Denmark maintains global leadership in organic market share

Organic sales in Denmark continue to set records. The latest report published by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) reaffirms Denmark’s position as the global leader in organic retail market share, holding the highest proportion of organic food sales in the world. 

For years, Denmark has set the global standard in organic market share. The latest FiBL report, The World of Organic Agriculture 2024, based on 2023 data, reconfirms Denmark’s global leadership with a retail market share of 11.8%. This places Denmark ahead of Switzerland at 11.6% and Austria at 11%. 

Denmark’s organic leadership is the result of decades of government-backed policies that have made organic food an accessible, trusted, and competitive choice for consumers. National strategies, strict certification schemes, and retail integration have created a market where organic products are a mainstream part of everyday consumption. The connection between organic food and sustainability has deeply resonated with Danish consumers, who prioritise health, environmental impact, and ethical farming practices. 

With an organic retail market share of 11.8%, Denmark ranks ahead of Switzerland (11.6%) and Austria (11%)

The organic revolution in Denmark 

Danish government policy has made a huge impact on the organic movement from the beginning. Back in 1987, Denmark became the first country in the world to introduce regulations for organic production, based on existing agricultural and food legislation. At the same time, the government introduced a range of subsidies to support farmers in transitioning to organic farming, laying the foundation for a structured and well-regulated organic sector. 

In 1990, Denmark introduced the state-controlled ‘Ø-label’, one of the world’s first national organic certifications, setting a benchmark for transparency, reliability, and food safety. Today, nearly three decades later, organic production is fully integrated into the Danish agriculture and food sector. Danish organic food and expertise are recognised for high standards in food safety, traceability, quality, and commitment to sustainability and therefore in high demand worldwide.

Danish organic produce on international markets 

The global organic market continues to grow and reached EUR 136.4 billion in 2023, representing a 1.5 percent increase compared to 2022. As a result, demand for organic products, including Danish dairy, meat, and plant-based foods, is also increasing. 

Danish companies have successfully expanded their organic exports and gaining international recognition. One example is Friland, Europe’s largest producer of organic meat. The company has developed a high-welfare, antibiotic-free farming model that is attracting strong international interest. Friland’s organic pigs are particularly popular in Germany, where consumers value the high, state-controlled organic standards, the professionalism of Danish farmers, and the consistent, high-quality deliveries. 

Denmark continues to set the standard by combining structured policies, consumer-driven demand, and pioneering organic food production methods. This strong foundation has established Denmark as a key exporter of high-quality organic food solutions and positioned the country to host the Organic Summit in August 2025

Gain inspiration and take a deep dive into Denmark’s organic leadership

Source: FiBL and IFOAM – Organics International