Organic Monitor, a leading provider of information on the international organic industry, has revealed that growth in the organic fresh produce market may not be as rapid as previously thought.

The European market reported nine per cent growth in 2002, the lowest in recent years and a marginally higher growth of 15 per cent for the fresh produce industry.

Amarjit Sahota, director of Organic Monitor said: 'Slowing market growth rates are causing supply-demand imbalances to become a feature of the global organic food industry.' Sahota also believes that within the organic fresh produce range growth is uneven and that recent times have led to a rationalisation of the fresh produce range. He said: 'Fruits such as apples and pears are continuing to perform well within the organic sector. But it has been noted that exotic and tropical fruit are struggling to maintain success. Fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, passion fruit and melons have seen sales dip.' Production levels are rising in developing countries in particular, where some governments are encouraging organic farming because of the economic benefits of exporting. However, Sahota believes they need to exercise a cautionary approach as the business potential of export markets is often overstated. He said: 'Growers of exotic and tropical fruits in Latin American countries are struggling following an initial boom in the market. Demand is slowing down for exports of these products.'

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