Local Food, Processed In China

The article in the New York Times on the environmental cost of shipping groceries highlights another trend when it comes to food. The article suggests that efficient transportation and disparity of costs around the world fuel a trend where food produced locally is shipped or flown around the world to get processed before being returned. The paper says:

Cod caught off Norway is shipped to China to be turned into filets, then shipped back to Norway for sale… The economics are compelling. For example, Norwegian cod costs a manufacturer $1.36 a pound to process in Europe, but only 23 cents a pound in Asia. The ability to transport food cheaply has given rise to new and booming businesses.

NY Times