The organic dairy sector has grown around the world over the last year, supported by consumers’ focus on health and wellness, according to the 2017 edition of the OMSCo Organic Milk Market Report, which was published earlier this week.

In the UK , organic milk volumes increased by 4.4% in 2016, in contrast to the standard milk category which fell by 1.9% during the same period. The organic milk category attracted 1 million new households (an increase of 15%) and 25% of households now purchase organic milk.

The report shows that organic dairy in the UK is worth £344m, growing at 2.2%, though as with other organic sectors, growth in the UK is lagging behind other key international markets. This means exports have become an increasingly important market for UK organic dairy, and a means of balancing fluctuations in the UK market to deliver a stable return for producers.

Commenting on Wednesday, Clare McDermott, business development director at organic certifiers the Soil Association said,  “It is fantastic to see that one in four UK households are now purchasing organic milk, which shows that that in certain sectors, organic is becoming the natural choice for British consumers. Organic is always free range, and with the advance of 'single issue' products such as free range milk, it is important not to confuse the customer when organic already gives the answers.”
 
McDermott said, “Research from Newcastle University last year showed organic dairy contains around 50% more beneficial omega-3 fatty acids thanks to higher grass, clover and forage content of animals’ diet and more desirable poly-unsaturated fats than non-organic. The findings shatter the myth that how we farm does not affect the quality of the food we eat showing what you get out is only as good as what you put in.
 
“Our recent Organic Market Report found that dairy makes up 29% of the total organic market in the UK. OMSCo’s new research shows that exports now account for 20% of UK organic milk sales, and global milk sales are estimated at $9.5bn (£7.38). This will continue to increase as global markets look to the UK for a quality product.”