Other Countries
Outside Japan, there are significant markets for organic foods in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea. There is no organic farming in Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan because of the small size of these countries and/or the scarcity of farmland. Most of the organic foods in these countries are imported. Sales of organic foods are estimated to be about US $15 million from these four countries. Demand is stemming from the expatriate community as well as the growing middle class.
Green farming is popular in South Korea and there is no clear demarcation between green foods and organic foods in the marketplace. Most of the primary products sold to consumers are domestically grown whilst some processed organic foods are imported. There is about 902 hectares of certified organic farmland in South Korea.
The Hong Kong and Singaporean markets are small but important as a relatively wide range of organic foods are
available in these countries. Much of the organic fresh produce in Singapore, including milk and some meat products, are imported from Australia. Processed foods like pasta, sauces, drinks, baby food are imported from Europe and North America. China is the main source of organic primary products in Hong Kong and organic processed foods are again imported from the western countries.
Specialist retailers like health food shops are the most important channels for organic foods in these countries. Organic foods are typically marketed alongside medicinal and health products. Organic processed foods are more popular than organic fresh fruit & vegetables in these retailers and organic livestock products are relatively rare. This is because the focus of these retailers is on natural and health products rather than fresh produce. Organic cereal bars, rice and grains, beverages and non-dairy products are commonly found.