Even in Difficult Economy Consumers Still Buying Natural

Trend analyst firm Mintel is reporting in its latest research on green living that the environment continues to be a bug concern for the majority of Americans. According to Mintel, 35% of survey respondents say they would pay more for environmentally friendly products.Environmentally friendly has also included food and beverage, which saw a rapid sales growth of more than 24% from 2006-2008. As with nearly all sectors of consumer goods, natural foods experienced only a slight growth in 2009; however, sales are reported to grow nearly 20% from 2010 to 2012. According to Mintel's research, 21% of organic food buyers have cut down or eliminated organic purchasing, while 20% have switched to less expensive organic options. Nearly half (48%) are buying as much or more organic food than before the recession.