Why consume regional and seasonal products?

The demand for regionally and seasonally produced food is trending in Luxembourg, a positive evolution. As a small country, Luxembourg has the advantage that national food production can easily be traced and monitored. This creates transparency and confidence in regionally produced food. With the geographically limited production, it is easier to trace infringements and implement the necessary safety procedures. Accordingly, there are very few food scandals in the Grand Duchy.

Regional production also means short transport routes and thus contributes to a sustainable diet. Shopping regionally, however, does not only mean conscientious shopping; regionally sourced food is often also of better quality, as it does not need to travel long routes and therefore comes fresh to the shelves in shops. Thus, short routes, for example, have a positive impact on flavour and also on nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. In addition, less food gets spoiled on the way to the shops. Accordingly, when you buy regional products, you also do something to combat food waste.

Good for the environment and farmers in Luxembourg

Purchasing regional products is not only good for the environment but also supports Luxembourgish farmers and winegrowers.

We as consumers must ask ourselves: is it really necessary to eat strawberries in winter, especially when they taste like water?

Regional and seasonal food production also has a social component since it enables personal contact between the producer and the consumer. This way, the consumer learns to appreciate the work that goes into food production.

With our seasonal calendar, you get an overview of the fruits and vegetables that are available during the different months of the year.

On sou-schmaacht-letzebuerg.lu you can find more information about producers and direct sellers in Luxembourg.

At present, Luxembourg is still heavily dependent on the import of fruit and vegetables to meet the demand of the population. Currently, less than 5 % of the vegetables sold in Luxembourg are home-grown. When it comes to fruit, the level of self-sufficiency is even below one percent. On a general level, however, Luxembourg’s fruit and vegetable production has already increased. An opportunity to increase production lies, for example, in the use of Luxembourgish products in community kitchens and canteens.