Exhibiting at International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025

The Soil Association is the United Kingdom’s leading charity dedicated to championing healthy, humane, and sustainable food, farming, and land use. Headquartered in Bristol, the organisation plays a pivotal role in shaping the organic and agroecological movement in the UK and beyond through its certification services, advocacy campaigns, education programmes, and support for sustainable farming practices.

Company Overview

Founded in 1946, the Soil Association was established by a group of farmers, scientists, and nutritionists who recognised the connection between healthy soil, healthy food, and healthy people. Over the past seven decades, the association has grown to become one of the most influential entities in organic certification and food policy in the UK, setting standards and influencing legislation both nationally and internationally.

Core Business

The Soil Association operates as both a charity and a certification body, with a diversified portfolio of services and programmes. Its core functions include:

• Certifying organic and sustainable products across multiple industries
• Advocating for regenerative agriculture and environmental protection
• Supporting food innovation through research and collaboration
• Engaging the public and policy makers in critical food and environmental issues

Through Soil Association Certification Ltd (its wholly-owned subsidiary), the organisation delivers certification services to over 6,000 businesses in the UK and abroad.

Product and Service Offerings

The Soil Association provides a wide array of services and initiatives:

• Organic Certification:

  • Food and Drink
  • Farming (livestock, crops, horticulture)
  • Health & Beauty Products
  • Textiles (GOTS-certified)
  • Forestry (via FSC certification)

• Campaigns and Advocacy:

  • Reducing ultra-processed foods
  • Promoting biodiversity and pesticide reduction
  • Forestry and rewilding initiatives
  • "Save Our Soil" and regenerative farming advocacy

• Programmes:

  • Food for Life – Helping schools, hospitals, and care homes provide nutritious, sustainable meals
  • Innovative Farmers – Farmer-led research to drive low-input, ecological farming methods
  • Sustainable Food Places – Supporting communities in transforming food systems locally

Specialisation and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

• Recognised as the gold standard for organic certification in the UK and EU
• Deep policy influence through collaborations with the UK government, DEFRA, and international bodies
• Robust field-level engagement via training, tools, and on-ground partnerships
• Pioneer in GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and COSMOS-certified natural cosmetics in the UK
• Leading voice in food system transformation, connecting health, environment, and equity

Financials and Market Performance

As a registered charity and non-profit certification body, the Soil Association's financial model includes both philanthropic donations and income from certification services. Key financial indicators (from latest reports):

• £10.7 million turnover (2022-2023)
• £5.5 million from Soil Association Certification income
• Significant funding from charitable foundations and public sector contracts
• Investment in digital infrastructure and community programmes increased by 20% YoY

According to the 2024 Organic Market Report, the UK organic market grew by 1.6% to reach £3.1 billion, with the Soil Association certifying over 70% of that volume.

Export and Certification Reach

While not an exporter, the Soil Association certifies producers and processors that trade globally. Its certification allows access to markets in:

• EU (via equivalency arrangements)
• USA (via USDA NOP standards)
• Middle East and Asia (via mutual recognition frameworks)

The Soil Association has played a key role in enabling UK food and cosmetics exporters to maintain access to organic markets post-Brexit.

Target Market

• Organic food brands
• Retailers (e.g., Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Planet Organic)
• Health and wellness brands
• Natural cosmetic producers
• Sustainable fashion brands and textile manufacturers
• Educational institutions and public food procurers

The Soil Association also targets policy makers, farmers, and consumers through its educational and campaign initiatives.

Capabilities

• Robust audit and inspection team for UK-wide coverage
• Digital traceability tools for certified clients
• Multilingual certification documentation for international trade
• In-house policy, R&D, and standards development teams
• Partnerships with universities, NGOs, and governments

Certifications and Compliance Records

The Soil Association’s certifications include:

• EU Organic Regulation (EU 2018/848)
• UK Organic Standards
• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
• COSMOS (for cosmetics)
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
• Accredited by DEFRA, UKAS, and IOAS

Its robust compliance mechanisms and transparency make it one of the most trusted organic certifiers in Europe.

Customer Testimonials

Feedback from certified partners includes:

“The Soil Association logo brings credibility and trust. It’s our guarantee to customers that we’re committed to better farming.” — Organic Producer, Wales

“Working with the Soil Association helped us access new export markets with ease and support.” — Health & Beauty Brand Founder, London

“Their support during Brexit regulatory changes was instrumental in keeping our EU business operational.” — Export Director, Organic Food Brand

Major Achievements

• Influenced UK government’s National Food Strategy and Agri-Environment Schemes
• Founding member of IFOAM Organics Europe
• Over 6,000 businesses certified globally
• Pioneered the Food for Life Served Here accreditation in over 10,000 UK schools
• Partnered with NHS England to improve procurement of healthy food in hospitals
• Published annual Organic Market Report, regarded as the industry benchmark

The Soil Association continues to lead the organic and sustainable food movement with credibility, impact, and a steadfast commitment to transforming the food system for people, animals, and the planet.