Friday Farmers’ Market Launches at Wales Millennium Centre

25th June 2010

On Friday July 2 the first ffresh Friday Market opens for business outside two of Cardiff Bay’s landmark buildings, the Wales Millennium Centre and the Senedd, home of the National Assembly for Wales.

The weekly farmer’s market is the idea of ffresh restaurant’s newly-appointed manager, Barnaby Hibbert, who approached the Riverside Community Market Association with the offer of a site to set up a new venture outside the restaurant.

The market, which will run between 4pm and 8pm every Friday throughout the summer, will give office workers and tourists visiting Cardiff Bay a tasty start to the weekend.

Stall holders will be selling a variety of locally-grown produce including fresh meat and game, organic vegetables, bread, hand-made cakes, samosas, chocolates, Welsh cheeses, jerky and fruit leathers, cupcakes and waffles.

Steve Garrett, chairman of Riverside Community Market Association (RCMA) which runs the popular Riverside Sunday market and markets in Roath the Ikea car park, said: “For some time we’ve wanted to set up a market in Cardiff Bay, so I was delighted when Barnaby got in touch.

“We are excited about the opportunity of working with ffresh restaurant which is making a commitment to sourcing local produce. It’s appropriate that the first market we have run on a Friday is on the doorstep of the Welsh Assembly Government, which has made such a commitment to sustainability and the promotion of Welsh produce.”

Barnaby Hibbert, general manager at ffresh, said: “We’re hoping that the ffresh Friday Market will be a huge success. At ffresh we have increased our locally sourced products. We are working towards becoming a centre of excellence for Welsh food, which is reflected in the ingredients we source from some of the finest Wales the True Taste Award winners.”

Mr Garrett, who earlier this month was presented with an Inspire Award by the Institute of Welsh Affairs, added: "Many products at the market are cheaper than, or competitive, with similar food items at supermarkets. The other big difference of course is that all the food at a Farmers Market is locally produced and has very little packaging, if any. And on quality - well, make up your own mind – when you taste the difference. I hope customers will support the local economy, enjoy the best of local food, and do their bit for the environment!"

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