Value of Scottish organic market ranks at £155m

For the first time a Scotland-specific edition of the Organic Market Report has been produced, tracking performance from January to December 2025. Commissioned by the Scottish Government and Scotland Food & Drink, the report forms a key part of the Scottish Organic Action Plan announced earlier this year.

The findings show Scotland’s organic market grew by 2.9% in volume and 10% in value over the past year, outperforming the non-organic sector on both measures. Over the past five years, the value of the Scottish organic market has increased by more than 20%.

Volume growth has been led by strong performances in organic dairy, fresh produce and ambient grocery. Fresh milk sales rose by 10%, eggs by 7%, carrots by 2.5%, while oats - including oat milk, porridge and oatcakes - increased by a combined 2%.

In terms of shopper profile, 35-44 year olds spend the most per buyer on organic products. Singles and families are also frequent purchasers, often motivated by health and wellbeing considerations.

While 58% of organic spending comes from the more affluent ABC1 demographic, the report notes that lower-income Scottish households allocate a higher proportion of their food spend to organic compared with the rest of the UK.

Data from social enterprise Locavore which supplies vegetable boxes across Scotland, shows over half of its customers have household incomes either below £30,000 or above £70,000 indicating demand over various income groups.

Despite the growth the report suggests there is scope to expand availability. While 53% of Edinburgh stores stock an organic option, this compares with 73% in London.

Research also indicates potential to attract younger shoppers with 61% of respondents aged 25-44 stating they would be more likely to buy a certified organic product if available.

Beyond domestic sales expanded Scottish organic production is also seen as offering export opportunities, building on Scotland’s reputation for high-quality food and drink. Within the UK, London has the highest proportion of organic shoppers, presenting a potential target market for Scottish producers.

Co-director of Soil Association Scotland, David McKay said the report demonstrates growing consumer commitment to organic products.

He said: "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."

The Scottish Organic Action Plan for 2026–2029 sets out a national roadmap to grow the sector while contributing to net zero and biodiversity goals. Developed alongside industry stakeholders it aims to strengthen investment, research, advisory services and supply chain development.

Between 2021 and 2024, Scotland saw a 27% increase in organic land area. Latest figures from Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs show organic farmland in Scotland including land in conversion, increased by 13% to 131,500 hectares in 2024. This compares with a 1% rise in England and an 11% decline in Wales.

Growth in Scotland continues a six-year upward trend supported by government incentives and a target to double organic land by 2026.

The Scottish Government has committed to continued funding for conversion and maintenance through the Agri Environment Climate Scheme until at least 2030. The action plan also promises further investment in research, training and advisory support to help more farmers transition to organic systems.

Supply chain development is another key focus aimed at reducing reliance on imports and unlocking new retail and foodservice markets. Plans include increasing the presence of organic produce in public sector catering to provide a stable, long-term route to market.

Scotland currently has 25 Food for Life certified caterers operating across 1511 sites. Across the UK organic sales through foodservice have risen by 24%.

Examples include sites operated by BaxterStorey Scotland in workplaces such as the Scottish Government and Glasgow Caledonian University, as well as local authorities including East Ayrshire, East Lothian and Stirling Councils. As part of their Bronze and Silver Food for Life certifications, these organisations have increased the use of Scottish organic produce on menus.

Programme director at Scotland Food & Drink, Amanda Brown 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.”

Cabinet secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, said publication of the first dedicated Scottish Organic Market Report marked '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,” she said.

"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.”