Another record year for Danish organic exports

Germany and Sweden particularly keen, while China is also beginning to sniff around

Dec 8, 2016

According to new figures from national statistics keeper Danmarks Statistik, 2015 was another record year for organic exports.

The export of Danish organic goods increased by 15 percent compared to 2014 – up from 1.721 to 1.982 billion kroner. In fact, the export of organic goods has doubled since 2011.

“In recent years we have experienced that exports of Danish organic goods just keep rising,” said Mette Gammicchia, a spokesperson at the Danish agriculture and food council, Landbrug & Fødevarer.

“They’ve really developed a taste for Danish organics abroad, which is positive. Especially because it allows the opportunity to reach many more consumers who want to pay extra for organic goods. It is particularly the growth in demand in our neighbouring nations that have pushed through and are reflected here.”

Eyeing Asia and Middle East
It is the German and Swedes in particular who have developed a taste for Danish organic produce. Some 38 percent of total exports go to Germany, while 20 percent are earmarked for Sweden.

Denmark’s most popular organic export produce are dairy products and eggs, which accounted for 37 percent of the total. Other popular items are infant formulas, fruit and vegetables, and meat products – all accounting for about 12-14 percent.

Organic exports to China tripled in 2015 compared to 2014, and Gammicchia contends that Danish organic export will gain an even stronger foothold in the market in China, as well as in Asia in general and in the Middle East.