MAIDENHEAD FARMERS’ MARKET

GETS THUMBS UP FOR “GREAT LOCAL FOOD”

Maidenhead Farmers’ Market is popular with shoppers for the great local food available and the chance to support local producers.

Shoppers at the February market took part in a Healthcheck survey run by FARMA (the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association) to find out why Maidenhead Farmers’ Market is so successful, and how it could be improved for shoppers and producers.

Analysis of the survey responses show that ‘great local food, and supporting local producers’ were the two main features that shoppers would tell their friends about.

The survey showed that most shoppers (63%) live within 2 mile radius of the town centre. Customers also come from Windsor, Ascot, Slough, Farnham Royal, Burnham, Twyford, and the villages north of Maidenhead.

More than half the people who took part in the survey were regulars, and usually get to the market early. It starts at 10am, but many are shopping by 9.30am. The first-time Farmers’ Market shoppers usually get there after 10.30am. Meat was the most popular product on sale. Other produce such as bread, preserves and flowers, and organic produce were also favoured by shoppers.

"We found that customers at Maidenhead Farmers' Market really enjoyed the shopping experience and said they wanted more variety, more choice - well really just more of everything" said Gareth Jones who led the market testing team.

“This was a very useful exercise as it gives us a clearer idea of who our customers are and how to improve the market further, said Diane Harker, market organiser.  I’d like to thank everyone, FARMA, helpers and customers who took part in the survey.”

Why not come and find out for yourself why Maidenhead Farmers’ Market is so popular?  The next market will be on Sunday 13 March, and every second Sunday in the month.

Maidenhead Farmers’ Market is one of six markets including Winchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Midsomer Norton and Swiss Cottage taking part in the pilot programme of Healthchecks run by FARMA to ensure the markets are run well, and meet customers’ demands.

Maidenhead Farmers’ Market opened for business in 1999.  It is now run by the producers and is an accredited FARMA market.

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Further information:

Diane Harker, Maidenhead Farmers’ Market organiser on 01628 670272