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| Lucas Burns and Mum Louise |
Mums are leading the organic revolution. The majority of UK mums are increasingly converting to the benefits of organic food - according to a new survey.
The survey, commissioned by the Soil Association, indicates that ‘organic’ has reached far beyond ‘yummy mummies’ - with more than 8 in 10 mums believing organic food is better for their family. This is supported by other recent evidence which has revealed that even amongst the most disadvantaged families over 50% buy organic food and drink and 9 in 10 mums believe organic food is better for the planet.
UK sales of ‘organic’ produce have also soared over the last year according to another study making the UK organic market the third largest in the world. Industry experts have named the phenomena: ‘the rise of the organomum.’
The survey highlights a boom in sales of organic, particularly for baby and children’s food. Organic baby food sales rose 7% to approximately £78 million, whilst over the same period sales of non-organic baby foods declined by 2%. The organic children’s finger foods sector (rice cakes, rusks, breadsticks and biscuits) increased by a massive 48% - it is so strong it now accounts for 46% of the total finger food market in the UK. And it’s not just babies that are benefiting, kid’s organic yogurts sales rose by 51% in the same period.Celebrity MumsHaving children is a common switch point for many women, who turn to organic as they begin to think more about what effect the food their children eat will have on their future well-being. Celebrity mum, Kaye Adams says she is a prime example:
“I didn’t think much about organic food before I was a mum, but when you have children you want to give them the best start to life. By feeding my children organic I can be confident that they are receiving maximum nutrients and minimal nasties – in terms of pesticides and harmful food additives. Not only that, but because organic farming uses almost a third less energy than traditional farming, I feel happy knowing that by eating organic my family is doing something that benefits the planet.”
Kaye Adams isn’t the only celebrity mum to back organic food; Elle McPherson and Patsy Palmer are also ‘Organomums’ who have spoken publicly about why they think it’s important to feed their families organic.
Patsy Palmer, once a self confessed fast food muncher is now a mother of three and a strong advocate for organic food.
“Ten years ago I looked long and leggy, but was really unhealthy. I was partying a lot, skipping meals and then filling up on junk food. I wouldn't have breakfast, so I'd grab a McDonald's for lunch and not eat again until I got home later that night. I was bloated and my skin and hair felt horrible. Then I fell pregnant so the late nights and junk food stopped. Getting up at 6am every day for the kids meant I couldn't survive without carbs, so I ditched the faddy diets and started eating proper, wholesome food….and started becoming interested in organic food.”
And Elle Mcpherson said......
"I eat organic because I care about the health of my family and the environment. I'd encourage anyone who hasn't yet tried organic food and organic milk to give it a go.
Organic farmers in this country deserve our support so that more of our countryside can be farmed organically. That's why I like to buy fresh UK-produced organic food where I can. Organic food may cost a bit more, but I think you get real value for money. I feel happy that I can feed my family food that avoids unnecessary pesticides and harmful food additives. Organic farms operate to very high standards and are regularly inspected, so you know you can trust any food with the Soil Association symbol."
Soil Association spokesperson Helen Taylor adds:
‘It’s mums who are leading the way for Britain’s organic revolution, bringing up a whole new organic generation. What they are telling us is that organic food is not just important to the future of our children, but crucially to the planet too. This really is a case of mum knows best.”
Soil Association Organic Fortnight 2007 runs from 1-16 September.
Now in its third year, the Soil Association Organic Fortnight is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of organic food and farming, and encourage more people to try organic products.
The Soil Association is the UK’s leading environmental charity promoting sustainable, organic farming and championing human health. Visit www.soilassocation.org for more information. For more information on organic fortnight please visit www.soilassociation.org/organicfortnight
September 1 2007
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