16 June 2008 – Germany's organic food industry is flourishing despite soaring food costs, which rose by 8% over the last year in the country.
Organic food consumption in Germany doubled between 2001 and 2007, according to figures released by German research group ZMP.
In Europe organic food sales were 15% higher in 2007 than in 2006, with Germany accounting for one quarter of sales.
Popular organic food restaurants include Gorilla, which opened in 2006 and now has five outlets in Berlin, RNBS and a host of smaller establishments and supermarkets.
Gorilla's founder Matthias Rischau sees part of his chain's success as being down to celebrities like Leonardo di Caprio and Sting adopting healthy lifestyles and militating in favour of environmental initiatives.