Why we're going back to our roots
Retail therapy: make the most of your local farmers' market, such as this colourful one in Bandon, Co Cork
Savvy Irish consumers are going back to their roots and hunting out organic and locally produced goods.
More and more of us are buying high-quality meat and poultry, artisan breads and cheeses, and vegetables fresh from the local fields each week. Annual sales of organic produce in Ireland now exceed €100m.
Almost half (45pc) of grocery shoppers have purchased an organic product in the last month, according Bord Bia's recent National Organic Food Conference.
"The record growth in the market is striking," said Aidan Cotter, Bord Bia chief executive. "The opportunity for Irish suppliers is further highlighted by the finding that 'local organic' provides a particularly powerful cue to increase buyer interest."
"The research also highlighted bread, beef, preserves and cheese as some of the organic produce most likely to increase in popularity over the coming years," added Lorcan Bourke, chairman of the Organic Market Development Group.
National Organic Week runs from Monday and will feature tasting events across the country.
The extra care we put into shopping each week has been noticed by leading retailers and they are responding to a growing trend.
Aldi's new Organic Harvest range includes fruit and vegetables, soups, seeds, eggs, yogurts, smoked salmon and olive oil. Where possible, these products have been sourced from local suppliers.
"We encourage local producers to contact us if they're interested in supplying us," said an Aldi spokesman.
Meanwhile, Marks & Spencer is getting ready to host a 'Meet The Farmer' event in Dublin this weekend. "Customers are always asking about where the products come from, so we thought it would be a good opportunity to meet the people behind the food," says Mark Ranson, M&S Agricultural Manager.
"Customer demand for locally sourced food has grown significantly in recent years," said Seamus Banim of Tesco, adding that the firm works closely with local suppliers.
"For example, we've reduced our carbon emissions by working with Country Crest to grow 3,500 tonnes of onions in Dublin and Wexford this year."
Many retailers are taking steps to meet increasing consumer demand for organic and local produce.
However, farmer Sean McArdle, who runs www.irishfarmersmarkets.ie, says that further action can be taken. "I would advise consumers to buy as much local produce as they can," he says. "The bulk of organic food is imported, whereas real organic food is available from your local farmer or producer.
"Real food is available at good prices, although people often have to make the effort to shop around at their local farmers' markets or seek out locally labelled produce in supermarkets."
Information
> Check out events taking place for National Organic Week at www.bordbia.ie/aboutfood/organicfood .
> The Septemberfest Food and Drinks Fair takes place in Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, from 11am-6.30pm on Saturday and Sunday next. Artisan food and drink producers will showcase their wares, and there will be family entertainment. Admission is free.
> 'Meet The Farmer' takes place in Marks & Spencer, Dundrum Town Centre from Friday until Sunday during the store's trading hours.
- Belinda Higgins
