Big Retailers, Club Stores Post Big Sales In The Organic Food Sector

Despite tough economic times, U.S. sales of organic food and beverages were $26.6 billion in 2009, 5.1 percent higher than in 2008, according to the Organic Trade Association. The performance indicates that Americans are striking a balance between healthy eating and unhealthy spending. That’s a lot of organic food purchasing, and the volume is due at least in part to the fact that traditional supermarkets, club stores and mass merchandisers are showing increased sales. Those stores – Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Costco, etc. – accounted for 54 percent of the organic food sold in 2009, followed by natural retailers at 38 percent. Industry observers believe the retailers are doing well in organic sales because of their reputation for competitive pricing.