What are Our Local Products?
Consuming and buying local products means buying products that are locally made and not imported. We can often find these local products in the market, hypermarket and production stores. Some of our producers even sell directly at stalls and even online.
Local products that we see on the streets are usually traditional food loved by locals and tourists alike. For example, our local market sells local fruits and vegetables and even snacks such as deep-fried banana (pisang goreng) and ‘kuih-muih.’
Aside from that, there are many Malaysian brands that sell packed food and snacks. These products are locally made with local ingredients. Among the local brands in the market are Beryl’s (chocolate), Mamee (snacks), High 5 (bread), Kart’s (frozen food) and Mister Potato (chips).
The Importance of Eating Local Produce
Eating local products has many benefits. We as consumers may not see the effects directly but if we all play our part then it will make a big impact on the environment and our economy
Listed below are why consuming the local product is important to us;
- Cheaper price
By buying local products you are supporting our local producers. Farmers and fishermen no longer have to think about packing, shipping and shelf-life issues. Hence, the cost of the products will be cheaper when it’s sold in our markets.
- Fresher and tastier products
Local vegetables and fruits are grown by farmers are a better choice of food. The vegetables and fruits are all fresh from the farm. Producers can focus more on the quality and taste of the products as they do not have to worry about marketing and shipping it overseas.
- Saving Resources
Eating food that is not in season requires the use of large resources. Water and fuel are required to ship and grow food that are not in season. In fact, cost and resources are also spent on prolonging the shelf-life of foods that are not in season.
- Reduces Food Waste
Consuming produce made locally ensures that food does not go to waste. As these food are mostly fresh and organic, they can go bad easily. By promoting the consumption of local foods, we can prevent food wastage and ensures that our local farmers get their profits fully for their crops and products.
- Healthier and Safer Foods
Food and produce that are locally made are generally safer. This is because farmers can grow more variety in smaller amounts. They do not use as much pesticides or preservatives as they do not have to worry about packaging and shipping issues. Just to grow and sell their crops. Less fuss and trouble all-around!
How to Play Our Part
As consumers and proud Malaysians, we all should support local products.
Listed below are suggestions of what you can do to support our local produce;
- Buy directly from a local producer and farmer
There are morning markets every weekend in the morning that sells fresh local food. You can start going to market with your loved ones and buy the local products. While bonding and spending time with your loved ones, you are also supporting local products.
- Research and support establishments using local products
Find out and research which restaurants and cafes are using local produce. Then, you’ll get to enjoy fresh and good products.
- Buy the local-made products at your favourite supermarket
Start to be selective and buy local products from your favourite supermarket. Examples of local products are Beryl’s (chocolate), Mamee (snacks), High 5 (bread), Kart’s (frozen food) and Mister Potato (chips).
By reading this article and making some changes to your buying habits, you are already taking one step towards increasing food sustainability. Visit foodpanda to find out more food options that are locally made and produced.