Buy British: Identifying UK Products
Buying homegrown produce and locally manufactured goods is good for the environment and economy. However, many shoppers are ill-informed about where items originate from. How can we boost awareness and make it easier to buy British?
Supporting Local Production
Farms, factories and specialist makers are found in areas of the UK. They are busy growing, rearing, crafting and assembling the food and goods that shoppers want to buy. When these goods reach the retailer, they are joined by products from across the world. That’s where the confusion starts.
Many shoppers want to support local production and buy British. They know that putting money back into the economy is important for jobs, availability and prices. In addition, there is growing interest in sustainable supply chains and environmental impact. Therefore, local goods, with minimal shipping miles, are favourable. So, how can we make it easier to identify local produce?
Designated Buy British Sections
A group of over 100 MPs have written to supermarkets requesting a designated ‘buy British’ section on supermarket shelves and online shops. This filter would allow shoppers to be better informed to make decisions about what goes into their shopping basket.
There are some labels on packaging to inform shoppers. You Gov research* from 2022, suggests that around a quarter of shoppers are reassured when they see packaging labels, such as the Red Tractor symbol or British Lion Mark, as they suggest quality in product and processes. However, you need to actively look out for this information on the packaging. A designated ‘Buy British’ section would make the process easier.
Would shelves or web pages filled with exclusively UK produced goods influence your buying decisions?
If you are a UK producer, do you use labels on your retail packaging inform customers of the origin of your goods?
