Growing demand

As awareness about the environmental and health benefits of organic products rises, more customers are seeking out organic produce over conventional alternatives

Brand Central

29 April 2025

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As Irish consumer preferences continue to shift towards healthier and more sustainable choices, organic produce is becoming increasingly important in the retail landscape. Retailers who prioritise organic products are not only meeting evolving customer expectations but are also positioning themselves for long-term success. By stocking a wide range of organic items, retailers can attract more foot traffic, foster greater customer loyalty, and ultimately see a positive impact on overall sales figures.

Incorporating organic produce into a store’s offering is no longer just a passing trend—it represents a strategic and forward-thinking decision that reflects changing consumer values. Shoppers are becoming more conscious of their health and the environmental impact of their purchases, and they expect retailers to respond accordingly. By sourcing high-quality organic produce, grocery retailers can demonstrate their commitment to both customer wellbeing and environmental sustainability, giving them a distinct edge in an increasingly competitive market.

A leading organic food supplier

Biona Organic Rye Bread

Biona Organic Black Beans (4 X 400g)

Biona Organic Granola Wild Berry Crisp

As one of the first organic companies in Ireland, Biona is a family-run business with over 40 years’ experience supplying Irish and international retail partners. All the products in our range are naturally grown on organic farms without the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides. So, it’s no surprise Biona has become a leading organic food supplier to independent health stores and many leading Irish retailers including Dunnes, SuperValu & Tesco. We’re known as one of the most innovative brands in grocery, offering over 270 organic and vegetarian products in over 20 categories.

The Irish organic sector is among the fastest growing in the world, and in line with EU targets, the country plans to increase organic agricultural land from 8.5% to 25%. This is because of the growing number of Irish consumers who are looking to make healthier choices and eat food that is good for them and good for the planet. And when you add in the increased understanding about the potential long term health impacts of consuming too much ultra processed food, it’s easy to see why a growing number of people want heathier clean-label foods, with organic as the natural choice.”

To respond to this growing desire to eat healthily, we recommend Irish retailers have a dedicated organic section within their store, and stock a diverse range of core organic food and drink products, including staples like grains, pasta, and canned goods. It’s also worth noting that, while there are certain times of the year when healthy living is higher up people’s agenda such as in January, in reality, this is not a short-lived phase but something that many consumers now wish to do all year round. One retailer who does recognise this is Tesco Ireland, with whom we’ve recently been delighted to achieve 45 new listings including our organic rye breads, canned beans & pulses, nut butters and granolas.

Q&A with Carmen Ferguson, brand manager, Windmill Organics

Carmen Ferguson, brand manager, Windmill Organics

What inspired your company to focus exclusively on organic food, and how do you ensure the integrity of your products throughout the entire supply chain?

“The Biona story begins in the 1970s on the west coast of Ireland, where co-founder Noel McDonald was learning to live off the land. His passion for respectfully grown produce firmly established, he moved to London to open one of the country’s earliest organic focused shops: Windmill Wholefoods in Fulham. A year later a vegetarian, wholefood restaurant was added, where he met fellow organic advocate Donata Berger. With their shared motivation to bring the benefits of organic to more people, the pair went on to found the UK’s first organic company, Windmill Organics. The company’s first brand was Biona and would be about purely organic, ethically and sustainably sourced food. Now, Biona is the go-to organic brand in Ireland, offering over 270 organic and vegetarian products in over 20 categories, and we also currently distribute to over 40 countries globally.”

“In the UK and Ireland, organic food integrity is ensured through strict certification by bodies like the Soil Association and the Irish Organic Association, following EU and UK organic standards. The supply chain is safeguarded through rigorous traceability, third-party audits, and strict prohibitions on synthetic chemicals, GMOs, and artificial additives. Detailed record-keeping, sustainable farming practices, and ethical labour standards further reinforce credibility. To prevent contamination, organic and non-organic products are kept separate throughout processing and distribution.”

Can you explain the key differences between organic and conventional farming methods, and why are these differences important for both the environment and consumers?

“The key difference between organically and conventionally grown produce is that organic methods work in harmony with nature, without the use of harmful artificial chemicals, pesticides or GMOs. Unlike conventional farming, which relies heavily on chemical inputs to maximise yields, organic farming nurtures soil health through crop rotation, composting, and natural fertilizers, fostering biodiversity and reducing environmental harm. We know from our own research that ‘no pesticides’ is the number one reason consumers enter the category and stay in it. Shoppers are also attracted to the higher nutritional content of organic food. Many farmers in the UK and Ireland are now moving towards more sustainable methods of farming such as regenerative agriculture, which is a step in the right direction, but the gold standard of farming is of course organic and will remain so.”

What challenges do you face in sourcing and maintaining a consistent supply of high-quality organic produce, especially given market fluctuations or seasonal changes?

“Like many suppliers in the food and drink industry we are at the mercy of the effects of climate change which can impact our supply chain, such as last year when a shortage of olives due to a bad harvest caused their price to skyrocket. More recently, the global coconut harvest has faced significant challenges, including reduced yields in major producing countries like the Philippines and Sri Lanka, due to unpredictable weather and the impact of El Niño, leading to supply constraints and price volatility which of course impacts products such as our coconut milk.”

How do you educate and inform consumers about the benefits of choosing organic products, both in terms of health and sustainability?

“It’s pretty clear the pandemic made people more health conscious and the food and drink they consume is obviously a big part of that. When you add in the increased understanding about the potential long term health impacts of consuming too much ultra processed food, it’s no surprise a growing number of people want heathier, natural foods without chemical additives, so organic is the natural choice. By clearly communicating these benefits, consumers can be empowered to make more informed, health-conscious choices about organic products.”

Pioneering sustainable winemaking

With vineyards spread across seven of Chile’s most renowned wine valleys, Cono Sur has long been a pioneer in sustainable winemaking. Since its foundation, the winery has placed environmental responsibility at the heart of everything it does—a commitment that’s been recognised with B-Corp certification, awarded to companies that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

This ethos is symbolised on every bottle by the image of a bicycle, introduced in 2012 as a tribute to the vineyard workers who cycle to the vines each day. It’s a simple gesture, but one that speaks volumes about the values Cono Sur holds dear.

Organic winemaking is a cornerstone of the winery’s philosophy. By avoiding chemical treatments and prioritising soil health, Cono Sur not only preserves the land for future generations but also produces wines of great character and purity. The Organic range reflects this commitment, offering wines that are better for the planet and for those who enjoy them.

This year, Findlater & Co. is set to launch the ‘Why Organic?’ campaign, shining a light on the key reasons to choose organic: Soil, Quality, Health, and Community. The campaign aims to spark conversation and help consumers better understand the real impact behind the label.

Flahavan’s organic range: Good for you and good for the planet

Flahavan’s organic range

Nourish your body while caring for the planet with Flahavan’s organic range, a wholesome collection of products made with the finest organically grown Irish oats. From their creamy Organic Porridge Oats to hearty Jumbo Oats and the smooth, refreshing Organic Oat Drink, each product is crafted using 100% Irish organically grown oats. This range is packed with fibre, vitamins, and slow-release energy to keep you feeling your best, naturally.

Flahavan’s Organic Oat Drink brings the goodness of Irish oats into your glass in a way that is smooth, lightly oaty, and ideal for everything from morning coffees to smoothies. Made using just a few natural ingredients, it’s a delicious plant-based alternative you can feel good about.

With seven generations of oat-milling expertise behind them, Flahavan’s commitment to sustainability is at the heart of every product. Their organic oats are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, promoting healthier soil and biodiversity. Flahavan’s Organic Range embraces a more natural, nutritious way to fuel your day while also supporting a more sustainable food system.

Flahavan’s Organic Range is now available in all major supermarkets, including Flahavan’s Organic Porridge Oats (€2.80), Organic Jumbo Oats (€2.95), and Organic Oat Drink (€2.79).

See www.flahavans.ie for more information on the range.

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Fused by Fiona: Bringing premium Asian flavours to everyday kitchens

Fused Organic Coconut Milk

Fused Light Organic Coconut Milk

Fused by Fiona has quickly become a standout name in Ireland’s premium Asian food scene. Founded by TV chef and author Fiona Uyema, who spent several years living in Japan, the brand delivers vibrant, accessible, and clean-label Asian flavours to supermarket shelves across the country.

Fiona’s time in Japan deeply shaped her approach to food, inspiring a focus on simplicity, authenticity, and quality. Today, Fused by Fiona offers a growing range of sauces, spices, and store-cupboard staples that make cooking Asian dishes at home easier than ever—without compromising on taste, quality, or health.

At the heart of the brand is a commitment to real ingredients. Every product is free from artificial additives, MSG, and refined sugar, giving home cooks the confidence to create flavour-packed meals with wholesome ingredients. That same ethos carries through to the brand’s organic range, including Fused Organic Coconut Milk and Fused Light Organic Coconut Milk. Sustainably sourced and made from organically grown coconuts, both products are rich, creamy, and entirely free from thickeners, stabilisers, and preservatives.

Fused Organic Coconut Milk has seen rapid growth in recent months, driven by increasing consumer awareness around ultra-processed foods (UPFs). As more shoppers seek clean-label and health-conscious alternatives, Fused by Fiona is perfectly positioned to meet the moment.

Now stocked in SuperValu, Dunnes Stores, and independent retailers across Ireland, Fused Organic Coconut Milk is helping home cooks bring the best of Asian cooking to everyday meals—with ease and confidence.

With consumer demand for clean-label and Asian-inspired products continuing to grow, Fused by Fiona offers retailers a trusted, homegrown brand that delivers on both flavour and convenience. With strong in-store performance, a loyal customer base, and standout packaging, Fused is the ideal partner for retailers looking to grow their world food or health-focused ranges.

Linwoods Flaxseeds are gut-friendly, nutrient-rich, and organic

Linwoods Flaxseed

Globally sourced, all of Linwoods ingredients are carefully selected from the best suppliers and growers to ensure the highest quality and standards and organically sourced material. Their seeds are then cold-milled and expertly blended, unlocking accessible, easy-to-use nutrition for health-conscious consumers worldwide. This unique cold milling process breaks down the seed for optimal digestion, preserving the fibre and nutritional benefits within.

100% organic, gluten-free and vegan, Linwoods Flaxseed is high in fibre, containing 4.1g of fibre per 20g serving and is packed with essential nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals which help support a healthy gut microbiome.

Linwoods Flaxseeds are available in Tesco, Dunnes, Nourish, Supervalu, Holland & Barrett and Independent Health Foods Stores. RRP at €4.49 200g.

‘If it isn’t organic, it is not Irish’

Burren Smokehouse solely use Irish organic salmon for the artisan smoking of Burren Smoked Irish Organic Salmon as part of the company strategy to buy the very best of local Irish salmon. All the Atlantic salmon that are reared in the turbulent waters of the Irish west coast is organically certified, so if it isn’t organic, it is not Irish.

Burren Smoked Irish Organic Salmon won the prestigious Bord Bia Award as the Best Organic product in 2024.

Birgitta and Peter Curtin – the founders and owners of the Smokehouse since 1989 wanted to give the passing National and International visitors to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark a taste of world class artisan smoked Salmon. These Food Tourism visitors can now book experiences where they can learn more about the Organic and Wild salmon in the BIM and Failte Ireland backed ‘Taste the Atlantic’ Visitor Centre that was opened in 2019 by Sabina Higgins, the Frist Lady of Ireland.

Burren Smokehouse supply independent retail like Fallon & Byrne, Nolan’s of Clontarf, Mortons in Galway & Dublin. Food service to Ashford Castle, The Merrion Hotel and Dromoland Hotel.

Taste first, Planet always

DOLE® GO Organic fruit and vegetables

Last October, Irish produce giant Dole introduced its new organic range to its home market, marking a major step forward in meeting the evolving expectations of today’s conscious consumer

Research revealed a clear demand from both customers and consumers for year-round consistency in the quality and supply of organic produce. At the same time, growers, local and international alike, signalled a strong appetite for support in developing a category still rich with untapped potential.

Dole’s response? The launch of DOLE® GO Organic!

Created to elevate the organics category, DOLE® GO Organic! is about engaging, inspiring, and empowering Irish consumers to enjoy more fresh organic fruits and vegetables, more often. The brand serves as a focal point for best-in-class growing, responsible sourcing, and impactful promotion of organic produce. At its heart is a simple but powerful proposition, captured in its tagline: ‘Taste first, Planet, always.’ Organically grown fruits and vegetables—cultivated with care, pride, and in harmony with nature.

Simple truth: Exceptional taste

At the core of the DOLE® GO Organic! proposition is a simple truth: Exceptional taste remains the key driver of consumer choice. The taste of organic fresh fruits & vegetables is something to behold, the experience, one of life’s simple pleasures. Importantly, it’s a taste made all the sweeter when you know it has been grown to best agronomic and sustainable standards. With DOLE® GO Organic! there is no compromise—consumers can enjoy outstanding flavour while supporting responsible farming practices.

Trusted network

The range includes over 30 lines of fruits and vegetables, carefully sourced from a blend of Dole’s own farms and a trusted network of local and global organic growers. Naturally, Irish-grown produce plays a leading role, taking pride of place at the heart of the range.

Backed by robust in-store and social media campaigns, DOLE® GO Organic! is part of Dole’s mission to bring organic produce further into the mainstream. By investing in this brand and its promotion, Dole is laying the foundation for long-term growth – while extending a warm invitation to independent organic growers to partner with us in taking the organic fruit and vegetable category to the next level.

To learn more about DOLE® GO Organic! Visit: www.goorganic.ie

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