EVOLUTION OF THE EU ORGANIC FOOD MARKET AFTER 2010

Abstract

This paper presents the evolution of the organic food market at EU level, as well as its place in the world. Market size was highlighted based on the retail sales of organic food indicator, and the consumer penetration rate of this product category was assessed by retail sales of organic food per capita. Europe is the second largest market in the world for organic food, out of the total, 91% being related to EU member states (in 2015). In the last few years, the analyzed market has seen increases in EU countries, with differences between them, both in terms of dynamics and consumption intensity (old EU members far outstripping the new ones on this indicator). Despite the positive evolution, the analyzed market remains a market with a huge potential for development, still untapped, the penetration of organic food consumption still being at a low level.