Page 64 - RetailWorld-May2021-Tobacco-Updated

THE MARKETPLACE FROM PAGE D by local businesses are sought out and supported. This is particularly evident in the current climate, with the strong desire we all have to buy local.” Swanbourne Market IGA Xpress implements a variety of methods when looking for and sourcing new local products. “We’re very lucky that our customers alert us to new products,” Mr Carre said. “We’re also fortunate that new producers come to us because of our reputation for supporting emerging and new food businesses. Being aware and on the lookout is the other way to see what’s new and different.” He adds that markets play an important part in sourcing local as well, as a vehicle for newly emerging businesses to showcase their products. “They also provide an opportunity for us to meet, talk and share information and ideas,” he said. “Farmers markets are a weekly ‘must do’. My wife Kirsty and I use these as discovery sessions to identify unique products that could make it onto our shelves, and to mentor up- and-coming local producers.” Mr Carre concluded: “Covid-19 has really put the spotlight on why we need to support local and Australian business. We’re blessed with lots of beautiful natural produce and so many talented and innovative food producers. It makes the choice to buy and support local an easy one. I think we have a very bright and promising future for food producers, retailers and consumers in Australia.” Jones Retail Group keeps it simple Jones Retail Group’s approach to local sourcing is “quite simple”, according to General Manager David Kindt: “If there’s a local product available and supply can be arranged, then our team will do all they can to ensure we do just that.” He continued: “Creating and growing relationships with our local producers and suppliers is vital to achieving this vision.” Mr Kindt adds that the group’s team is in frequent contact with local producers and wholesalers to stay up to date with the latest supply and availability. “We deal with more than 150 small and/ or local suppliers on a regular basis,” he said. “Through using reliable local wholesalers, we can often put small producers in touch with a means for them to distribute their products efficiently, so they can focus on what they do best. “To keep up to date with what’s happening within local products, our team often visit local food-related expos and festivals to meet and discuss with those local suppliers.” “Covid-19 has really put the spotlight on why we need to support local and Australian business. We’re blessed with lots of beautiful natural produce and so many talented and innovative food producers.” Further supporting local suppliers, Jones Retail Group believes it’s important to give these businesses the opportunity to meet the retailer’s customers in-store. “Our customers love the chance to engage with these local producers and try their great products,” Mr Kindt said. Considering the impacts of Covid-19, Mr Kindt notes a “heightened awareness” around buying local and supporting small business. “We’ve seen this flow through to buying decisions \\\\\\\[from customers\\\\\\\] made in stores – a trend we hope and expect will continue,” he said. ‘ONE-STOP SHOP’ FOR NATIVE-BASED PRODUCTS Australian Native Food Co is described as a one-stop shop for native Australian based products, including native jams, dukkah, vegan chocolates, loose leaf tea, herbs and candles. Managing Director Rebecca Paris says the South Australian company strives to source produce from small- sized markets and farmers. “We’re often willing to pay a slightly higher premium to make sure we’re giving back to the people, as they’ve been there for us,” she said. Over the past few months, Ms Paris says, her team has been frequenting markets and expos to form business relationships with South Australian suppliers. “We try to keep everything as close to home as possible, but often are required to get our products from interstate,” she said. “As we have a strong relationship with many indigenous suppliers and communities, we’ll often use these channels to source our varieties of loose-leaf products, as well as the native herbs and spices.” However, the Covid-19 pandemic, understandably, has disrupted progress. “Having most of our business come from local and farmer markets/ expos, we’ve been hit hard regarding outreach of our new product range,” Ms Paris said. “It’s been detrimental to our supply of jars and bags, as suppliers are being held back by products being delayed in transit.” Despite this hurdle, Ms Paris is optimistic. “With markets and expos returning ... we hope to regain our local outreach and begin to branch out again to local suppliers and wholesalers and recuperate our rural relationships,” she said. F RETAIL WORLD MAY, 2021