Figures collected by the market research company TNS show spending on organic food and drinks fell from a peak of nearly £100m a month, and earlier this year is to £81m in the most recent four week period recorded. Organic food sales have fallen as shoppers try to cut costs and experts warn that consumers are more confused than ever about whether it is worth paying the higher prices.
The figures will be seized on as further evidence of the pressure on consumers struggling to balance household budgets. Edward Garner of TNS said “we’re certainly seeing a dip, the question is a dip that’s bouncing back again or it could be the start of a real drop.”
The National Farmers Union said members had reported falling demand and particularly in organic eggs and chicken. Charles Bourns chairman of NFU’s poultry board said “I was talking to somebody in the NFU and they were saying that it’s happening in beef and everywhere because at the end of the day it is a nice to have, not a need to have.”
Helen Browning the association director of food and farming said “I predict will plateau a bit but not decline,” and also said she believed most organic buyers would stay loyal and top quality producers should not be affected.

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