The Driving Force Towards Food Security

The rising demand has made it difficult for farmers and has put a strain on the environment, however local food production reduces the amount of energy required to transport food, and it also reduces the need for artificial preservatives and additives. In addition, buying local food allows for better traceability and accountability, consequently, local food production is beneficial for all involved, and it should comprise a major part of any supermarket’s offerings.

Observing the positive trends of choosing locally produced food

Buying local food is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint, as it eliminates the need for long-distance transportation of food. Local food production is another way to reduce your environmental footprint while still having access to fresh, local food. Furthermore, by supporting local farms, you are directly investing in the future of local agriculture and food production in your area, and this helps to ensure that there are local, sustainable sources of food for many generations to come.

Supermarkets are increasingly offering more and more local food from farmers to meet the demand for fresher, more sustainable and more nutritious food options. By supporting these local farmers, supermarkets are helping to strengthen the local economy while also providing customers with access to delicious and healthy food. Not only are customers able to enjoy the very freshest fruit and vegetables, but they can also find small-batch jams, sauces, honey, and other products made by local artisans. As more people become aware of the benefits of buying local produce, supermarkets can widen their range of local food and help to support local farmers and the local economy.

Mercator leads the way in food security

Mercator is at the forefront of providing Slovenia and its population with high quality and widely available locally produced food. Food security has been a top priority in Slovenia and worldwide since the start of pandemic. It was at this time that Mercator’s professionalism, dedication and wide-ranging network of stores managed to provide households in Slovenia and the Adriatic region with a stable supply of food and other household necessities. In autumn, as macroeconomic changes began to take place, Mercator responded with a national campaign slogan – Your every purchase makes a difference (Slovenian: Vsak vaš nakup šteje), which encouraged Slovenian consumers to purchase high quality locally produced food to boost food security and to support local producers. For instance, Mercator buys 50,000 tons of milk and dairy products yearly from local suppliers.

Local food production and self-supply are crucial for sustainable food production and for strengthening local economies. By purchasing shares in local producers, we are not only supporting them but also supporting local communities by ensuring that they have access to fresh, nutritious food and that local businesses remain operable.