Source: Australian Food News

Story By: Matt Paish

Despite two-thirds (67 per cent) of Australian consumers saying they believe it is important for grocery products to be sourced locally, only 33 per cent claim to buy local food and drinks regularly, according to a survey undertaken by global consumer research group Datamonitor.

Datamonitor surveyed Australian consumers during May and June 2011. The findings, published today, suggest a “clear disparity” between the number of consumers who attach importance to local products, and those who actually purchase them regularly.

Commenting on the findings, Datamonitor Analyst Katrina Diamonon said, “Bridging the gap between interest and purchase behavior remains an ongoing challenge to Australian companies. Higher prices continue to inhibit wider adoption of local products, with 41% of Australians saying that this is a major drawback of local offerings. In fact, 42% of Australians claimed that finding a lower price is more important to them than a product being produced locally.”

Interestingly, the survey found that the “vague meaning of ‘local’” was a strong deterrent, with 40% of Australians citing this as an obstacle to locally produced grocery products.

To read the full story, follow this link: www.ausfoodnews.com.au/2011/10/20/australian-shoppers-struggle-to-stay-loyal-to-local-survey-finds.html