Scottish Shoppers Opting for Organic in Record Numbers

Figures released today by Soil Association Certification reveal the sales of organic food and drink in Scotland are booming.

For the first time a Scotland special edition of the Organic Market Report, which tracks the growth of the organic market over the previous year (Jan-Dec 2025) has been produced by Soil Association Certification on behalf of the Scottish Government and Scotland Food & Drink, forming a key part of the Scottish Organic Action Plan that was announced in January. The report offers detailed intelligence on the Scottish market and identifies the strongest areas of growth for Scottish organic producers.

The Scottish organic market is now worth £155 million and has grown +2.9% in volume and +10% in value, outperforming the growth of the non-organic market on both counts. The organic market has also seen a value growth of over 20% over the last five years. 

Volume growth was fuelled by strong performances in organic dairy, produce and ambient grocery. Fresh milk (+ 10%), eggs (+7%), carrots (+2.5%) and oats (oat milk, porridge and oatcakes +2% combined) fared particularly well in 2025(1). Most of these products are from Scottish farming, highlighting that home-grown organic produce is a winning combination for Scottish consumers. 

In terms of what the typical Scottish organic shopper looks like, 35-44 year olds spend the most per buyer on organic, while singles and families are also frequent organic shoppers driven by health and wellness considerations for themselves and their loved ones.

While over half (58%) of spend on organic comes from the more affluent ABC1 demographic, Scottish consumers on lower incomes have a higher proportion of spend on organic compared to the rest of the UK(2). Demand for organic food is not just being driven by those on higher incomes. Further data from Locavore, a social enterprise who supply veg boxes across Scotland, reveals over half of their shoppers have a household income either below £30,000, or over £70,000, reflecting those frequently buying organic in Scotland are not limited to just one income group.

Yet there are still more opportunities to boost sales of organic in Scotland; while 53% of Edinburgh stores offer an organic option, this is lower than London at 73%(3). Increased organic ranging and availability could entice more shoppers to buy, including more young shoppers, with a recent research study showing that 61% of respondents aged 25-44 would be “more likely to buy” a certified organic product(4). 

Expanded domestic Scottish production of organic also opens the opportunity for a healthy export market that leverages Scotland’s national and international reputation for high quality food and drink. Within the UK, London has the highest proportion of organic shoppers(5) offering a captive market for high quality Scottish organic produce in retail.

David McKay, Co-Director, Soil Association Scotland said “This report demonstrates that Scottish shoppers are increasingly choosing organic – with market growth in both volume and value. That includes staple products like milk, eggs, carrots and oats, with opportunities for more beef, lamb and vegetables. That is good news for Scottish farmers and growers, with an increasing number converting to organic production. It also underlines the importance of the Organic Action Plan – which has landed at the right time to sustain the current momentum of the sector.” 

Scottish Organic Action Plan

The Scottish Organic Action Plan for 2026–2029, developed collaboratively with the Scottish Government and key industry stakeholders, presents a national roadmap to drive sector growth while supporting net zero and biodiversity goals.

The plan’s collaborative delivery model will ensure sector-wide partnerships providing investment, research, advisory services, supply chain support and route-to-market development that will benefit organic farmers and businesses.

The period of 2021 to 2024 saw a 27% increase in organic land in Scotland. The latest DEFRA figures show organic farmland (including land in conversion) in Scotland increased by 13% to 131,500 ha in 2024- compared to just a 1% rise in England and a decline of 11% in Wales(6). This continues a six-year streak of organic land growth supported by government incentives and a target to double organic land by 2026. 

The Organic Action Plan promises investment in research, training and advisory services to support more farmers transitioning to organic production, and The Scottish Government have already committed to continued funding for conversion and maintenance through the Agri Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) until at least 2030.

Development of supply chains will further reduce reliance on imports and unlock new retail and foodservice markets. This includes plans to normalise organic in public sector catering, offering a stable, long-term route to market. Scotland now has 25 Food for Life certified caterers across 1511 sites and sales of organic through food service in the UK have increased by +24%, no doubt boosted by Scotland's commitment.

A great example can be seen with BaxterStorey Scotland’s sites across different workplaces, including the Scottish Government and Glasgow Calendonia University, as well as local authorities including East Ayrshire, East Lothian and Stirling Councils. In their work to gain Bronze and Silver Food for Life certifications, these organisations have prioritised more Scottish organic produce on menus, so more Scots can enjoy nutritious locally sourced ingredients.

Amanda Brown, Programme Director at Scotland Food & Drink said “Scotland is leading the UK in organic production, and we’re excited to help drive the next stage of growth. More consumers are choosing high quality organic food and drink, and the Scottish Organic Action Plan gives us a clear path to build on that momentum. It sets out practical steps to boost production and strengthen supply chains. We’re delighted to play our part in turning this plan into real progress for Scotland’s organic sector.”

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands said “With Scotland leading the way on organic production across the UK, publication of the very first Scottish Organic Market Report marks an important step in growing Scotland’s organic market. It’s important that we provide our organic producers and processors with insights to help them access new markets and connect more closely with local supply chains. 

“The report can help to steer producers towards the best opportunities and will help more Scottish food and drink businesses thrive, all while bringing the benefits of organic food to more people across the country.” 

References

1. NielsenIQ Scantrack data for the Organic Food & Drink category Scotland Food & Drink defined for the 52 week period ending 3rd January 2026 Value & Unit Sales Scotland Total Coverage © 2026 The NielsenIQ Company

2. Worldpanel by Numerator – 52 w/e 30 Nov 2025 %buyer, Organic vs Non-Organic GB & Scotland

3. The University of Edinburgh Global Agriculture & Food Systems Report

4. Provenance Research, July 2025, 56 Degree Insight for the Knowledge Bank

5. Kantar Worldpanel Take Home Purchasing | 52 w/e to 20 April 2025 Organic % Share of Food & Drink Spend & 5yr Growth GB vs Scotland vs London

6. DEFRA Organic Farming Statistics United Kingdom 2024