Caitríona Redmond: Why it's important to buy Irish and shop local when you can

This month marks five years since the first covid lockdown. But what’s that got to do with buying Irish, you might ask? During covid, we were more likely to buy from local businesses, support community initiatives, and understand how vital our euro are to Irish industry. Five years on, some of this attitude to buying Irish has changed, and the catalyst was the cost-of-living crisis.

I don’t want to dwell on the lockdowns too much as I’m still traumatised over parts of that period of our history, I’m sure you are too. That was a time when I signed up for a weekly vegetable box delivery, got my meat delivered from the butcher, and gave up driving to walk to the shops for the messages. I wasn’t alone with those changes to my weekly shopping habits and that many businesses benefitted from the extra support during those difficult years.

Of course, not being able to go out and socialise certainly had an impact on the amount of money we had to spend on essentials. The statistics say that during those first two years, Irish people actually saved more money than they spent.

The covid era passed, and it seemed like we were just finding our feet when the cost of energy and food started to rise.

Then, the Russian invasion of Ukraine erupted, and the cost of living rocketed beyond a manageable level. At that point, many people who were put to the pin of their collars started to seek out value from their purchases rather than a sense of place.

When asked for purchasing advice, I always tell people to be loyal to their budget or wallet and not to buy from a company that doesn’t offer them value for money. This is great advice for anybody, regardless of their budget. 

A business offering value for money isn’t necessarily the cheapest option.

Take my local potato farmer, for example. If I go to the supermarket to buy potatoes, there will be a wide range to choose from.

There are potatoes from Britain, Cyprus, the Netherlands, and maybe even further afield. Many of these spuds cost less than the out-of-season Irish varieties. If I’m looking at my bottom line, I choose to buy the cheapest option, regardless of their origin.

Think of the bigger picture though, and rapidly, Irish-grown potatoes become the best choice. My local farmer employs many people in my community, and their hard-earned money is also spent in our hinterlands.

The business buys goods and services, sponsors local sports teams, and has staff involved in sports clubs.

They donate to local charities such as Meals on Wheels, making sure that our farmers serve those in our community who need a little extra support.

If I spend a few extra cent on Irish potatoes, I know that multiplied many times over by others making the same choice, this will reap rewards in Ireland.

Buying imported food might be cheaper when you get to the till, but it has been quite the journey to get there. From planting and storing to chilling and transporting to the supermarket, fruits and vegetables can have a larger carbon footprint.

The spuds that came from the farm up the road have been on a shorter journey and have used up far less energy to get to our shelves, not to mention that locally-produced food is fresher.

The fresher the food, the more nutrients we get to eat when it’s on our plate.

Then there’s the question of tariffs [read my previous column on that topic at exa.mn/2pe]. We already know Brexit continues to have an impact on Ireland.

Supporting indigenous Irish industries will help insulate our businesses and communities from the worst effects of any US or other tariffs that may be imposed upon us.

You can easily opt for Irish products over imported choices by checking the labels before you place an item in your shopping basket or trolley. Look for the Guaranteed Irish or Origin Green labels, both of which set a wide range of products apart from their competitors.

This isn’t just limited to food; you can see these distinctive green stickers on textiles, technology, craft brewing and distilling, and other local businesses. It’s easier to buy Irish when you shop locally, and the farmers market is also a great place to start.

Maybe the next time you choose to spend your money, you will be able to see the difference between the value and price of buying Irish!

Redmond Recommends 

For the day that’s in it, here are the Irish producers that I wholeheartedly recommend and buy regularly.

Elave has been manufacturing skincare products in Ireland for more than 90 years and these are especially excellent for those with skin conditions.

Clarke’s Fresh Fruit has been growing berries for more than 60 years. Handily, their frozen berries are available in Dunnes Stores and are not subject to a boil notice, unlike frozen berries produced on the EU mainland, making them perfect for smoothies.

Glenisk is another family-owned and run business, located in Offaly, making top notch dairy products. We are obsessed with their vanilla Greek-style yoghurts.

Cogs Toys & Games is based in Dublin but offers next day delivery nationwide. It’s my one-stop-shop for intelligent games and toys for all ages and stocks many Irish brands too.

These are just a few of my favourites and I’d love to hear what you recommend — please let me know.