At O&3, we know that accreditation isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about trust, integrity, and a genuine commitment to sustainability. In a market where consumers are increasingly conscious about the origins of the products they use, assurance of quality, authenticity, and environmental responsibility is non-negotiable.
That’s why our partnership with the Soil Association is such an important part of who we are and how we do business, representing a shared mission to raise standards and champion responsible sourcing across a range of product categories and industries.
The organic sector is growing at an impressive pace, and the numbers speak for themselves. According to the Soil Association, the UK organic market reached £3.7 billion in 2024, marking a 7.3% increase from the previous year and doubling in value over the past decade. And organic unit sales are growing faster than non-organic products, with organic sales increasing four times faster, demonstrating strong and rising consumer demand.
Who are the Soil Association? And why does accreditation matter?
The Soil Association is the UK’s leading organic certification body, recognised globally as a benchmark for integrity in organic production. For over 75 years, they have been driving forward standards that safeguard soil health, protect biodiversity, and ensure transparency across supply chains. Their organic certification is a guarantee that every step of production, from sourcing to delivery, is rigorously assessed.
At O&3, we are accredited by the Soil Association, which means our organic ingredient range, from cold-pressed, refined, and essential oils to absolutes, waters, butters, waxes, and exfoliants are held to the highest possible standard. This ensures that when you source from us, you can do so with complete confidence that the products are traceable, sustainable, and fully compliant with organic regulations. For businesses building organic ranges or strengthening sustainability commitments, this credibility is essential.
What is Organic September?
Each year, the Soil Association leads Organic September, a campaign that brings the organic sector into focus and highlights its positive impact on health, climate, and the environment. For businesses, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in sourcing responsibly and responding to consumer demand for transparency and sustainability.
Throughout this month, we will be highlighting the role that certified organic ingredients play across industries, from food and beverage to cosmetics and personal care. Our aim is to support those navigating the organic market and share insights into applications and trends.
O&3 thoughts…
Consumers are not only looking for organic products, but they are also willing to invest in them with PwC reporting that shoppers are willing to spend an average of 9.7% more on sustainably produced or sourced goods, even in the face of inflationary pressures. Supply Chain Brain also notes that 80% of consumers say they would pay more for sustainable products, highlighting the growing expectation for transparency and ethical sourcing.
This momentum shows that organic certification is not just a label, but a marker of trust and a tangible signal to consumers that businesses are committed to the highest standards of sustainability, quality, and integrity.
Our partnership with the Soil Association reflects a shared commitment to advancing the organic sector. For O&3, this means not only supplying certified organic ingredients but also acting as a trusted resource for our customers as they scale their own organic offerings.
As Organic September unfolds, we invite you to follow our series as we explore the opportunities, innovations, and benefits that our organic ingredient range can bring to your business. Together, with the Soil Association, we are driving standards higher and shaping a more sustainable future for the industry.
Please note that the views/opinions expressed in this blog are solely our own. It is the responsibility of our clients to conduct the necessary testing to substantiate any claims and ensure compliance with industry standards for every ingredient. We will not accept any liability for claims made based on our content.
