To bio or not to bio

When it comes to organic shopping, we Berliners are absolutely spoiled for choice. I have counted over 80 (yes eight zero) organic supermarkets in Berlin. In my neighbourhood alone there are more than a dozen different organic supermarkets, bakeries and grocery shops. This does not include the local weekly markets and the ever-growing organic selection offered by all the traditional supermarkets, as well as the low-cost chains. So you can imagine my bewilderment when this bio-monster (see picture on the right-hand side) recently emerged, complete with white and green balloons.  Do we really need ANOTHER organic supermarket?!?

It seems that the answer is a loud and clear yes.
Berliners' appetite for organic products (be it vegetables, dairy products, soaps and detergents, water or toilet paper) keeps getting bigger and bigger.  Given the composition of the typical Prenzlauer Berg residents: families with small children, young professionals, ecofreaks, health fanatics, vegans, earth conscious dog owners... the emergence of yet another organic supermarket is not entirely unexpected. What I found more surprising was the appearance of a large organic supermarket on Sonnennallee in Neukölln - it definitely stands out amid the Turkish grocery shops, bakeries, doner kebabs, shisha cafés and shops selling colourful bridal wear. More recently I was even more astonished to witness the dramatic change of Antonplatz in Weissensee, where two large organic supermarket chains have opened shiny local branches and another one is opening just down the road. The word "expansion" features prominently on the websites of all the big organic supermarket chains and some even ask for suggestions as to where to expand next. So Marzahn watch this space!

Is organic booming where you live as well?