Study: Organic produce margins far exceed conventional at retail

A new analysis from French consumer group Que Choisir Ensemble has found retail margins on organic fruits and vegetables are, on average, 81% higher than those on conventional produce. The study examined a basket of 24 fruits and vegetables using official market data collected under the supervision of France’s Ministry of Agriculture.

According to the report, the additional costs consumers pay for organic products are not solely tied to higher production expenses. For example, organic tomatoes carried a retail distribution margin 113% higher than conventional tomatoes, while organic apples generated retailer margins roughly double those of their conventional counterparts.

The findings have renewed debate over affordability in the organic sector, with the association arguing that elevated retail margins are limiting consumer access to organic produce and reducing the share of the premium that reaches growers. The group is calling for greater transparency in retailer pricing and margin practices.

The report comes as organic produce continues to gain market share globally. In the U.S., organic fresh produce sales reached $9.5 billion in 2024, with sales and volume growth outpacing conventional produce.