Italy’s organic food market will see a 20% growth in 2016, according to estimates by the Italian Association of Organic Processors and Wholesalers (Assobio).
The association monitors a sample of 18 member companies and last year reported a turnover of €594 million, representing a 22.4% increase from 2014 (€485 million). For the period of January to September 2016, turnover reached €493 million.
Exports are also growing, with sales of biological products reaching €64 million in 9M 2016, already surpassing the total for 2015 (€63 million). Last year’s 16% growth rate will also be abundantly surpassed, thanks to the acquisition of foreign distributors by Italian companies concluded mid-year.
Large retailers are also seeing a continuation of the positive trend, with sample companies providing €104 million in organic products during 9M 2016, compared to €115 million for the entirety of 2015.
The performance of some 1,000 stores specialising in organic products was also positive, with sample companies providing €263 million in products during 9M 2016, or 75% of the €349 million for the full year of 2015.
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
