The global organic sector closed 2024 with a new historic high in retail sales. The worldwide market for organic food and beverages reached 145 billion euros, confirming resilient demand across key consumer markets. Year-on-year growth amounted to 6.9 billion euros, reflecting a positive trend despite the challenging international economic context.
The figures are published in The World of Organic Agriculture: Statistics and Emerging Trends 2026, produced by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and IFOAM – Organics International and presented at Biofach, the leading international trade fair for organic food held in Nuremberg.
United States leads the market; Switzerland stands out in consumption
The United States maintained its position as the world’s largest organic market, with sales of 60.4 billion euros. Germany, with 17 billion euros, and China, with 15.5 billion euros, complete the ranking of the top markets.
In relative terms, Switzerland once again ranks first both in per capita consumption — 481 euros per person — and in organic market share, which accounts for 12.3 percent of total food sales in the country.
Production stable at around 99 million hectares
From a production standpoint, global organic farmland remained broadly stable at 98.9 million hectares. This stability indicates continuity in the global production base, in line with consumption trends.
Australia continues to hold the largest organic agricultural area, with 53 million hectares. Meanwhile, Liechtenstein records the highest share of organic farmland relative to total agricultural land, at 43.5 percent.
The number of organic producers worldwide reached 4.8 million in 2024.
International trade on the rise
International trade also showed strong momentum. Combined organic imports into the European Union and the United States totaled 5.9 million metric tons, up 12.3 percent year-on-year — an increase of 0.6 million metric tons.
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Mexico, Ecuador, and Canada ranked as the leading suppliers to both markets, highlighting the growing integration of international organic supply chains.
A sector with resilient demand and a stable base
The 2024 balance confirms that the organic sector continues to benefit from resilient demand across major markets, supported by a production base that remains stable at the global level. The combination of sales growth and steady farmland area suggests a market that, while more mature in some regions, continues to show capacity for expansion and consolidation.
