US organic food sales up by 20 percent in 2003

Organic food sales in the USA grew 20.4 percent last year, to reach $10.38 billion, according to the Organic Trade Association's 2004 Manufacturer Survey. Experiencing approximately 20 percent sales growth in 2003, organic fruits and vegetables represented about 42 percent of organic food sales. In 2003, over 40 percent of total organic food sales were handled through supermarkets and grocery stores, mass merchandisers, and club stores. Meanwhile, independent natural product and health food stores and natural grocery chains, accounted for 48 percent of sales.