As a person with food industry background, I agree that Many supermarkets are selling more and more products that are imported from other countries. whether it is partial or total imported products.
scaling up in FMCG, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, industry is the key for profitability and cheap products, and people love cheap goods. this might be one of the reasons why supermarkets imported products from other countries. big countries like China and USA usually have advanced technology for scaling up production, while developing countries like Indonesia or ASEAN members still heavily depending on household productions. big manufacturing also has big advantages with food security and traceability when they have quality control and quality assurance to provide and make sure their products is safe. this is a disadvantage for household productions that they do not have safety measure to follow regulatory purposes.
Another aspect to consider is the impact on cultural and social practices related to food. Local cuisines and traditional ingredients contribute to a region’s unique identity. The dominance of imported products may result in a loss of diversity in food choices and undermine local culinary traditions. Striking a balance between imported and locally sourced products is crucial to ensuring economic sustainability, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting a vibrant and varied food landscape.
In conclusion, while the scaling up of FMCG has its advantages in terms of cost efficiency, it is essential to recognize and address the associated disadvantages. Striking a balance between imported and locally sourced products ensures economic sustainability, supports cultural diversity, and fosters a healthier and more resilient food ecosystem.