European organic market growing – Germany remains the frontrunner

If you look at per capita spending, the picture changes. Countries such as Denmark, Switzerland and Luxembourg are among the leaders. Germany is above the European average, but is not at the top of the ranking.

Notably, smaller markets such as Norway, Belgium and Hungary are currently recording the highest percentage growth, albeit from a lower base.

Germany is growing faster than Europe

In 2024, the German organic market grew by +5.7%, above the European average of +5.2%. This strengthened Germany's position as Europe's largest organic market.

Supermarkets are driving growth

In Germany, supermarkets are achieving both the largest absolute growth and the highest share of organic sales (59%). Full-service supermarkets are particularly strengthening their position.

Organic products are also growing strongly online, with e-commerce turnover increasing by around 20%. Many online shopping baskets now contain at least one organic product.

Organic fruit outpaces vegetables

Within fruit and vegetables, growth in organic fruit exceeds that of vegetables, both in volume and turnover.

Germany is also heavily dependent on imports. In 2024:

• 40% of organic carrots imported
• 28% of organic apples
• 25% of organic onions

This underlines the importance of stable international supply chains and reliable availability.

Consumers want organic – price perception slows growth

Consumer demand remains positive. Generation X and Millennials have the highest share of organic products in their shopping baskets. Strikingly, 90% of Gen Z say they buy organic.

At the same time, the share of organic products in the total shopping basket remains at around 6%, with slight stagnation. An important factor is price perception: consumers estimate the price difference between organic and conventional products to be higher than it actually is.

The most important purchasing motive remains:
no or minimal residues of plant protection products.

Aspects such as taste, health and climate also play a role, but are secondary.

The figures in this article are based on the BÖLW Industry Report 2026. The full report is available here.