As UK consumers become more conscious of what goes into making the food they eat, organic food and drink sales have reached all-time highs, with organic alcoholic beverages leading the pack.
According to Statista, the sales value of organic beers, wines and spirits in the UK increased by just under 17% in 2021, surpassing the growth rate of any other organic products and bringing the total market share of organic liquor to 5% of total organic food sales.
Although per capita spending on organic products in the UK pales in comparison to countries like Switzerland and Denmark, it’s becoming a huge industry, with UK sales of organic food and drinks exceeding £3 billion for the first time in 2021 – a testament to shoppers prioritizing sustainability and health when making their food purchasing decisions.
Once considered a niche market, this growth indicates a significant shift in consumer preferences and the evolving dynamics of the organic market, with organic beverages now appealing to the masses rather than just particularly health-conscious shoppers.
What makes a beverage organic?
Put simply, organic beverages are those that are free of artificial additives and preservatives, and which were produced using pesticide-free ingredients.
Each industry and region tends to have its own organic certification bodies. Last year, We Are Spirits’ products were certified organic by one such body, the Biodynamic Association (BDA), which advocates for biodynamic farming and production methods. Biodynamic production takes organic production several steps further; in addition to eschewing pesticides, biodynamic methods encompass a “spiritual, ecological, and regenerative approach to food” and advocate for extra measures like following the biodynamic astronomical calendar.
While organic wine – which often boasts low-to-no sulphites – has been popular in the UK for years, organic beer and spirits are relative newcomers on the scene, and can increasingly be found on supermarket shelves around the country.
Why do people go organic?
People often report seeking organic products out of concerns about antibiotic use and additives, as well as perceptions about the health benefits of organic products. Organic products are seen as more natural and contribute to the reduced use of pesticides, which have been proven to have effects on human and animal health.
In the realm of alcohol, many consumers perceive organic products as having a bolder, fresher and more vibrant flavour, which experts believe can be explained by the correlation between organic production methods and higher quality products – an explanation that we believe applies to our line of spirits, which are mixed right here in the UK and contain carefully selected organic botanicals and herbs.
Interested in checking out what we have to offer? Head to our online store, where you can browse our range of 12+ organic, UK-made spirits!