over 90% of organic sales, rose to about 2% to  $57.5 billion.

Organic fruits and vegetables accounted brought in over $21 billion in revenue in 2021, a 4.5% increase over 2020. 

Fresh produce and dried beans, fruits and vegetables drove growth in the organic food category, showing 6% and 6.5% growth over the year, respectively, according to the survey.

The survey said frozen and canned food organic sales declined slightly as consumers reduced pantry loading. 

“Like every other industry, organic has been through many twists and turns over the last few years, but the industry’s resilience and creativity has kept us going strong,” OTA CEO and Executive Director Tom Chapman said in the release. “In 2020, organic significantly increased its market foothold as Americans took a closer look at the products in their home and gravitated toward healthier choices. When pandemic purchasing habits and supply shortages began to ease in 2021, we saw the strongest performance from categories that were able to remain flexible, despite the shifting landscape. That ability to adapt and stay responsive to consumer and producer needs is a key part of organic’s continued growth and success.” 

The survey said food and nonfood organic sales surpassed $63 billion in 2021, with $1.4 billion (2%) total growth over the year. and nonfood sales reached $6 billion in sales (7% growth). 

 The survey is available in full as an exclusive benefit to association members. To learn more about OTA membership and its benefits, contact Director of Industry Relations, Membership and Development Cassandra Christine at cchristine@ota.com.