Local producers invited to take a stand in outdoor market

TALENTED artists, food producers and crafters are being invited to air their wares at a new outdoor market launched in Devon this summer.

The Local Produce Market will be held in the streets surrounding Plymouth City Market on the second Saturday of every month from May (starting May 10) to September.

Traders will be able to show of their creations from homemade cupcakes and pickles to pottery, glasswork, carvings and cards.

Stallholders are now being invited to take up a stand. Traders must be from within a 50-mile radius of Plymouth and have been involved in some way in the creation or production of their goods.

Matt Jones, Plymouth City Market manager, said: “Plymouth Local Produce Market has been established to offer the very best produce from across the South West to the people and visitors of Plymouth. The event provides producers and retailers of local products a regular, prime city centre retail outlet enabling them to sell direct to the general public.

“This outdoor market is intended to help create a vibrant and enjoyable place to shop, promoting a sustainable and diverse range of local products in Plymouth, whilst supporting trade in the city’s West End. The city centre has held many markets in the past, but none that represent the best of local produce, at least not since the demise of the farmers market that we used to operate on Armada Way.

“Products will be locally grown or locally produced, ideally within 30, but up to 50 miles of the market. Stalls will also be staffed by the people who are directly involved in growing or producing the goods on sale, providing expert knowledge and advice as well as sharing their passion for local produce.”

Traci Lewis, Food Plymouth Coordinator, said: “It is great news for both food producers and shoppers that a regular local produce market is coming back to the city centre.
“Food Plymouth is working with Plymouth City Market to put on an extra special one on June 14 for Lord Mayor’s Day and the Plymouth Big Food Event. A real celebration of good food in Plymouth, so do keep it free and we’ll see you there.”

Backing the market is Lesley Shorrocks, chair of Plymouth Federation of Small Businesses, who said it was a great way of supporting local independent businesses.

She said: “Small businesses are crucial to their communities with many of them are producing excellent specialist goods and services, in which they take a lot of pride, as well of course as creating jobs.

“Nationally the Federation of Small Businesses is a keen advocate of ‘Keeping Trade Local’ and this new local produce market in Plymouth will give more businesses the opportunity to highlight their creativity, originality and unique products to Plymouth shoppers.

“We know that people want to see thriving independents on the high street and want to support local traders where and when they can, so this market will be a great addition to Plymouth city centre’s offer.”
To find out more about taking a stall at Plymouth’s Local Produce Market, contact 01752 306551.