The Boroondara Farmers Market’s fiscal performance is holding up well, in the face of tightened family budgets and a general impression that Farmers Markets are gradually decreasing in popularity. Comparing the three Saturday Markets in December, January and February with those of 12 months prior, we are slightly ahead on revenue and stallholder numbers and breaking even on attendance. We have enjoyed favourable weather and so far this year we have been on the grass in Patterson Reserve which is always a plus.
Our last postcode survey told us most customers come from Hawthorn, Hawthorn East, Camberwell, Malvern, East Malvern and Glen Iris. If you look at those on a map it appears to be the shape of a loaf of bread, with the Market location central in the north-south direction, but on the far west side. The is probably explained by the railway line and freeway.
This demographic likes bakery products; we have 3 regular bakers and 4 pie makers, if one includes the fish pies from Cripps.
A newer pie maker is Sascha Randle, (Delicatessen by Sascha) who specialises in traditional British pies; pork pies and ploughman’s pies among others.
If some food lines are popular with our clientele, some are not; we have had six chilli vendors in 18months. None have stuck.
In keeping with our policy of having themes for future markets, our next on March 21 will be our fourth Doggie Day. These have proven highly successful in the past, so we encourage all Club members, families and friends plus, of course, their canines, to attend.
David Fallick
Wayne Worladge