Are Regional Products Always Better Than Imported Products?

What role does origin play when choosing a certain product? National marketing agencies make us believe that regional products are better than imported fruit and vegetables. But is this information correct and how do shoppers fit into this story?

Regional Produce as a Unique Selling Point

In European countries such as Germany, France and England home-grown products are highly promoted. From national produce to regional specialities, these are advertised as Unique Selling Point (USP). In the Netherlands, this trend is less visible. Does it have to do with our Dutch commercial spirit? Or with the fact that we find budget more important than origin? It certainly does not have to do with Dutch produce; this remains high quality and mostly sustainably grown.

The Importance of Having the Correct Information

Does the abovementioned marketing campaign really work and do shoppers purchase more local produce because it is said to be better than imported fruit and vegetables? Next to the information provided by the national and local fruit and vegetable sectors, shoppers also have a responsibility to do their own research on the products they purchase. Shouldn’t freshness, quality and sustainability have a higher priority than origin? It is possible that a German tomato travels more miles within the county than a sustainably grown vine tomato that is imported from the Netherlands. Is locally grown still better in this case? Probably not, when you focus on freshness, quality and sustainability.

Are you inspired by our words and interested in reaching shoppers more effectively, using our Shopper Model? Do not hesitate to get in touch with Wim van den Berg: w.vandenberg@doorpartners.nl or +31 (0)6 5756 4346.

The sales, marketing and quality control of Prominent tomatoes are handled by Door Partners B.V. This sales subsidiary forms part of the Grower Cooperative DOOR U.A