Organic boom in retail, 20% growth in small shops

Local networks of specialized stores are more reserved, expecting a growth rate of 15-20 percent in this year marked by the economic crisis, which has led to one positive element: an increase in the number of clients, although the value of the shopping basket has dropped. The most sought-after products, on a market worth some €15 million, include dairy (yoghurts and cheeses) and baked goods. Unfortunately, about 80 percent of sales are imported products, considering that Romania is exporting raw materials which are then imported as finished goods.

Data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, and Rural Development (MAPDR) indicates that exports of ecological products will drop 23 percent this year, to 100,000 tons, due to low demand and prices. On the other hand, local organic product store chains, such as Natura Food, Biofood, and Biomarkt in Bucharest, are just starting out.

“Demand is rising. We have more clients, considering that the value of the shopping basket per client is lower. Compared to last year, we have a 20 percent increase in sales,” said Anca Tanasă, General Manager of Natura Food.

Total ecological goods production is expected to decline by up to 15 percent this year, to 226,270 tons, according to MAPDR data. One of the segments that seems to be raising the interest of shoppers lately is that of natural cosmetics, which makes up six percent of total cosmetics on mature markets.

Considering that the local market is valued at €600 million, the potential of the natural cosmetics market is of some €36 mln.