Organic food sales strong in Europe; estimated at $50 billion for 2009

Organic sales in Europe increased between 2 and 6 percent over the past year and are expected to recover to pre-recession levels in 2010. Growth has varied by country, with consumers of nations hit hard by the recession, such as Spain and the United Kingdom, purchasing fewer organic products and switching to inexpensive alternatives.

Countries such as Italy, France and Germany exhibited positive growth of organics in 2009, and Denmark and Sweden posted double-digit growth through greater economic resistance to the recession. Interest in organics remains high worldwide, as research from the consultancy and research firm Organic Monitor indicates global sales of organic foods are expected to total about $50 billion in 2009, $10 million more than 2007 sales.

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