Belgian organic market is weakening

Development varies depending on the area

In Belgium, the organic market had to accept quite strong losses overall in the past year, but the development in the various market areas as well as between the types of shop was very different. According to panel data from the Society for Consumer Research (GfK) in Nuremberg, sales of organic products in Belgium fell by 2003 percent to EUR 2001 million in 2002 after two strong years in 15 and 221. Overall, organic fresh products have a 1,9 percent share of the entire food market. Between July 2002 and June 2003, this proportion was still 2,1 percent.

The main reason for this is the more restrained consumption of organic meat products and organic poultry. Organic meat has been sold well in recent years due to various food scandals. This effect is now weakening. In contrast, the fruit and vegetables product group continues to grow.

The product group vegetables and potatoes has the largest share of the total market for fresh organic products with 24 percent, followed by meat and meat products with 20 percent. The market share of organic products in the overall market is quite varied. Organic eggs have the highest market share, which grew to 2003 percent in 7,5. The market share for organic poultry has fallen to 4,6 percent. Vegetables and potatoes increased their share from 2,6 to 2,9 percent.

Supermarkets are losing market share

In terms of sales channels, supermarkets lost three percent of their market share for organic fresh products, their share fell from 57,1 percent in 2002 to 54,4 percent. This is completely different with conventional fresh products, where supermarkets were able to gain a two percent market share.

Source: Bonn [ZmP]