It seems like every week a new Starbucks or Metro Tesco pops up on another corner around Dublin. Though there are dozens of these stores around the city there is little, if any, variation of the wares for sale inside. Although multinational companies often champion fair trade or locally sourced initiatives the reality is that many of these companies can force out smaller retailers with their marketing and pricing.
While this might seem as though globalised companies are pushing out the local producers and retailers there is also good news; Bord Bia revealed that the number of small food and drink businesses it works with has grown by over 40% (42%) from 400 to 700 in just under four years. Bord Bia estimates that the small food and drink business sector is worth some €400 million.
Tops in Pops is one of these small business that is growing in line with big companies. Supporting local producers and retailers creates positive ripples on everything from employment right through to carbon footprint and can help create diverse communities that endorse both patronage and tourism.
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