This supermarket removed all the foreign products from their shelves - for a brilliant reason

For most of us, the average trip to the supermarket is something that we don't apply much thought to.

Just get the basics and then maybe something fancy.

Bread ✔.

Milk ✔.

Fruit ✔.

Cereal ✔.

Whatever your having for dinner tonight ✔.

Red velvet cheesecake ✔.

Have you ever stopped to think about where that produce might actually come from though?

Edeka, one of Germany's biggest supermarkets asked that very question to their customers through the guise of a fascinating experiment.

For one day only visitors to their store in Hamburg could only buy products that were made in Germany - the choices were very limited.

The aim of the campaign was to demonstrate just how reliant shoppers are on other countries and highlight the importance of diversity.

To further illustrate the point messages were left around the shop saying things like:

This shelf is pretty boring without diversity.

and

Our range now knows borders.

and

This is how empty a shelf is without foreigners.

Images of the store quickly went viral with many people showing their support for this positive and eye-opening idea.

A spokesperson from Edeka said:

Edeka stands for variety and diversity.

In our stores we sell numerous foods which are produced in the various regions of Germany.

But only together with products from other countries is it possible to create the unique variety, that our consumers value.

We are pleased that our campaign caused so many positive reactions.

The BBCreport that the supermarket now plans to extend the initiative to some of its other chains.

The topic of immigration has been particularly prevalent in Germany recently, after Chancellor Angela Merkel accepted over a million Middle Eastern refugees into the country.

In response to Edeka's campaign, the Christian Democratic Union part, which Merkel represents, said it was "a wise move".

However, Marcus Pretzell of the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany part, shared a different view.

Why exactly should it be wise? Is it not rather completely mad?

German will head to the polls on September 24 for their Federal elections, with immigration being a strong issue during debates.

HT Independent, BBC, Twitter

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