Sunday Surprises Await at Farmers’ Market

Subcultures are abundant in the Waikato, but there are few tight-knit communities like this one. The Hamilton Farmers’ Market is a staple within the Hamilton community bringing together all sorts of local niche food groups from growers to farmers, home bakers to small businesses all within the Waikato region.

With dozens of food stalls you can choose from at the market it’s impossible to know where to start. From Volare’s sourdough and pastries to the Unique Food Geeks fried bread burgers the delicacies never seem to end. It’s easy to get lost in the endless selection of homegrown fresh produce of fruit and vegetables from The Garden of Eden’s fresh cherries to Farmer Jon’s Organic vegetables, this market has something for everyone.

The Hamilton Farmers Market has been around for 13 plus years and has been teaching customers the value of homegrown produce and the diversity it brings to family dinners. Site manager for the market Fleur Foreman, after helping organise it for so many years, knows what truly makes the Hamilton Farmers Market unique.

“We wanted a place where people could come and know that it’s all locally grown/made fresh. Everyone who sells at the market has had a hand in making what they’re selling – whether that’s growing it or making it.”

While site managing is her job, Fleur always has the sellers best interest in mind.

“Selling at the markets gives a unique opportunity for farmers to sell directly to the public which means fewer overheads and more benefits for the seller.”

While purchasing food is the main draw from the market, what’s more, is getting to know what you’ve purchased as well as the people growing it. The subsection of people who really want to have a deeper connection with their food, no matter what you’re selling theirs always a story behind it.

So if you live in Waikato and ever find yourself free on Sunday morning, believe me, there’s nothing better than starting your day with a trip to The Hamilton Farmers Market.

One for All, All for One

Loyal stallholder, quality butcher, and founding member of the Hamilton Farmer’s Market, Jonathan Walker is the owner of a small local farming and butchery business known as Soggy Bottom.

For 16 years Soggy Bottom has been a committed supplier of meats throughout the Waikato from Cambridge to Claudelands. They breed free-range pigs, sheep, cows, and chickens, process them in an on-farm butchery, and sell them directly at the Hamilton Farmer’s Market.

About 13 years ago while in search of a way to sell his many types of meats, Jono came across an article in the paper stating that there was soon to be a farmer’s market in Hamilton. Deciding this was the opportunity he was looking for, Jono signed up as a founding member and set up one of the first stalls.

While creating this community took a lot of time, patience and effort the Hamilton Farmers Market grew exponentially with new stalls appearing each week. Stalls like Essenza Coffee who have been around almost as long as Soggy Bottom or newer ones like GoodBugs spreads and juices.

Jono enjoys the role he plays within the market community.

“It is very satisfying most of the time. Lots of small businesses producing quality fresh food supporting each other.”

While discussing the importance and significance other stalls have to Soggy Bottom, Jono says stallholders all help each other out.

“All other stalls contribute to the market. The more of the customer’s weekly shop that we can provide the better we all do. That’s what matters most.”

Soggy Bottom is the heart and soul of the Hamilton Farmer’s Market and with Jono as a proud supporter of the stalls there, the community will only strengthen and grow. From the customers and stallholders at the Hamilton Farmers Market, thanks Jono for all the support.