Germany’s organic sector put in a standout performance in the first quarter of 2026, with sales up by 6% against the same period in 2025 to be worth 4.91 billion euros. 

It’s a growth rate that significantly outpaced the total food market which grew by 2.5%, says the organic group BÖLW, which gathered the latest data. 

Discounters and supermarkets between them command around 60% of organic sales in Germany (at 30% and 29% respectively), with the specialist trade accounting for 17% and e-commerce around 5%. The remaining 6% are distributed across farm shops, bakeries, butchers, weekly markets and petrol stations.

“Even in times of crisis, organic remains a growth industry that will soon create 400,000 jobs,” comments Tina Andres, CEO of BÖLW. “More and more consumers are opting for a food industry that works with nature, without chemical-synthetic pesticides and without artificial fertilizers. In view of the world situation, this is not only good for the environment, but also contributes to security of supply. The current price explosion in fertilizers does not affect organic farmers.” 

“Germany and the EU must take into account the contribution of organic to resilience in their common agricultural policy and create more incentives for the transition to organic farming”

Andres added appeal: “Germany and the EU must take into account the contribution of organic to resilience in their common agricultural policy and create more incentives for the transition to organic farming.”

Main image: ina Andres, CEO of BÖLW