“Locally grown” foods are no longer a niche market. According to a Mintel report, 52% of consumers put more emphasis on buying local produce than on choosing organic alternatives and supermarkets are responding.
A wide range of supermarkets are feeding the demand for locally sourced foods. It may not come as a surprise that Whole Foods Market invites their local farmers to showcase their offerings, but mainstream stores, like H-E-B and Wal-Mart are on joining the “buy local” movement as well. Wal-Mart gives local businesses the opportunity to “Get On The Shelf” with their online contest. Meanwhile, H-E-B stores in Texas carry more than 3500 local items and are holding their 2nd annual in-store event that showcases food from Texas. Piggly Wiggly in the Carolinas reminds shoppers that they are, “Local Since Forever” in their latest campaign tagline.
Supporting local farmers and products can help retailers build strong community relationships, boost the local economy, gain media attention and win loyal shoppers. The “buy local” trend is one that will stay around for a while as retailers continue to benefit from its value and explore its potential.
Check out the PCI Health Buzz for Check Out with Lara Flanagan!
References:
Orgel, David. (2012, April 10). From Whole Foods to Piggly Wiggly, Retailers Go the Distance in Trumpeting Local. Supermarket News. Retrieved April 10, 2012, from http://supermarketnews.com/blog/whole-foods-piggly-wiggly-retailers-go-distance-trumpeting-local
Ley, Ana. (2011, March 19). Trend to buy local gaining popularity. MySanAntonio.com. Retrieved April 10, 2012, from http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/Buying-local-1195417.php