Demand for UK-grown organic apples is on the rise, according to the Soil Association, with five of the eight main supermarkets now sourcing more than three quarters of key organic lines from the UK.
The number of supermarkets praised in the association’s Supermarket Survey compares with just two in 2003. On average supermarket availability of UK, seasonal, organic food staples has risen by 10 per cent - from 72 per cent two years ago when the survey started, to 82 per cent this year.
The study was carried out in November and December last year, with nearly 1,500 volunteers around the UK scanned the shelves of their local supermarkets checking for eight seasonal UK organic foods - potatoes, apples, carrots, onions, pork, beef, chicken and lamb - all in season at the time and in plentiful supply from UK farmers.
Waitrose, which has topped the league since the survey started, this year shares the top-spot with Marks & Spencer, both sourcing 89 per cent. Sainsbury’s comes in a very close third at 86 per cent.
Key highlights include a rise in the amount of organic apples, with retailers stocking around 40 per cent from UK orchards, compared with 24 per cent in 2004. Waitrose topped the pack at 59 per cent, while Asda only managed around nine per cent.
On onions, availability on UK organic produce has doubled, with the survey finding that 73 per cent of organic onions are now UK grown, compared to just 38 per cent in 2004.
Peter Melchett, Soil Association policy director, said: “Our survey shows that positive consumer pressure pays off - most, but not all, of the major supermarkets have raised their game in sourcing more seasonal, UK-produced organic food thanks to persistent, public scrutiny from our supporters.
“This increase gives consumers greater access to good quality, fresh food, and farmers more stable outlets for their produce. It also benefits the environment by reducing the dangerous greenhouse gases pumped out through transporting food half-way round the world that can be better grown at home.”
Mary Bosley, Waitrose’s technical manager said: “We are pleased with the results. They reflect the aims of our policy to buy British as a priority.”
Hugh Mowat, food technologist at Marks & Spencer added: “We see this as recognition of the work we have put into sourcing as much British organic food as possible.”
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