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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Bahamas Information Services Updates
Nassau, Bahamas - Solomon’s SuperCentre has bought into the ‘Buy Fresh, Buy Bahamian’ programme.
“The products are there the
quality is there, and as the largest food store on the island, we feel
it is our obligation to help move them,” said Gavin Watchorn, Solomon’s
Group President and CEO.
“Our customers are very pleased.
A lot of them are just not aware that such quality products are grown
in The Bahamas. They have responded very well.”
An initiative of Bahamas Agricultural
and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), the ‘Buy Fresh, Buy Bahamian’
programme offers easier access to a wider variety of Bahamian agriculture
produce.
Towards this end, BAIC hosts
a market information systems database on its web site at
www.baic.gov.bs
.
It provides regular assessments
of the availability of meats, fruits, vegetables and other food products
throughout the islands.
Photographs of produce in the
field accompany the data indicating progress on a weekly basis thereby
ensuring a wide distribution of up-to-date information.
“The buyers are very relieved,”
said BAIC Agriculture Marketing Officer, Amanda Wells. “This information
makes it easier for them to access Bahamian products.
“The information is consistent
and thorough. All of the products are quality checked. The prices are
competitive with the market. The result has been organisation and ease
for the buyers.”
She insisted that, Bahamian
produce coming directly from the field to the market is fresher and
unlike the imports, there are no preservatives and other chemical additives.
Mr. Watchorn said the programme
was very important.
“We struggle with a large import bill for food every year and it is a shame that we do that when we have such wonderful products that are grown in The Bahamas that a lot of people don’t know about,” he said.
“There are lots of great
farmers throughout the islands who are growing some great fruit and
vegetables and herbs. We feel that as we have the best produce department
on the island we need to be the leaders in promoting Bahamian produce
to our customers.
“We have many thousands of
people come through our store each week and we feel we have a great
opportunity to expose those customers to such great produce that Bahamian
farmers are growing.”
He commended the Ministry of
Agriculture and BAIC for “doing a great job” in promoting Bahamian
agriculture.
“If you can buy it here and
support Bahamians, why not?” he added.
Marketing trends are pointing
to more onions, melons, pumpkins, peppers, mangoes, sour sops and pineapples. “The response has been very positive,” said Miss Wells.
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