LevellerLive

As Black Friday casts it’s big fat American shadow over our shopping habits, it is comforting to know that not all of our shopping behaviour is putting money into the hands of overseas tech giants. According to research published today by Cornish Mutual Somerset consumers are buying more local produce than this time last year.

Thirty-two percent of Somerset respondents to a survey of consumers across the South West said they now buy more locally produced food and drink than they did 12 months ago. And nearly a third (31 per cent) said they were prepared to pay up to 10 per cent more for local produce.

That must be good news for the plethora of small local producers and retailers that dominate the Somerset economy. 50 per cent of respondents from Somerset said they had bought local produce within the last week. When asked why they chose local food and drink, ‘supporting local farmers’ came out as the top response (70 per cent) with ‘it tastes better’ (45 per cent) the second most popular reason.

Food for thought and lots of encouragement for local business. Cornish Mutual Managing Director Alan Goddard told LevellerLive “From Cheddar cheese to Portland lamb, Red Ruby Devon beef to Cornish clotted cream, we think the South West makes some of the best food in the world. Our survey suggests this is a view shared by people who live across the four counties where we work.  It is fantastic to see that so many are choosing homegrown produce to support their local farmers.”

Long may it continue. And as your hand strays towards your mouse on Black Friday, just give a thought as to whether you can’t buy locally, buy better and support your local economy.