There are many West Frisian sales stalls in the region, farmers who sell their own products and supermarkets that work with local food suppliers. Monique Ravensteijn from Jumbo Zwaagdijk and Teun Jager from Spar City Hoorn underline the local love on the shelves. “The products are much fresher.”
The Jumbo in Zwaagdijk works with approximately 40 local suppliers. An example of this is Kok Aardbeien, less than a kilometer away. Ravensteijn: “We sell more regional products than other supermarkets in the area.”
The Spar in Hoorn sells many regional specialty beers, such as the beers from Hoorns Nat and Brouwerij Tamesteut. Jager: ”I think it is important to sell local items, because transport movements are much smaller. In addition, it is a nice addition to the range.”
Collaboration can be expensive
Ravensteijn: ”It is what you choose as a supermarket. It takes extra work. For example, you have to have separate prices and make agreements with farmers, but we are happy to do it.” Also because she enjoys the collaboration with local entrepreneurs.
Jager: ”The price of regional products is sometimes a bit higher, but that is easy to explain to the consumer when it comes to craft items. On the other hand, if you buy directly from the manufacturer, you can often achieve a competitive price by cutting out the middleman. So it can go both ways.”
Supermarket of the future
Ravensteijn calls the supermarket of the future ‘the place of the church of the past’ as a meeting and connection place. ”I don’t think it’s strange at all to work with your neighbors. This way you can jointly support the local economy.”
Both supermarket owners consider the ‘short chain’ important for regional products. ”Strawberries are a good example. These are now picked much riper than when they come from the head office. The products are much fresher,” says Ravensteijn.