NEWS
Local Food Sales Up
Sunday, 7 February 2010
New research shows the proportion of shoppers actively seeking local food has doubled since 2006, with many citing a desire to support farmers as the reason. A survey by the
Questioned why they were buying locally, the proportion showing a desire to support local businesses was also double the level of 2006, although freshness remained the biggest factor.
- 57 per cent said they purchased local food because it has not travelled as far and is therefore fresher.
- 54 per cent wanted to support local producers and farmers (up from 28 per cent in 2006).
- 34 per cent wanted to support local retailers (18 per cent in 2006).
- 29 per cent wanted to keep jobs in the local area (up from 14 per cent in 2006).
The survey showed consumers want retailers to stock more local food. Nearly a third said they would like more local products available to them, compared with 12 per cent in 2005. One in five would also like a farmers? market or farm shop to be established nearby, up from 15 per cent in 2005.
The survey confirmed that, generally, support for ethically produced foods has more than withstood the pressures of an 18-month recession. When asked about food they have specifically purchased over the last month, 27 per cent mentioned Fairtrade products, up from 9 per cent from 2006, while 18 per cent said products with high animal welfare standards (up from 11 per cent). Shoppers it seems are looking for value and values.