Dive Brief:

• The popularity of organic food continues to rise at a extraordinary rate. Sales last year jumped 11.5% across the category -- the biggest rise in five years, according to a special report by Food Navigator.
• Organics are now a mainstream product, according to data from the Organic Trade Association. More than eight of every 10 parents buy organics. Hispanic families are one of the fastest-growing buying segments.
• Laura Batcha, executive director of the OTA, said factors driving the rise in organic include consumers' concerns over pesticides, synthetic growth hormones, GMO crops, and animal welfare. 

Dive Insight:

There's much in this news for foodies, health advocates, and food activists to celebrate. As more retailers start to carry organic items in their stores, more Americans seem to be developing a taste for the organic lifestyle. It leads to lower prices as well: In April Wal-Mart began carrying organic products, with prices as much as 25% lower than competitors.