'Buy local' habits entrenched

The "buy local" trend has become a fact of life for food retailers, says the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.

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Dave Delchiaro chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, and John Scott, the federation's president and chief executive, said locally produced goods are becoming increasingly popular with Canadian consumers.

Consumers who want to support local farmers and reduce their environmental effects are looking for products produced close to home.

"We thought it (the trend) might go away with the recession, but it hasn't. Consumers are very interested in the origin of product," CFIG president John Scott said yesterday in London.

The CFIG has about 4,000 members representing independent food retailers, small chains and franchisees of larger chains.

Together, they control about 40% of the Canadian grocery market.

Scott said independent retailers are ahead of the curve on "buy local" because they've always been closer to local producers, compared to national chains.

"We can't afford not to be. Those local people are our customers and we have to support them," said Scott.

Scott noted big retail chains are starting to notice, running advertisements listing local farmers who supply their products.

"When the big guys start to do it, you know it's an important trend."

CFIG chairperson Dave Delchiaro, who operates an IGA in the Lambton County community of Forest, said he's always dealt with local producers. He said local trumps imported for products such as strawberries.

"We just eliminate the California product when the local stuff is in season," he said.

But Delchiaro said retailers have to have consistent supply and quality, and that isn't always possible with local product because of factors such as weather.

Scott said the CFIG talks directly to producers and processors about improving product and supply.

The federation is holding its annual convention in Toronto this Scott said the major retailers are promoting news about a price war breaking out.

But he said food prices are bound to come down, because of falling commodity and energy prices and the rising Canadian dollar.

"It's simple economics. Everybody's prices are coming down," said Scott.

hank.daniszewski@sunmedia.ca