David Sparling | Londoners want fresh produce and new stores are moving in to provide it

The London Free Press spoke with Ivey Professor David Sparling on the recent surge of fresh produce markets sprouting up in London, Ontario.

Fresh produce markets such as Farm Boy, which has opened three stores in London; Fresh Pick; and Sunripe are now emerging as competitors for the bigger discount grocery stores and targeting food-savvy consumers looking for fresh, healthy produce – even if that means a higher price.

“Consumers want to know more about their food. They want to know it is fresher and healthier and supports the local economy. It’s hard to see any downside to this,” said Sparling.