Availability of locally produced food was the most requested ingredient by consumers to make shopping better in 2003, after price and promotions, says a new survey from food and grocery think tank IGD.
Speaking at the Taste of the West Conference, Dr Richard Hutchins, Business Director of IGD said, "Locally produced foods are moving up the consumer's agenda. In our survey 15% of people said that locally produced foods made available at the supermarket would make their shopping better in the coming year.
"Our research has shown that price is the number one priority for consumers so it was no surprise that 'the price of food should not increase' was stated as the first improvement followed by 'more special promotions'. However the need for locally produced foods came before 'more information on packaging', 'food that is easier to prepare and cook' and 'methods of production'."
In related news, ASDA has announced that it plans to stock locally sourced products in all 258 of its stores by 2004.
Sales of goods that promise a better deal for farmers in developing countries have more than doubled in three years, it was announced at the weekend.
The growth has been made possible in large part by the increasing willingness of supermarkets to sell Fairtrade products, which are made using ingredients that guarantee farmers and producers a better deal.
Total sales rose from £21.8m in 1999 to £59m last year, according to figures released to mark Fairtrade Fortnight, which starts today to encourage shoppers to try the products.
The Fairtrade Foundation certifies and promotes products that meet internationally recognised standards of fair trade.
