In many nations nowadays, it is possible for shoppers to buy food grown and manufactured from all over the world in supermarkets. In my opinion, I opine that this development is fundamentally positive despite others believing that it can harm the sale of local products.
On the one hand, opponents of supermarkets providing food from abroad argue that this tendency is negative since it creates a more competitive market for local products. In particular, it is irrefutable that foreign food which is usually more appealing to customers due to their rich variety and unconventional flavor can take over a large proportion of market share held by local farmers and manufacturers. As a consequence, their income may be reduced, leading to slower economic growth. However, I would contend that this competition is actually advantageous. This is because the more competitive market that international products create can encourage local businesses to renovate to enhance their quality of products in order to compete with foreign providers, which not only provide customers with better food but also more choices of products.
On the other hand, I believe that supermarkets providing people with products produced in other nations is fundamentally advantageous due to its superior safety as well as convenience and cost-effectiveness. Regarding safety, all food, regardless of origin, that is displayed in supermarkets has undergone safety control, proving that it has met the safety standards and regulations. If supermarkets cannot meet the demand for international products of buyers, they will have to purchase such goods from other sectors including small shops and sellers that might not have the needed quality assurance tools, leading to health risks. In terms of convenience, such small outlets may be located in distant areas and sell food from some particular nations, which could lead to not only more time spent but also higher traveling costs. Therefore, when gathered and sold in supermarkets which are usually in residential areas, international food will be more convenient and budget to buy, which is a positive tendency.
In conclusion, although the competition that international food fosters is believed to have adverse effects on local farmers and manufacturers, I hold the opinion that it can actually help improve products’ quality and variety. Together with benefits regarding safety, convenience and cost, I believe that supermarkets selling overseas food is a positive development