CLEVELAND - June 1, 2018 - (Newswire.com)
The figure, based on a study commissioned by The Goodstone Group, is representative solely of the nation's retail grocery sector and does not take into account, for example, the restaurant trade, catering businesses, or farmers markets.
"When you factor these in," explains William Rini, the owner of a luxury catering company based in Ohio, "along with independent suppliers and countless other small and medium-sized businesses, the true value of agriculture and produce, especially to local economies, is much higher."
"It might be great for the wider economy, but it's not great for the local industry, or the environment," Rini laments of the multi-trillion dollar figure, pointing out that, of the national total, very little of what's produced stays local. Instead, the catering boss explains, it's produced on an industrial scale at large regional facilities, before being distributed across the U.S. and globally.
He continues, "Local foods create community and knowing where your food comes from connects you to the people who raised, grew or produced it. This simply isn't the case with most supermarkets and other large, national or international suppliers."
It's with this in mind that, as the owner of A Taste of Excellence Catering, based in Strongsville, Rini has committed to sourcing and using local produce wherever possible.
"We buy Ohio Proud beef and serve Ohio City Pasta, Lucky Penny Creamery products, and Mitchell's Ice Cream, among other local produce and products," the Ohio native remarks in a recent interview with local business publication Crain's Cleveland Business. "Today, people know their wines, they know fine food, and as a result, they're looking for more locally produced goods. That's why whatever we can source locally, we use."
Indeed, it's not just Rini and his team who are passionate about the matter. Market research and business intelligence portal Statista claims that over a quarter of Americans now agree with the sentiment, favoring local brands and businesses over larger national or international alternatives. Of those quizzed by the organization and found to be in agreement with Rini's mentality, the majority suggested that local suppliers and producers offered not just better quality and value but also provided a more positive overall buying experience.
As recipients of a 2018 WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award, A Taste of Excellence Catering is also closely affiliated with a number of prestigious local venues, further highlighting Rini's commitment to the area, and not just in terms of produce suppliers. "We're here to deliver quality," he explains. "At A Taste of Excellence Catering, we're able to do this by dealing with local venues and producers, which is something our client base certainly seems to appreciate."
"What's more," he adds, wrapping up, "by dealing with local vendors we can often save our customers money at the same time, so it's a win-win situation."
To find out more about William Rini and A Taste of Excellence Catering, visit http://www.taste-food.com.
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Original Source: William Rini Champions Local Produce as U.S. Food Market Continues to Grow
