Lecture 14 - From Farms to Supermarkets

Where does the food go from the farm?

After being grown, processed, and packaged, food enters an extensive distribution network
Perishable foods, too, transported great distances in refrigerated trucks; US is a large country
In US, supermarkets are the predominant type of food retailer
The seller must consider factors such as
- Positioning
- Branding
- Pricing: shelves between knees and shoulder height have the highest mark up items; the paths to milk and bread are strewn with high-priced land mines

Fair Trade USA

Safe working conditions, consistent means for livelihoods and protection for the environment
Some Fair Trade fruits you will easily spot are:
- Fruits
- Chocolate
- Tea, Coffee
- Sugar, Honey
- Bean Sprouts
- Peanuts

Set by the Fair Trade Labelling Organizations International

Purpose: to promote and safeguard the interests of Fair Trade certified producer organizations
GM products are banned by the FLO; a composite product, like a chocolate bar, may contain GM ingredients and carry the Fairtrade mark.
- At least 50% of the total ingredients must be sourced from Fairtrade certified producers
Specific ingredients in a composite product are not vetted by Fairtrade standards of certification to be GM free
Only those fairtrade products that carry the organic certification would be GM free

Fresh produce is a main driver for consumers on where to shop
The floral department is nearly always located by the entryway as it boosts the store’s image in the shopper’s mind through the bright colors and fragrant smells

Locally grown produce: