According to Mintel's latest report on green living, the environment remains a concern for the majority of Americans. More than one-third (35 percent) of survey respondents say they would pay more for "environmentally friendly" products.
"Given this increased interest in the environment over the past few years, nearly every segment of consumer products now offers a ‘green' option for shoppers," said Chris Haack, Mintel's senior analyst. "Food and beverage and personal care are the two most mature categories, [which] account for the majority of green products in the marketplace."
Food and Beverage
After rapid sales growth of more than 24 percent from 2006-08, the natural and organic food and beverage category saw only slight growth in 2009 (1.8 percent) as the recession took its toll on nearly every sector of the consumer goods marketplace. Despite this stall, sales in the segment are forecast to grow nearly 20 percent from 2010 to 2012.
Only 21 percent of organic food buyers have cut down or eliminated organic purchasing, while 20 percent have switched to less expensive organic options. Meanwhile, 48 percent of consumers are buying as much or more organic food than they did before the recession. This suggests that organic food is a core lifestyle element for many people who may make cuts in other areas of their budget before they will turn away from organics.
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