Organic farming: sales are running out of steam

For years, organic products have attracted thousands of consumers because they are presented as being healthier, without chemicals. But today, customers are divided. “We are not 100% organic at all, we do a bit of both, a bit of supermarkets in the end, and then we try to make the shops in the city center work”explains a father. Another said that for him, buying organic depends on the price or the place where the food is produced, whether it is local or not.

After years of growth, sales of organic products fell by 3.1% in 2021. It even goes as far as -18% for the flour. In a store bio located in Côte-d’Or, staff prefer to keep things in perspective. They haven’t seen a big drop in footfall yet, but rather a change in customer behavior. “People are putting fewer items in their basket so I think they are more careful to see their real daily needs”says Yves Erpicumstore manager. This drop in attendance also leads to fewer supplies from producers. Céline Marin, market gardener, has seen her sales of organic vegetables decrease. The reasons for this slowdown are multiple, according to experts. First, there is an urge to consume local. The flow and development of theecommerce and convenience stores and prices also contributed to a drop in sales.