Why Buy Local

Why buy local?

Latest research from the New Economics Foundation shows that money spent on locally produced food generates almost twice as much income for the local economy as the same amount spent in a typical supermarket, where products are sourced from across the world. If this is the case with food, then the situation must be mirrored with other consumer products such as locally made ceramics, textiles and metalwork.

It’s not just where you spend your money that matters. It is also important where the people you give it to spend it. Ensuring that the place you buy from sources the products locally from genuine local producers enables money that is already in the community to be re-spent locally; helping to sustain rural communities  economically and environmentally.

Shoppers' understanding of the term 'local' food
Research for the Food Standards Agency has found that the majority of people (62%) want an official definition or guidance on the use of the term 'local' in food marketing. It also found that most people think of 'local' as within 10 miles (40%) or within their county (20%), and that most do not perceive food using ingredients from outside of the area, but packaged or manufactured in the area, as ‘local food’. Despite the results of the survey, the FSA has yet to decide whether to produce guidance on the use of the term. Consumers can call 020 7276 8138 to make a complaint about misleading 'local' marketing claims. Source: FSA