Organic coffee sales soaring, survey finds
Sales of organic coffee are growing faster than one can say, "Espresso, please!". US retail sales of organic coffee in 2006 increased 24% to US$110.36 million, according to the Organic Trade Association's (OTA's) 2007 Organic Manufacturer Survey.
There are some estimates that indicate actual sales could be even higher.
"The dramatic increase in organic coffee sales mirrors the continuing growth in the overall organic sector and reflects consumers' increasing awareness of these products, their high quality, and the availability of these beverages in venues ranging from small coffee shops to 'Big Box' stores," said Caren Wilcox, OTA's Executive Director.
Participants in the Organic Coffee Collaboration, a project of the Organic Trade Association, are driving much of the increase in retail sales. Consisting of the leading broker, roasters and decaffeinator in the United States, the companies provide much of the organic decaffeinated, caffeinated, flavoured and instant coffees widely available at retail outlets in the US and direct from roasters via the Internet. The companies are: Café Bom Dia (Coral Gables, FL), Dallis Coffee (New York City, NY) DaSilva Fine Brazilian Coffee (Winston-Salem, NC), Elan Organic Coffee (San Diego, CA), Equal Exchange (West Bridgewater, MA), F. Gaviña & Sons (Vernon, CA), Fresh Harvest Products (New York City, NY), Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (Waterbury, VT) and Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Company (Vancouver, BC, Canada).
Regarding quality, Wilcox notes that several organic coffees from farms in Nicaragua won the Cup of Excellence competition in that country 6 June 2007. The prestigious award program, managed by the US-based Alliance for Coffee Excellence, selects the best coffees produced in a particular country in a particular year.
Organic coffee is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, avoid the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilisers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organisations verify that organic farmers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. Organic coffee is grown in more than 30 countries, including the United States.
For more information, visit: http://www.ota.com/index.html
Source: eMediaWire.com
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