Organic demand running strong again in 2021

Comparisons with the pandemic year of 2020 are difficult to make, but most organic marketers see continuing momentum for organics in 2021 after COVID-19 set new records for retail sales.

Here are selected survey responses to The Packer’s question: “In regard to consumer demand for organic produce, how is 2021 comparing to 2020?”

“The sheer demand for food (and produce) in March 2020 is hard to repeat, but overall, there has been good demand for organic apples this year. We have a smaller crop when compared to last year, and packaging has been a much bigger trend than years past, but consumers are still purchasing organics.”

– Brianna Shales, director of marketing for Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee, Wash.

“The demand for organic fresh produce has remained strong and we continue to see that in 2021. Apple consumption overall has remained on trend with the increase in production throughout the industry.  Consumer demand for fresh produce is strong in 2021 versus 2020.”

– Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing for Sage Fruit, Yakima, Wash.

“Demand will continue to grow in 2021; for our segment in particular we reacted and have built supply beyond demand, but it’s catching up.”

– Dan Davis, director of business development for Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers, Wenatchee, Wash.

“Demand is similar and up on berries.”

– Fred Williamson, president of Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce, San Diego.

“(Demand is the) same, maybe slightly down with less ‘panic’ buying versus spring 2020.”

– Kevin Stennes, organic sales manager for Chelan Fresh, Chelan, Wash.

“Demand for 2021 is continuing the strong demand that was existing in 2020. People are continuing the good and healthy eating habits that they started in 2020 when many people were forced to stay in and start preparing more meals for in-home consumption. Organic demand for 2021 is staying strong and will probably continue to be good.”

– Jim Grabowski, director of marketing for Well-Pict Berries, Watsonville, Calif.