Though there's no official definition of "local" in the food industry, and there's plenty of
discussion about the real and/or perceived benefits of "buying local", if restaurant chefs are any indicator, consumers want local. The results of National Restaurant Association's annual
What's Hot Survey indicate locally sourced meats and seafoods, and locally sourced produce are ranked #1 and #2 in the top 20 industry menu trends, as reported in
The Packer today. Indeed, I have a stack of calls from restaurant owners and chefs wanting to find "local" farmers to work with this season. So, as we know in marketing that the buyer is always right, if consumers want local, give them your best Jersey Fresh local! -- Rick VanVranken
