Page 62 - RetailWorld-May2021-Tobacco-Updated

THE MARKETPLACE FROM PAGE B established and flourishing,” Ms White said, “consisting of hundreds of local suppliers, growers, farmers and producers.” When Ms White first started hunting for fresh and local goods all those years ago, farmers markets were one of the few places where she could source new and emerging local food. “I would literally buy the product and personally track down the maker to find out how I could get it into my store,” she said. Now, Ms White acknowledges, with the locavore food movement well recognised by local producers on the Sunshine Coast, White’s IGA is fortunate to have a “steady flow” of suppliers reaching out to the company. She added: “Recently, I became an ambassador for the Sunshine Coast Food and Agribusiness ‘Meet the Makers’ trade event, which showcases local producers and invites industry stakeholders, retailers and suppliers to collaborate.” “Customers are looking for products that tell a story and are authentic ... products that are made by local businesses are sought out and supported.” Local an ‘important dimension’ for WA retailer According to Steve Carre, the owner of Swanbourne Market IGA Xpress in Perth, IGA’s vision for local has many elements. Commenting on IGA’s aim to be “an integral part of the local community”, Mr Carre said: “This often includes providing leadership and assistance, being a community hub and a friendly place to meet and shop. “Local is also about sourcing local products and farm fresh produce. Having a competitive value proposition is also an integral part of this vision. Overall, it’s what IGAs call being ‘proudly local’.” For Mr Carre’s Swanbourne store, he says local sourcing is a “very important dimension” in the current mix it offers. “Equally, customers have a growing expectation that we’ll source local products, and particularly ones that are made by family-owned businesses,” he said. “Customers are looking for products that tell a story and are authentic. They’re also looking for healthy options and products that are free of preservatives and additives. Again, products that are made D RETAIL WORLD MAY, 2021 TO PAGE F