Going organic?

Publication: Herald-Journal (Spartanburg, SC)

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COPYRIGHT 2006 Herald-Journal

Byline: Alexander Morrison

Jul. 9--Organic food seems more popular with American consumers than a Slip'N Slide at a 7-year-old's birthday party.

But not in Spartanburg.

While organic food sales have more than doubled nationwide over the last six years, most local grocers say consumer interest has been relatively low.

"Demand is not great in the Spartanburg area," Publix Supermarkets spokesperson Brenda Reid said.

While the organic market is a "major part" of the company's overall business plan -- later this year it plans to launch an all organic supermarket in Miami -- Reid said that's not necessarily the case for the company's Spartanburg business.

Similarly, while grocery chain Fresh Market has embraced organics nationally, the Hillcrest location has been less enthusiastic.

About 10 percent of the store is devoted to organic products, according to assistant manager Brian Mullinax.

"They really don't do well," Mullinax said. "The market around here...

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