Tesco is to open a series of regional buying offices across the country, which will result in hundreds of new locally-produced lines being stocked in its stores, it announced today.
The move is part of the retailer’s 10-point community plan, announced in May, in which it pledged to cut food miles and increase its focus on provenance.
It is the latest effort by a supermarket to improve its ‘green’ credentials and, according to the company, will result in hundreds of new local lines being stocked.
Commercial director Richard Brasher told the Guardian the move answers increasing demand for fresh, locally-produced foods and would make it easier for local suppliers to do business with the retail giant: “We also know that smaller suppliers sometimes find it hard to approach the supermarkets,” he said. “By opening regional buying offices with dedicated teams on the ground, we will achieve this and stock more local lines for our customers.”
Tesco will hold roadshows across the country for growers to showcase their local produce to the retailer’s senior buyers.
It will also be putting regional food counters in-store, employing regional food experts and has launched a regional food website, the Guardian reported.
Head of food and farming at the National Farmers’ Union Robin Capper supported the move. He told the paper: “There are some large companies which are too big for farmers’ markets and would want to go and supply their local produce to supermarkets directly,”
