Nearly a third (30%) of shoppers say they have bought locally-produced food over the last month, double the number in 2006.

According to grocery research house IGD, support for ethically produced foods is growing despite the recession.

27% of shoppers also said they had bought Fairtrade products and 18% had bought products with high animal welfare standards.

Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive, IGD, said: “These figures prove what we have been saying throughout the recession – shoppers are looking for both value and values. They are not simply looking for cheaper food in tough times, they also expect the grocery industry to support their moral and ethical values.”

Most said they bought local food because it was fresher, but the biggest riser over the last few years has been support for the local economy.

31% of shoppers want more local products available to them, compared with 12% in 2005. One in five (20%) would like a farmers’ market or farm shop to be established nearby, up from 15% in 2005.

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