Britain's organic food and drink market has broken the £1bn barrier, figures show.

According to consumer research group Mintel, organic sales almost doubled in value between 2000 and 2005 to reach around £1.2bn this year.

The survey of nearly 1,600 people showed that 29 per cent say they never buy organic, down from 37 per cent in 2003.

Research also shows that organics can no longer be seen as the preserve of the affluent consumer.

Amongst those who have purchased organic produce in the last 12 months, there is in fact surprisingly little difference between the rich and lower-income consumers.

"Although the organics market is now reasonably mature, sales are being driven by consumer interest in healthy eating, locally sourced produce and concern for the environment and food safety," said Julie Sloan, senior market analyst at Mintel.

"Despite the fact that organic products account for little more than 1 per cent of overall food and drink sales, there is no doubt that these products have 'joined the mainstream'."

Over half of all adults have bought organic fruit and vegetables in the last 12 months, the research showed.

This figure rises to around two-thirds of adults aged between 55 and 64.

With sales valued at £442m this year, fruit and vegetables make up the largest sector of the organics market, with a 37 per cent share.

Organic meat is the second most popular product, with one in four adults having bought some in the past year, a substantial increase on the 19 per cent who had done so in 2001.

Looking ahead, Mintel forecasts that the organic food and drinks market will increase by 72 per cent to reach a value of £2bn by 2010.