Asia

Organic is growing fast in Asia

Asia is showing some of the highest growth in the global organic food market. New research by Ecovia Intelligence shows that some Asian country markets are reporting double-digit growth rates, with regional sales poised to reach US $12.5 billion by 2017

Two of the fastest growing markets for organic
products are in China and India. Growing awareness of organic production methods and
rising disposable incomes are fueling demand for organic & sustainable foods.

Concerns about food safety & quality appear to be the main motive for consumer purchases in Asia. The Chinese market has expanded significantly in the last decade partly because of the high incidence of food scares, such as rotten meat, sewage oil, and
contaminated beef and pork. The melamine scandal –which involved dairy products and infant formula adulterated with the industrial chemical - has had most impact. China now has the largest market for organic infant formula products in the world, worth over US
$100M.

With other organic markets in the region, including South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam also reporting growth, perhaps no surprise that 16% of Soil Association Certification licensees regard the region as an export priority.

Read about our 2017 Asia Access Workshop and for specific country information, access our Global Guide

Soil Association working in partnership to certify organic exports to China

In April 2014 Soil Association Certification announced a unique partnership with China’s organic certification body, Organic Food Development Centre (OFDC). The partnership that makes it cheaper and simpler for the UK’s organic businesses to export to China.

With a firm eye on export opportunities for our licensees, Soil Association Certification continue to work in support of both government and business chambers, helping to  overcome barriers to overseas organic markets.