Sales of organic foods and beverages reached $1 billion in 1990, but climbed to $11 billion by 2002, according to The U.S. Market for Organic Foods and Beverages, a newly published Packaged Facts report available at MarketResearch.com. The market's tremendous growth can be traced to various factors, including newly effective federal labeling requirements and consumers' heightened health consciousness.

"The industry is truly at a crossroads," said Amy Barr, co-founder of Marr Barr Communications, an editorial partner on this report. "Organic foods were once considered a product of the 60's culture, but now are flourishing in the mainstream markets, thanks to tremendous popularity among key demographics, such as boomers."

"The USDA regulations gave legitimacy and uniformity to the organic industry, strengthening its stock in the eyes of consumers, who already considered organic foods to be advantageous in terms of safety, taste and health benefits," said Don Montuori, Packaged Facts acquisitions editor.

The U.S. Market for Organic Foods and Beverages is the first in a three-volume series from Packaged Facts on wellness foods and beverages. The reports provide detailed information about products and distribution, consumer behavior, and marketing trends. The reports include historical sales data, as well as market projections through 2007.

Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com, is a trusted provider of authoritative consumer market research. For over 30 years, in-depth research, expert analysis and personalized client support have helped business professional make strategic decisions.

Marr Barr Communications, Longmont, CO, and Carbondale, CO, specializes in strategic marketing and communications related to food, nutrition, health, agriculture, and organic and natural products. Founders Liz Marr, M.S., R.D., and Amy Barr, M.S., Ed.M., R.D., together boast over 35 years of consumer and business marketing, strategic planning and communications experience. The agency uses a senior-account management approach for its clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to entrepreneurial ventures.