Ecopreneurist

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It seems like your local grocer has reason to go green. Not only are we living in an era where words like “global warming” and “climate change’ have entered the common lexicon, we have, it seems reached the tipping point where green living is driving consumer purchase.

A walk down the aisles of Kroger or Safeway or any chain grocery store confirms this as natural and organic section signs pop up in spots previously reserved for salty snack foods and frozen sugar laden sweets. Packaging is shrinking. Light bulbs are energy saving. And the words “eco” and “green” leap out at consumers at every turn.

Obviously the retail grocery industry has gotten the message. An article in Progressive Grocer gives some insight into what’s next on the agenda.

Switching to high-efficiency bulbs to light your supermarket is laudable, but it’s hardly cause for the PR department to sound the trumpets. As marketers, we’re interested in initiatives that we can brag about.

What could that be? Chain grocers are nothing if not smart business people. In an era of high fuel costs, as well as, an interest in greener options the obvious but more headache producing choice is sourcing local.

….the mother lode in green marketing for retailers may be found in the phenomenon of local production. Consumers are convinced that it’s better for the environment, and that it tastes better, too. True or not, it’s nonetheless a golden formula.

Heavy sourcing of local, seasonal produce can allow large “Eat Local” displays of well-priced, flavorful food. Additionally, POP brochures can lead shoppers to other locally grown foods throughout the store.

Chain stores used to headquarters driven buying and unused to working with smaller vendors may find this initiative a wee bit challenging. That’s where a smart eco entrepreneur can benefit.

The opportunities are varied. One option suggested in the article pairs local producers with major package goods companies, something that will definitely appeal to big brands fear of being left on the sidelines in the “Eat Local” era.

For example, a cooking brand’s recipes can call for local produce, or sampling events can serve up a branded ice cream topped with seasonal fruits grown nearby. All it takes is some smart partnerships with food brands eager to exploit consumer demand.

Ecopreneurs in local food production, who provide sampling services or who can act as middle men in these types of ventures have a golden opportunity to capitalize on the “Eat Local” movement as it moves into chain grocery.

Are you involved in any of these areas? How do you see this trend impacting your business? Where do other opportunities lie?

Related posts:

What Should An Eco Entrepreneur Do When The Big Boys Go Green?

Consumers Say They’ll Use More Coupons. How Can Eco-Entrepreneurs Benefit?

The Environment is What You Eat

Natural Marketing Institute, Nielsen Value LOHAS Mart At $209 bn