Research says demand may have peaked

New research suggests that demand may now have peaked.

A survey of 1,000 adults, conducted by consumer analysts Mintel, showed a drop over the last two years in the numbers who thought organic products were safer than their standard equivalent.

In 1999, 22% of people in the UK said organic was safer, falling to 16% last year.

The research also indicated a decline in the belief that it is better for you, down from 22% two years ago to 18% in 2001.

Use of pesticides

Cynicism was particularly evident among young people, with just 11% of 15 to 24-year-old's surveyed last year believing organic produce is better for you than ordinary food.

This compares with 20% in 1999.

The poll revealed consumers in Scotland had the strongest belief in the health benefits of organic food.

A fifth of Scots said it was better for them, up by 8% from 1999.

Wendy Inglis: "Sales here have been great"

Almost one quarter of people north of the border thought organic food was safer than non-organic.

In contrast, just 10% of those living in London thought the same.

While organic food is likely to remain popular, Mintel believes in the future it will be bought by a core number of consumers opposed to over-production and the use of pesticides.

Organic Food Shop Manager Wendy Inglis said: "Sales here have been great and have been increasing by 35-40% year on year since we opened.

"I think that is because people are more aware about what is going in their food and are aware of how it is produced.

"There is just so much more publicity surrounding how food is produced these days and people are concerned."