Independent retailers are getting a boost from a new Friends of the Earth campaign to stock local shops with local produce.

The environmental lobby group was due to hold a sustainable food seminar on November 21 to launch its Shop Local First campaign, which aims to encourage shoppers to switch their shopping to local outlets rather than large supermarkets and bills independent retailers and as having the potential to be “the UK’s greenest grocers”.

Christine Fisher of Greengrocers’ Campaigner said: “FoE has been very good to us and all our subscribers have received their Shop Local First packs. We are trying to persuade local councils to start late-night opening on Tuesdays and make a social, community-shopping event to bring people into their local shops.”

Delegates at Wednesday’s event, included Jonathon Bayne, from Musgrave Retail Partners GB, who said prior to speaking: “At Musgrave Retail Partners GB, we are committed to supporting local producers and their excellent products,” said Bayne. “We are an ardent supporter of the British food and farming industry, and have for a number of years worked closely with regional food groups to introduce locally produced food within their regions into independently owned stores.”

Topics