The local produce and consumption boom: revolutionise your business

For many months now we have been in the midst of a global health crisis that does not seem to recede, or at least not completely. And although this has profoundly changed the social and economic landscape, it’s also had its positive effects.

In addition to the newly emerging coronavirus, we have been fighting for years against all kinds of major problems, such as the environment, abusive practices in the production and distribution of industry, and various economic crises.

Logically, the pandemic has accentuated some of these problems, but not in a completely negative way. 

In the area of production, distribution, sale and consumption of foods, we are seeing how the coronavirus crisis has triggered a boom, which had already been growing in recent years, in local consumption.

But what is local consumption and what are its benefits?

Local consumption is understood as all those products, essentially food products, which have been produced at a distance close to the final point of sale. In fact, with regards to local consumption, we use the term Km0. This means that there is no more than 100km of distance between the place of origin of the product and its final point of sale.

Although it is true that the main disadvantage of local consumption is not being able to import international products for your business, and thus not being able to offer certain foods to your customers, trading local and nearby products is full of advantages:

1. Lower costs. The main advantage, from an economic point of view, of local consumption, is that it allows you to save considerably when buying the products you will offer in your shop. Logically, when you buy Km0 products, you will save on everything related to food conservation, distribution and all the logistical work behind it. On the other hand, if we compare local consumption with the import of international products, the savings are considerable, as you will avoid customs costs and tariffs, in addition to the above.

2. You support the local economy. Just as your small or medium sized business has to compete and beat large supermarket chains and restaurants, among others, local food producers also compete against international giants. If you focus on local trade, you will support other local entrepreneurs like yourself, which will make you all grow and bring all sorts of benefits to the local economy in the medium and long term. In addition, you avoid large-scale distribution, which damages the entire local economic structure on which your business is based.

3. You get closer to the wishes of your consumers. Consumers are increasingly aware of supporting the local economy, especially since the beginning of the pandemic. People prefer to consume products that are close to them, that they know where they come from and even the people who have worked on them and distributed them. This humanises the way you work and offer your products to your customers, strengthening the relationship with them and your community.

4. You offer fresher products. Imported products, especially international ones, travel long distances, are subject to many control processes, and are frozen, among other things; this seriously affects the freshness and taste of the product. Local trade allows you to offer fresher and tastier products, which have no preservatives and have not been packed or frozen for weeks.

5. You always have different products. This may seem absurd, as international imports and large supermarkets and restaurants will always have more products on offer than a business on local consumption. But don't be fooled by this, as local produce trade allows you to offer seasonal products. This gives your customers the chance to rediscover traditional flavours and with each season you can offer different products. Moreover, selling and consuming products during their season, during their natural cycle, makes them richer, healthier and tastier.

6. You protect the health of your clients. Undoubtedly, large-scale production and its consequent distribution brings with it potential health damage that you shouldn’t ignore. Such production involves the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers that damage the health of consumers. Local produce, especially if it is organic, generally lacks the use of these chemicals, as it is not focused on distributing the product internationally.

7. You respect biodiversity and care for the environment. Local production allows for the preservation of indigenous food varieties, thus promoting biodiversity in your region or community. In addition, local consumption is environmentally friendly, something we are increasingly aware of. By avoiding large-scale production and distribution, CO2, pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced and plastic waste also tends to be reduced.

Incorporate local consumption and produce into your business

With all the advantages we have just mentioned, it is clear that local consumption can be a fantastic opportunity for any business, especially small and medium sized businesses. Above all, take into account that most of the advantages it has, have been and will continue to be accentuated by the coronavirus crisis.

Now, how can you incorporate proximity consumption into your business and how should you do it?

The first thing you have to consider is the logistical aspect. On the one hand, make a list of all the products that you use in your business and check which are your suppliers, where they come from and what prices they charge. You may be surprised and find that a large part of your inventory comes already from local produce.

Then, analyse the possible Km0 producers and distributors that can be of use to you. What products do they have that you use, what international products can you replace with local products? Check what prices you are charged, not only for the product but for the whole process. How much does it cost you to have the product in your shop?

Once you have analysed all the costs and the whole logistical issue, the most important point of all comes up: your customers have to know that your products are local.

So you have to implement a marketing strategy so that all your customers realise, as soon as they come in to your business, or as soon as they hear from you, that they are not only buying quality products, but also that your products are ecological and Km0.

To do this, make sure you have information on all your products: where they come from, who produced them and how they got to your business. You can have posters on the door of your shop, information stickers next to each product, or even use QR codes that your customers can scan to see this information. We recommend that you opt for QR codes, which will simplify the whole process and also add a technological development aspect to your business. 

On the other hand, if you do online marketing campaigns, whether they are paid, such as Google Ads, or simply promote yourself on your Facebook profile or on your website; don't forget that you must inform and promote your products as Km0, local and ecological.

You can even educate your customers about local consumption and its advantages, to make them even more aware and to build up their loyalty, so that they become your regular customers.

Finally, bear in mind that the rest of your business has to be aligned with the local consumption philosophy and the current situation we’re living; so introduce cashless, contactless payments that allow you to accept QR code payments. Try Trisbee, that on top of allowing QR payments, it supports SMEs and freelancers by having zero fees and/or commissions.