Shoprite Introduce ‘Meet The Farmer’ Initiative To Customers

Nigerian farmers will have the opportunity to sell their fruit and vegetables directly to Shoprite customers on Saturday 28 November, as part of the retailer’s ‘Meet the Farmer’ initiative.

Shoprite Store in Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere, Lagos will host a fresh produce supplier from 10:00am-4:00pm.

A large percentage of the fresh fruit and vegetables sold in all 25 stores of Shoprite Nigeria are sourced locally and by hosting these events, the retailer gives the farmers the experience of selling in a formal retail setting.

Nwaorisa Chinedu Prosper, owner of AMET Farm Ventures and one of Shoprite suppliers for five years now said the initiative is the most gratifying part and look forward to the interaction with customers.

“Many were very surprised that majority of the produce available at Shoprite is locally sourced. I’m grateful for the opportunity to market my business directly to customers,” said Prosper.

He added: “This is particularly good for smaller farmers as it could lead to people from their community buying directly from them in order to save some money.”

Chinyere Abade, spokesperson for CSS Global Integrated Farms, another participant in the ‘Meet The Farmer’ initiative, recommends that more growers should participate in initiatives like this because of the invaluable feedback from shoppers.

“The customers tell you what’s good about your produce and what’s not, so you have a very clear idea where improvements are needed to attract even more customers,” Abade said.