Organic food refers to food items that are produced, prepared, and processed without the utilization of any synthetics. It implies organic food creation precludes the utilization of substance pesticides, compound composts, or synthetic additives. Thusly, organic foods are increasingly gaining popularity because a greater portion of the population wants to know their benefits. The overall conviction is that organic food is healthier compared to conventional ones. And it’s the primary reason for its increased demand over the past decade.
Spain has turned into the seventh biggest market in Europe for organic food. The development of the organic food sector in Spain has been extraordinary at all levels from essential creation to the handling processing industry, passing through the point of sale, and ending at the consumer. Subsequently, the market has figured out how to double in size over the last four years, going from 1 billion euros to well over the 2 billion euro mark.
Business opportunity for the organic food manufacturer
Per capita consumption remains at 46.6 euros in 2018. While one might say that Spain’s change from maker to organic consumer is now a reality; a line has been crossed that permits the manufacturer to visualize a real business opportunity in organic certification.
It is essential to add that the development potential in Spain is yet huge. As a kind of perspective, the yearly consumption per capita in Denmark and Switzerland is 312 euros. The distinction in figures gives an idea of the road ahead but the basis is already in place. Several indicators confirm this.
Spain has established itself as the leading European country in terms of organic farming area, with 2.2 million.
For Europe, Spain is the principal provider of fruit and vegetables. A few retailers are dynamically supplanting regular items with organic ones.
Three fundamental categories for the future are present: eggs, dairy, and baby food
Eggs, in full development Deals of organic eggs. Shot up last year from 103.1 million to 157.9 million dozens, bringing about deals of 51.4 million.
Dairy products account for 55% of sales volume
The dairy sector is the one that takes the lead in volume, contributing 55% of the total in hypermarkets and supermarkets (without counting the eggs, measured in dozens). And within the dairy products, milk and smoothies are the ones that showed the best evolution last year, with increases of 18.7% and 26.5% in value and volume, respectively. Organic production is the trend most explored by the operators now to try to overcome the market of consumption milk.
No turning back on baby food
There is a category in which organic certification is gaining ground and there seems to be no turning back: consumers want to buy organic for their babies. Even though the decline in birth rates is causing annual declines of about 5% in the whole category, organic baby food showed an increase of 24.2% in value and 28.2% in volume.
This evolution is causing a clear domino effect. Retailers have been joining the trend with their own brands.
Do organic foods have health benefits?
There is some evidence suggesting that organic foods have health benefits.
For example, several lab studies found that their higher antioxidant content helped protect cells from damage. And animal studies show that organic diets may benefit growth, reproduction, and the immune system.
One study also reported that chickens fed an organic diet showed reduced weight gain and stronger immune systems.
Older observational studies suggest that organic foods may lower the risk of allergies and eczema in children and infants.
Unfortunately, there’s simply not enough strong evidence available to confirm that organic foods benefit human health more than conventional foods.
More high-quality human studies are needed.
Not all organic food is nutritious
Just because a product is labeled organic, it doesn’t mean that it is nutrient-dense.
Some of these products are still highly processed foods high in calories, added sugar, salt, and added fats.
For example, items such as organic cookies, chips, sodas, and ice cream should be consumed in moderation. Despite being organic, these products may still be low in nutrients.
When making the choice of what to eat, it may be more beneficial to choose based on your dietary needs and the vitamins and minerals contained in the food. Rather than on the basis of organic versus conventional.
Health Benefits of Eating Organic Food
Better overall health
Because organic food is not produced or processed using chemical pesticides or chemical fertilizers. It does not contain any elements of toxic chemicals and may not affect human health in harmful ways. The use of natural techniques such as green manure to fertilize the lands and crop rotation in pest and disease control work absolutely well in producing safer, healthier, and smellier final food products. Besides, healthy foodstuff simply means healthy people and better nourishment for a better living for both people and animals.
Antioxidant content
The positive effects of antioxidants on overall health have been established in several scientific studies. Especially those derived from organic foods. This is because organic foods are free of foreign chemicals that normally react with vitamins, organic compounds, and minerals thus lowering the essential positive impacts of antioxidants in food products.
Latest studies propose that the consumption of organic food can contribute to more intake of nutritionally advantageous antioxidants and limited exposure to heavy metals. The positive impacts of antioxidants obtained from organic foods include the prevention of heart disease, cancer, vision problems, premature aging, and cognitive malfunction.
Further developed Heart condition
Exclusive grazing on natural grass increases the amounts of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) found in animal products. The sun’s energy is well taken in by natural grass through photosynthesis and is converted into the most desirable organic CLA by the herbivores that feed on it. CLA is a heart-healthy fatty acid with the potential of bolstering cardiovascular protection. And it is found in higher quantities in the meat and milk products of animals that have been pastured in free range.