8 always more online @ eatdrinkmag.net issue twelve ? september 2008 developing an appreciation for the locally produced artisanal products, I gained invaluable insight into their culinary traditions. At the same time, I discerned real similarities in food culture, values and philosophies between this traditional Italian cuisine and our own Southwestern Ontario regional gastronomy. Although I was inclined not to serve a tomato out of season in my restaurant, the terms "local? and "seasonal? suddenly had a political connotation when I went into a grocery store and saw less expensive genetically modified California strawberries competing with local strawberries at the height of strawberry season. But the "eat local? movements have gained considerable momentum. Even our local supermarket chains are taking notice and have begun to change their buying strategies in an attempt to make space in their produce aisles for more local seasonal fruits and vegetables. Of course, this is the logical alternative to grocers being handcuffed by 117 King Street 519-434-CASA (2272) www.lacasaristorante.com year-round contracts with large wholesale distributors, often thousands of miles away. Yet, as happy as this change in direction makes many of us feel, the reason behind this shift in strategy, I suspect, is not purely altruistic or a response to consumer demand. As fuel costs continue to rise to unprecedented heights, the price of processing, packaging, refrigeration and transport of food to local markets becomes less attractive for retailers. Buying and eating "local? makes more sense not only to the consumer but also to the retailer. Add this to the increasing preference and status that consumers attach to local food, and we can see what has contributed to the success of the "local? movements. Statistics show that grocery store shoppers consider the quality of the produce as most important to them in their choice of supermarkets. Consumer studies also indicate that 50% of women and 39% of men have changed supermarkets based solely based on the consistency and quality of fresh produce.

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