Year 2017, Volume 2, Issue 3

Year : 2017
Volume : 2
Issue : 3
   
Authors : Philippe BURNY
Title : 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.
For citation : Burny, P. (2017). Recent evolution of the consumption of organic food products in Belgium. AGROFOR International Journal, Volume 2. Issue No. 3. pp. 78-83. DOI: 10.7251/AGRENG1703078B
Keywords : organic products, food consumption, Belgium, evolution
   
download paper

 

r