Consumers like the taste of organic food

Organic food tastes better, according to a recent survey, but chefs remain divided.

Almost three-quarters (72%) of consumers buying organic produce say they do so because it tastes better than non-organic produce.

The survey, which was commissioned by the Soil Association, questioned 813 people, all of whom had bought at least one organic product in the previous six months.

Christian Delteil, managing director of Bank Restaurant Group, said it was well known that organic produce tasted better.

Shaun Hill, former chef-proprietor of the Merchant House in Ludlow, Shropshire, wasn't so sure about the survey. "Organic meat, particularly poultry, can be better tasting because of the food the animals are given," he said. "But organic vegetables are often grown for reasons of purity rather than taste.

"To say that they taste better than non-organic vegetables simply because they are organic may be pushing it."

The survey also suggested that more than 90% of people chose organic products to protect the environment and promote animal welfare.

Hill said: "Organic food has less damaging properties as it lacks the pesticides and hormones that are used on some farms. It can certainly be good for you, but so can non-organic food."

Ross Pike, executive head chef at contract caterer BaxterStorey, said: "Organic food tastes different but not necessarily superior. But there certainly is a demand for organic produce and people these days do care about what they eat and where it comes from."

The results of the survey coincide with the Soil Association's Organic Week, the UK's largest celebration of organic food and farming, which runs from 3 to 11 September.

By Kerstin Kuhn