An increase in demand for organic produce has led to the Irish retail chain Superquinn to diversify into farming. A 140-acre holding in North County Dublin is to be used exclusively by the company to ensure a regular supply of fruit and vegetables and some beef. The farm itself has undergone a two year 'cleansing' programme to win certification by the Irish Organic Trust and crop production is due to start next spring.
Superquinn already offers over 200 organic products but has difficulty maintaining regular supplies at reasonable prices. According to deputy chairman Eamon Quinn, demand for organic has doubled over the past two years because of health concerns.
"Having our own dedicated organic farm will give us locally produced organic fruit and vegetables and reduce our dependence on imports"
The chain will be recruiting growers for the farm venture over the next year.
A report predicting that Ireland will become the most expensive country in Europe during 2003 has provoked a sharp backlash from retailers and producers at the 17thIFEX international food and drink exhibition in Dublin this week. Allegations that they were involved in "rip off" pricing tactics were rebuffed citing that a similar tirade had been launched at British stores several years ago.
"They proved it was unfair and we shall do the same. There is plenty of competition in our retail sector"
However in opening the IFEX Noel Treacy, the Irish Agriculture secretary, blamed distributors and retailers for the high price of food and said that the government was putting systems in place to look at the levels of profit being taken in these sectors.
"All I can tell you is that it is not the primary, the farmers, who is getting the level of prices paid by the consumer."
American retail chain, Aldi, is to start sourcing locally for certain fresh produce in its UK stores. There are 268 stores in Britain and the move comes following the decentralisaion of some buying functions to the company's 5 UK dustribution centres. The stores pride themselves on providing basic household goods at low prices by only stocking a limited range of own brand goods.
A spokeswoman said that Aldi has been growing slowly but steadily in the UK and plans are underway to brighten stores and make their image more upmarket. "A huge amount of work has been aleady done to make our stores more user friendly. We are aiming for a more aspirational feel to attract a wider audience"
