Affluent Indians develop taste for organic food

Nearly two-thirds of Indian households in the high income group have reported a substantial increase in consumption of organic food products in the past five years, reveals a new survey released here on Thursday.

There has been a major shift in consumer preferences for organic foods with purchases notching a hike of 95 per cent in the past five years, the survey by Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (Assocham) said.

The nationwide survey, 'Rising Demand of Organic Products in Metropolitan Cities', covered around 1,500 lead retailers selling organic and non-organic products. 

The spending patterns indicated a threefold jump, or 95 per cent in the past five years. The survey was carried out across the country, including Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Patna, Chandigarh, Indore, Kochi and Dehradun. 

The highest spending pattern on organic foods was reported from Mumbai (65 per cent), Delhi-NCR (61), Bangalore (58), Ahmedabad (55), Hyderabad (52), Chandigarh (51) and Indore (50). 

"Organic farming was one of the fastest growing industries last year, thanks to higher disposable incomes, rising health consciousness levels which have hiked the demand for organic foods," said Assocham secretary general D.S. Rawat. 

Despite organic foods being 30-40 per cent more expensive than traditional foods, parents were more concerned about their children's health and a safe diet, the survey revealed. 

The organic food options were led by vegetables (68 per cent), fruits (52), fruit juices and pulses (51), foodgrains (50) and milk (45), besides packaged foods, tea and beverages. Source:TOI