Festive boom for farmers markets
15 January 2001
Festive boom for farmers’ markets
By FWi staff
MORE than half a million shoppers went to farmers markets to get some of their Christmas shopping, claim organisers.
Top sellers included turkeys, geese, pheasants, salmon, Christmas cakes and puddings, mulled wine, Christmas trees and holly wreaths.
Some farmers markets reported “sell-out” successes as growing numbers of people opted to buy their traditional Christmas goodies locally.
This festive bonanza ended a phenomenal year which saw farmers market numbers increase from 100 to 300.
Growth can be placed in context by noting that in 1997 there was only a single market, says the National Association of Farmers Markets.
Mushrooming numbers reflect the renaissance in locally produced food, says the NAFM, which is issuing guides to help maintain this momentum.
Its series of advice booklets, entitled The Knowledge, give advice on setting up shop and ensure markets keep pace with their growing popularity.
Copies will be available from the NAFM early in March.