The data discussed at Sana-Salone Internazionale del Biologico e del Naturale in Bologna revealed that 80% of consumers has purchased at least one organic product over the past year. 61% of purchases was of fruit and vegetables. Nomisma analysed a sample of 200 stores and 800 families.
The public during the opening day on 7th September 2018
The fact that organic products are becoming increasingly popular is also testified by the fact that Sana is open to all consumers and that exhibitors can sell their own products. Attending the fair is not very expensive: €20 for the 4-day pass and €10 for one-day tickets. The fair is divided into three macro-areas.
A view from above
Processed food stands were the majority - from large to smaller companies. Quality was very high.
Organic produce sold as if it were a supermarket
The Italian organic sector continues to growth thanks to the eco-sustainable behavior of consumers. When it comes to organic products, Italians tend to prefer fruit and vegetables.
Another view from above
The total value of sales almost reaches €400 million considering only the two main sales channels, i.e. modern distribution (the main channel for 49% of Italians), with over €316 million over the past 12 months (June 2017 to June 2018), and specialized stores (channel chosen by 22% of families) with over €83 million. Direct purchases from producers (15%), markets and online sales follow. The data was presented by F&V Organic Monitor, the study was entrusted to Nomisma by AssoBio and Alleanza delle Cooperative Agroalimentari.
Organic produce on sale at the fair
In 2017, cultivated areas in Italy exceeded 1.9 million hectares, a 6.3% growth compared to 2016. In absolute terms, over 110 hectares were converted to organic cultivation techniques over the past year. Together, Sicily (427,294 hectares), Puglia (252,341 hectares) and Calabria (202,119 hectares) feature 46% of organic crops.
Emilia-Romagna is among the first five regions with 134,509 hectares in total, while Lombardy has grown the most (+21.4%). At the end of 2017, organic produce came to represent 15.4% of the Italian agricultural land, one point more than in 2016. Almost 76,000 companies are part of the organic agriculture certification system, a 5.2% increase.
Specialized stores have grown by 13% more than in 2013 and 111% more than in 1993 (source: BIOBANK). 60% of them are in northern Italy and 45% opened over the past decade.