Organic cosmetics & toiletries products in the UK are playing an increasingly important role in the lucrative organic market, according to a new report published by The Soil Association.
In 2006, Soil Association Certification Ltd reported a 30% increase in the number of health and beauty licensees as a result of the increased number and availability of organic products and rising consumer demand for organically certified products.
The UK accounted for just 5% of the 1,600 organic cosmetics launched worldwide in 2006, however, 19% of the 1,053 organic cosmetics launched globally in the first quarter of 2007 were from the UK. This represents the largest increase in new organic beauty products in any European country according to The Soil Association.
“These figures are extremely encouraging, the year on year growth in sales not just in food and drink, but also the newer booming clothing and health and beauty sectors confirm organic has moved well beyond a fad or a niche,” commented Soil Association director or food and farming, Helen Browning.
Overall sales of organic products in the UK in 2006 have soared by 22% on the previous year according to The Soil Association. The UK organic market is now worth an estimated £1.938m, making it the third largest in Europe after Germany and Italy.