Certified organics reaches a milestone annual sales figure of $1.02 billion including domestic and export value
An evolving shift in consumer demand is behind the record $1.02 billion in annual direct sales value achieved by the local certified organic sector.
It is the first time certified organic produce has surpassed the $1 billion mark in annual direct sales, highlighting growing consumer demand and expanding opportunities for growers to supply organic products within our food production sector.
Domestic retail sales of certified organic reached $657.6 million, up 11.9% on the previous year, while certified organic exports were valued at up to $364 million.
Australian Organic Limited CEO Jackie Brian confirmed that passing $1 billion was an important marker for an industry and that it showed strong consumer demand for certified organic products with significant untapped potential.
“Certified organics is already a substantial local industry, with domestic retail sales growing almost 12% and with Australian organic exports to more than 40 markets around the world, but the bigger story is the opportunity still in front of us.
“For farmers, certified organic production provides an opportunity to build healthier soils, protect biodiversity, strengthen animal welfare outcomes and support human health, while accessing premium markets and connecting with consumers that recognise, value, and reward those practices,” Jackie Brian concluded.
Meanwhile, National Farmers’ Federation Chief Executive Officer Michael Guerin outlined how the milestone highlighted opportunities for farmers to respond to changing markets and consumer demand.
“This result demonstrates the value of ensuring farmers have the flexibility and support to respond to demand, innovate and capture new opportunities. As demand for premium food and fibre continues to grow, local producers must have access to the markets and policy settings they need to seize those opportunities and remain competitive,” Michael Guerin added.
The growth came despite sustained cost-of-living pressure. Despite price rises in line with the wider food industry, the report found volume, buyer numbers and purchase frequency all increased over the same period, and discounting activity fell.
“Consumers increasingly care about how their food is grown and produced — not just what they buy, but the farming practices and values behind it. That’s why certification matters. When Australians choose certified organic, they can trust that the product has been independently verified against organic standards, giving them confidence that what they’re buying genuinely reflects the farming and production practices they want to support,” Jackie Brian added
The industry has identified a key integrity loophole in the market, with some consumers confused over non-certified products carrying “organic” claims, highlighting the growing need for more regulations.
As demand for organic grows, maintaining that trust is critical. Consumers need to be able to recognise certified organic easily and have confidence that when they choose organic, they’re getting what they paid for.
Local growers hold close to half the world’s certified organic land base – around 49% of the global total – giving the sector a huge platform for growth. And the Asia-Pacific organic market, on Australia’s doorstep, is forecast to more than triple in value over the next decade.
Australian Organic Limited Chief Executive Officer Jackie Brian added, “We want more farmers to be able to take advantage of organic markets, and we want consumers to have confidence that when they buy organic, they are getting certified organic. The next stage of growth requires us to remove those barriers, improve market access and give Australian consumers and businesses a clear and consistent framework they can trust.
“The $1 billion annual sales figure is worth celebrating, but it should be viewed as a foundation rather than a ceiling,” Jackie Brian concluded.
Annual national Australian Organic Market sales bring together government data, retail purchasing data, consumer research and industry surveys to provide a comprehensive picture of certified organic sector sales.
