RECENT EVOLUTION OF THE CONSUMPTION OF ORGANIC FOOD PRODUCTS IN BELGIUM

Abstract

The consumption of organic food products in Belgium increased significantly and
continuously between 2008 and 2016, growing from 1.5 % to 3.2% of the total
consumers’ expenses for fresh food products. Nine percent of Belgian families buy
organic food products at least once per week and represent 60% of the total
expenses. The total expenses per capita reached nearly 33€ in 2015. The main
expenses concerned dairy products (6.72 €/capita), vegetables (5.57) and fruits
(4.40). These expenses have been globally increasing. The market share of organic
products considerably varies from one type of food products to another: it is the
highest for meat substitutes (24.6% in 2016) and eggs (14.0%), while it reaches
3.0% for dairy products, 6.6% for vegetables and 4.3% for fruits. These
percentages have been globally increasing during the last years. Vegetable products
have been proportionally more sold than animal products compared to the situation
in the conventional market. Supermarkets and specialized shops are the most
common distribution channels, direct sales on farms and open markets remaining
marginal. Families with high income and children and retired people with high
income are those who spend the most on organic food products. This evolution is
supported by the Walloon government through the organic farming development
plan.