Marketing organic food: strategies for retailers
Marketing organic food effectively requires a blend of strategic in-store displays, clear labelling, and compelling online promotion.
To start, in-store displays should emphasize the freshness and quality of organic products. Use signage that highlights the benefits of organic food—such as prohibiting the use of synthetic pesticides and genetic engineering—and arrange products in eye-catching, natural-looking displays that appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Another critical element is clear, attractive labels. Labels that include organic certification logos, such as the Canada Organic logo or an accredited certification body logo, help consumers easily identify genuine organic products. Labels should also highlight key attributes which resonate with organic shoppers.
Online promotion is equally important. Leverage social media to share the stories behind your organic products, whether it’s the journey from seed to shelf or the environmental and health benefits of choosing organic.
Storytelling is a powerful tool in conveying the value of organic food—use it to connect emotionally with consumers, emphasizing how their purchase supports sustainable farming practices and healthier lifestyles. Many brands have great stories about their products that can be shared.
Offering digital content like recipes, farmer spotlights, or food-use tips can also engage and educate your audience, turning them into loyal organic shoppers.
The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) manages the Instagram page @choosecanadaorganic, which is a great resource for inspiration on organic tips and information. Retailers are encouraged to share and use the information found in this resource!
By combining these strategies, retailers can not only attract but also retain customers who are passionate about organic living.
Every September, COTA organizes Organic Month where they provide free organic signage kits for retailers, engaging contests, social media content, and retailer/brand support to make the most of Organic Month festivities.
Visit canada-organic.myshopify.com/collections to see what educational materials are available for your use. Visit organicmonth.ca to learn more and get involved!