Organic food sales in the US grew 20.4 per cent last year, to reach $10.38 billion, according to the Organic Trade Association's 2004 Manufacturer Survey.

US organic food sales have grown between 17 per cent and 21 per cent each year since 1997, to nearly triple in sales, while total US food sales over this time period have grown in the range of 2-4 per cent a year. Experiencing approximately 20 per cent sales growth in 2003, organic fruits and vegetables represented about 42 per cent of organic food sales.

More than 40 per cent of total organic food sales were handled through supermarkets and grocery stores, mass merchandisers, and club stores. Independent natural product and health food stores and natural grocery chains, accounted for 48 per cent of sales.