Organic food has become increasingly popular in Canada, with the number of people choosing organic food while grocery shopping is growing exponentially. That being said, organic food accounts for only about three per cent of total Canadian food sales.
That percentage is changing, however, and is growing steadily as people become increasingly aware of what they put in their bodies. It’s estimated that the market for organic food in Canada will increase almost fourfold by 2033, with an estimated value of more than $13 billion.
That’s good news for Carmine Sparanese, partner and general manager of Lifestyle Markets, Victoria’s largest locally owned natural food store and the largest such store on Vancouver Island. The store offers an entirely organic produce selection for discerning customers.
“When we opened 30 years ago (July 1995), it seemed out of place to have a store this size, and people questioned what we were doing,” Sparanese said. “But, 30 years later, we have this fantastic client base and there are a lot of people who have found us who are proactive about their health, and many who are responding to existing health concerns. Increasingly, there is a need to provide people with the best, cleanest, and healthiest products possible.”
Although at first glance, Lifestyle Markets boasts an impressive selection of organic produce and natural and organic groceries, Sparanese readily admits that his store may not have the vast array of products that you’d find at some corporate grocers.
“We’re not into a lot of the conventional products (that get sold in regular grocery stores), but we stick to what we do best with natural, organic foods. The biggest thing for us is what that food doesn’t have, like pesticide residues,” he said.
Beyond pesticides, consumers are also concerned with other farming practices that include synthetic hormones and fertilizers, irradiated foodstuffs to help preserve their freshness, and genetically modified foods.
The same sorts of concerns are addressed in the food selections at Lifestyle Markets.
“We bring in non-GMO and organic groceries Sparanese said.
But the healthier options at Sparanese’s store go beyond just foodstuffs. Shelves are lined with vitamins, supplements and personal grooming products – all with the health of the consumer as a foremost consideration.
“When it comes to body care, for example, items like deodorant, makeup, soap and shampoo are also very important,” Sparanese said. “Some people don’t think about the implications of those products, but what goes on the skin can be absorbed and make its way to the bloodstream and into the body. Again, with these products, it’s the ingredients that are not present in what we sell that’s important.”
“People are getting more and more aware of the health effects of what they put in and on their bodies and consumer awareness is growing every day, but more should be done to educate, especially our young people.
“We have a fantastic client base that we take care of as best we can, and we stick to what we know,” said Sparanese.
With that, he smiled and turned to help a customer select some fantastic-looking produce that she cheerfully added to her basket.
Lifestyle Markets is located at 2950 Douglas St. in Victoria. They also have two satellite locations at 343 Cook St. in Victoria and 9769 Fifth St. in Sidney.
