There is huge untapped potential in the ethical consumer products market says a new report Ethical Consumers and Corporate Responsibilities. It forecasts that U.S. retail sales of grocery products making some form of ethical claim will grow from nearly $33 billion in 2006 to more than $57 billion in 2011.

It’s difficult to go anywhere without seeing products which make some sort of ethical claim. Although there may be a premium to pay for these products more and more consumers are willing to meet the cost.

Americans are increasingly using purchasing power to show their ethical concerns. This conscientious consumerism is most in evidence in top end premium products. Food and beverages dominate retail sales of ethical products taking an 82% market share. Sales of organic, hormone-free, eco-friendly, locally-grown, cruelty-free, and other ethical products are on the increase.

Major corporations are taking note of ethical products’ broad appeal. They should do this market looks set to be very lucrative. As a result manufacturers are creating entirely new ethical product lines and corporations are going green in an effort to build consumer confidence and get a piece of the ethical pie.

For essential analyses of the hottest and emerging ethical trends, a comprehensive market outlook, profiles of key industry players and the impact of Big Business on the market, read Ethical Consumers and Corporate Responsibility.