After a challenging few years, the UK’s organic food and drink market has staged an impressive comeback, growing by 7.3% in 2024 to hit a record-breaking £3.7 billion.
Supermarkets, discounters, and online retailers played a major role in this revival, with sales surging by 8% to £2.43 billion. Notably, organic unit sales outpaced the wider food and drink sector, growing at four times the national average.
Over the past decade, the organic sector has nearly doubled in value, proving that consumer commitment to ethical and sustainable choices remains strong—even in the face of economic pressures. “Economic storms have created a tough climate for organic in recent years but this year’s report shows a striking bounce-back,” said Dominic Robinson, CEO of the Soil Association.
Sainsbury’s led the charge in organic retail, commanding over a quarter of the market share. Dairy remained the biggest organic category, accounting for 26.4% of sales and enjoying a 6% boost in 2024. Fresh produce also saw remarkable growth, jumping 10.4% and making up nearly a quarter of organic sales in major retailers.
Despite this success, the UK’s organic farmland still represents just 3% of total agricultural land, forcing the industry to rely on imports to meet demand. With growing consumer interest, industry leaders are calling for stronger government and retailer support to expand domestic organic farming.
The resurgence of organic food and drink proves that sustainability is more than just a trend—it’s a movement with serious staying power.
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