Pop the Ontario sparkling wine. Crack open an Ontario craft beer.   

This is a milestone that deserves celebration of all that’s been accomplished. Certainly one achievement is that farmers’ markets can legally sell Ontario VQA wine.  Another is the MyPick verified markets. 

This year’s OFVC program features marketing consultant Tracy Lamb and registered dietitian Lois Ferguson on Feb 17. Their interactive workshop will highlight 25 food trends, tips or facts that can help marketers in 2016.  

“There’s a lot of competition these days for a share of the consumers' time and food dollars,” says Tracy Lamb. “This session will help you understand what today’s consumers are looking for:  what food experiences and products they are seeking out, what motivates them to buy, what will keep them coming back for more.  We hope to give you insight on how to sell more at market and beyond.” 

Lois Ferguson offers a taste of the trends.

Vegetables are heroes

Once over-cooked and placed at the side of the plate, vegetables have now moved to centre stage. Hot veggies for 2016: kohlrabi, escarole (a variety of endive) and kalette (a brand-new vegetable, blooming with the best flavours of kale and Brussels sprouts).

Have fun with spiralized veggies which can be demonstrated at the market. Suggest to consumers that spiralized vegetables can be served instead of pasta. It’s an innovative way to get kids to eat more veggies. In fact there are entire cookbooks and blogs dedicated to spiralizing. Veggies best suited are butternut squash (squoodles?), carrots, turnips, beets and zucchini.

Trust and transparency

Farmers’ markets have an advantage because they provide the perfect place to interact with customers and build relationships. Customers want transparency and honesty and want to connect with who has produced their food. Farmers’ markets can leverage this trend for the benefit of both vendors and customers.

Farm-branded for added value

Customers appreciate authentic artisan items such as farm-branded cheeses, breads, pickles, sausages, jams. Home-made kits with all the ingredients to make a recipe have a special appeal.

Plan to attend this Farmers’ Markets Ontario Networking Symposium on February 17, Ballroom D, Main Floor.  It is scheduled for 9:30 am to noon. 

Key words: Farmers' Markets Ontario – LATEST NEWS