Virtual farmers’ market to start trading

The first ever virtual farmers’ market will be launched next month, promising to offer green-conscious customers certain environmental benefits.

The scheme is also being billed as a convenient way for local producers to reach a wider audience.

Launching officially on 1 January, the Virtual Farmers’ Market (VFM) will use 3D games to help shoppers browse around the market, allowing them to view products, interact with producers and buy items.

Through ‘meeting’ the consumer, customers will be able to obtain more detailed information about how the drink and food has been produced and from where they have been sourced.

VFM’s founder Marcus Carter said: “The VFM is purely targeting the existing online supermarket shopper."

Producers/retailers who take a stall would have had to sell their products to 50 different shops to gain access to the same number of customers, added Carter.

The market is already open for browsing and orders can be placed too, however deliveries will not be made until 6 January. To visit the market, go to www.vfmuk.com

Mintel’s figures suggest that the online grocery market is likely to rise from £4.4 billion this year to £6.9bn in 2014.

Jane Parkinson, 21.12.2009