Currently experiencing the strongest growth in the organic food market in about two decades, the United Kingdom has started to defy broader economic pressures as consumers have increasingly started to prioritize health, sustainability, and also transparency when purchasing food.
Industry figures show that the market expanded by nearly 8% from the year to September 2025, with sales growing in both value and volume, outpacing overall food and drink retail growth.
At the heart of this surge is a clear shift in shopper behavior. Although concerns about the cost of living persist, many consumers are now placing equal or even greater emphasis on food quality, provenance, and trust, according to industry experts. This has translated into increased purchasing of organic produce, meat, and dairy products, even when these come with a significant price premium compared with non‑organic equivalents.
Riverford, being an organic supplier, reported that there was a 6% rise in their annual sales, highlighting further the demand for “clean and also trusted food.” Poultry, which is also organic, for example, has witnessed double-digit growth in both volume and value, even though it costs several times more than the usual conventionally farmed alternatives.
This new track shows a broader trend that is upcoming and growing. Consumers are increasingly turning away from foods that frequently include additives and preservatives. Data from international research groups has shown that the global shift toward clean eating and reduced consumption of ultra‑processed foods is boosting interest in organic and minimally processed products worldwide.
The younger generation is one of the main reasons organic food is in such high demand. Surveys show us that Gen Z buyers are more inclined to purchase organic food regularly, as many have been known to be health conscious and also very keen on environmental impact as well as ethical production. Helping to broaden the organic consumer base beyond usual traditional norms in these sectors, the youth have been a notable driving force.
Major retailers have also played a very important role in this sector. Supermarkets such as Tesco and Waitrose have increased their organic sales in lines and have even gone as far as to introduce promotions in pricing through loyalty programs for customers. This simple effort makes organic food more accessible to a wider audience. These efforts also have made organic food more affordable, helping to overcome its higher cost when compared to regular products.
Even though there was a growth in sales, as one could see, ongoing challenges have also been noticed to come up in this sector. Production struggles to keep pace with rising demand in some regions. UK data shows us that only a small amount of agricultural land has been shown to be organic farmland, which indicates a need for more producers to enter and make the market larger.
Nevertheless, the main outlook for organic food continues to remain positive. Industry analysts and market forecasts project continued expansion as consumers around the world become more interested in wellness, environmental sustainability, and transparent food systems. A recent global report even predicts that the organic food market could reach hundreds of billions of dollars by 2030 as supply chains improve and retailers continue to expand their organic products.
This resurgence in organic demand suggests that quality, not just price, is increasingly influencing purchasing decisions. As one food retailer put it, “being able to find quality, great‑tasting organic food really matters” to today’s shoppers, reflecting a lasting shift in how people think about food and its connection to health and the environment.
