Organic food sales now account for approximately 3.5 percent of all U.S. food product sales and annual category sales. Despite recessionary pressure, organic food sales grew by 15.8 percent to $22.9 billion last year, according to the Organic Trade Association’s (OTA) 2009 Organic Industry Survey. Lieberman Research Group, Great Neck, N.Y., conducted the study.

“With tough economic times, consumers have used various strategies to buy organic products,” said OTA “Because most venues now offer organic products, consumers have the opportunity to shop around. Increased use of coupons, the proliferation of private label brands, and value-positioned products offered by major organic brands all have contributed to increased sales.”