Truro Farmers Market has come in at No.2 in a national survey of the best farmers markets, just being pipped to the top spot by Winchester Farmers Market in Hampshire.
The list was put together by HelloFresh in order to highlight the wealth of summer produce the UK enjoys; it was compiled using a variety of data insights, including frequency, how long the markets last, how many stalls can be found there, and online ratings from visitors. Truro’s weekly gathering of local producers came out above those of major cities including Edinburgh and Cardiff, and popular towns such as Stroud, Ripley and Cowbridge.
Market Coordinator Stewart Girvan commented: “We often hear anecdotally from visitors that we’re a fantastic advertisement for Cornish produce, and that they wished they had something similar where they live. It’s good to hear that the hard data confirms what a great little market we have here in Cornwall’s city!”
Abi Steel from Visit Truro said: “We’re not surprised to learn that our local farmers market is one of the best in the country, given the amazing fresh produce and creative producers who call Cornwall home. What people don’t always realise is the enormous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. We love working with Stewart and the team on seasonal celebrations such as The BIG Christmas Market, and look forward to seeing the market continuing to grow and thrive.”
Truro Farmers Market celebrates its 25th anniversary this year; it began as a cooperative of local farmers keen to connect directly with customers on their doorstep and provide an alternative to out-of-town supermarkets and, later, online shopping. Two and a half decades later, Market Chairman Graham Bradshaw believes that farmers markets are even more important for towns and cities as they look to reinvent themselves in the age of home working.
He says: “You need to give people a great reason to come into the city, and stick around for a while to the benefit of other businesses. And what better reason than delicious food and drink, and inspiring local arts and crafts? In an increasingly disconnected world, that face-to-face connection with food producers and artisan makers is really important, not to mention shopping locally and seasonally is better for the planet and keeps hard-earned cash in our communities.”
Truro Farmers Market will celebrate its anniversary with a special market on Saturday 20th July – for more info follow the market on Instagram or Facebook.
