Arlington, VA - The recession has not negatively affected customers' spending on organic foods in the United States as some may think, according to Facts, Figures, & The Future (F3). In fact, U.S. shoppers spent far more than Europeans in 2009 for organic foods and beverages. And, there are no signs that this industry is declining in terms of organic food sales. According to F3, "With up to $50 million of U.S. Department of Agriculture support for organic producers and others transitioning to organic practices, the U.S. might come closer to fulfilling its own demand."

The Top 12 organic beverage and food categories from December 12, 2006 were compared with those of November 27, 2010. Nielsen LabelTrends suggest that, "Data for U.S. food stores that ring up $2 million and over in annual sales (excluding supercenters), the leaders in both periods are pretty similar, though some differences exist."

The following shows how organic food faired in 2010:

* Produce rose to the top slot in 2010 with $1.11 billion in sales (a 15% increase from 2006).

* Milk raked in $807.1 million last year, a gain of 3.8%.

* Yogurt earned $264.1 million in 2010, a 10.1% bump from 2006.

* Snacks accounted for $195.9 million in sales in 2010.

* Cereal grossed $161.9 million.

* Frozen foods amassed $165.8 million in 2010.

* Eggs netted $156.2 million in 2010.

* Soup ($138.8 million), bread/baked goods ($118.6 million) and condiments (83.5 million) rounded out the list.
 

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, April 2011 (online 2/25/11)