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There is no doubt that consumers are turning away from pre-packaged foods and factory produced goods, and towards shopping from alternative sources in a trend that has seen a return to simple, face-to-face transactions between producers and their customers.
Taste of Great Britain , the company behind the hugely successful Essex and London Farmers Markets, has seen unprecedented growth this year. The company has a growing number of farmers markets, and has more recently added gourmet food markets to its portfolio, which have proved to be very popular in more urban locations.
It is this extraordinary turnaround that has inspired Taste of Great Britain to launch a series of specialist markets along the breadth of the UK , as Director Ian Chisholm explains:
‘We have seen incredible demand and appetite for new markets from local authorities and retail developments this year. I think they have recognised that our markets attract trade and encourage more customers into shopping locally’.
2008 will see Taste of Great Britain launch a series of large specialist international markets in prime town centre and shopping locations throughout the UK .
‘We are inviting British, European and International traders to take part’, says Ian. As well as the traditional mix of farmers and local producers, these markets will have many themes, and will include craft products, gourmet foods and bespoke quality products – there are loads of fantastic traders out there and we have a great deal to be proud of; we want to showcase that. Theses will be really bog events, so we aim to cater for everyone and plan to give each event an international feel, with a local flavour ’.
It seems that Ian is the man with the Midas touch when it comes to running successful markets – is there secret to his success?
‘We work very hard, look after our traders and try to anticipate market trends’, he says. ‘We listen to our traders and support them in whatever ways we can. They always ensure the quality of the produce on our markets is second to none, and we work hard behind the scenes to make sure the markets are widely publicised. Our marketing and publicity programme is behind the traders to ensure maximum footfall and to build on our brand so customers know exactly what to expect at one of our markets’.
‘Running a successful market is not down to good luck’, Ian adds. ‘Our market at Southend is the biggest traders and craft market in Essex . It is because we research our sites, and support our traders to encourage growth. Their success can only be a good thing for us too’.
The first confirmed 2008 date is for the August Bank Holiday weekend, when Taste of Great Britain will host a major two-day event with more than 150 traders. If you are a trader and are interested in taking part, contact Ian Chisholm at Taste of Great Britain on 01277 362414.